UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

 

 

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

 

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

 

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

 

 

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

Commission file number 1-7933

 

Aon Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

DELAWARE

 

36-3051915

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

200 E. RANDOLPH STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

 

60601

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

 

 

(312) 381-1000

 

 

(Registrant’s Telephone Number,
Including Area Code)

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2007:

 

Class

 

Shares

 

 

 

$1.00 par value Common

 

291,758,243

 

 



Part 1

Financial Information

Aon Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

 

 

 

As of

 

 (millions)

 

Sept. 30, 2007

 

Dec. 31, 2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 Fixed maturities at fair value

 

$

2,970

 

$

2,790

 

 Equity securities at fair value

 

39

 

62

 

 Short-term investments

 

4,096

 

4,323

 

 Other investments

 

380

 

400

 

 Total investments

 

7,485

 

7,575

 

 Cash

 

321

 

281

 

 Receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 Risk and insurance brokerage services and consulting

 

7,995

 

8,707

 

 Other receivables

 

301

 

325

 

 Total receivables

 

8,296

 

9,032

 

 Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

 

576

 

541

 

 Goodwill

 

4,883

 

4,532

 

 Other Intangible Assets

 

203

 

147

 

 Property and Equipment, net

 

520

 

504

 

 Other Assets

 

1,539

 

1,706

 

 TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

23,823

 

$

24,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 Insurance Premiums Payable

 

$

9,457

 

$

9,704

 

 Policy Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 Future policy benefits

 

1,909

 

1,784

 

 Policy and contract claims

 

644

 

656

 

 Unearned and advance premiums

 

337

 

384

 

 Other policyholder funds

 

29

 

25

 

 Total policy liabilities

 

2,919

 

2,849

 

 General Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 General expenses

 

1,553

 

1,949

 

 Short-term borrowings

 

14

 

42

 

 Notes payable

 

1,994

 

2,243

 

 Pension, post-employment and post-retirement liabilities

 

1,436

 

1,465

 

 Other liabilities

 

835

 

848

 

 TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

18,208

 

19,100

 

 Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 Common stock - $1 par value

 

350

 

347

 

 Additional paid-in capital

 

2,741

 

2,583

 

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(791

)

(1,010

)

 Retained earnings

 

5,452

 

4,992

 

 Treasury stock at cost

 

(2,137

)

(1,694

)

 TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

5,615

 

5,218

 

 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

$

23,823

 

$

24,318

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2



Aon Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 (millions except per share data)

 

Sept. 30,
2007

 

Sept. 30,
2006

 

Sept. 30,
2007

 

Sept. 30,
2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Commissions and fees

 

$

1,702

 

$

1,589

 

$

5,218

 

$

4,852

 

 Premiums and other

 

589

 

487

 

1,701

 

1,423

 

 Investment income

 

116

 

92

 

357

 

266

 

 Total revenue

 

2,407

 

2,168

 

7,276

 

6,541

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Compensation and benefits

 

1,156

 

1,116

 

3,515

 

3,344

 

 Other general expenses

 

490

 

474

 

1,477

 

1,394

 

 Benefits to policyholders

 

366

 

349

 

1,044

 

864

 

 Depreciation and amortization

 

50

 

56

 

149

 

166

 

 Interest expense

 

33

 

34

 

102

 

99

 

 Provision for New York and other state settlements

 

 

 

1

 

2

 

 Total expenses

 

2,095

 

2,029

 

6,288

 

5,869

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

312

 

139

 

988

 

672

 

 Provision for income tax

 

124

 

49

 

350

 

234

 

 Income from continuing operations

 

188

 

90

 

638

 

438

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Income from discontinued operations

 

(1

)

24

 

4

 

92

 

Provision for income tax

 

(17

)

8

 

(15

)

34

 

 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

16

 

16

 

19

 

58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Income before accounting change

 

204

 

106

 

657

 

496

 

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

 

 

 

 

1

 

 Net income

 

$

204

 

$

106

 

$

657

 

$

497

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Basic net income per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Continuing operations

 

$

0.64

 

$

0.29

 

$

2.16

 

$

1.37

 

 Discontinued operations

 

0.05

 

0.05

 

0.06

 

0.18

 

 Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

 

 

 

 

 Net income

 

$

0.69

 

$

0.34

 

$

2.22

 

$

1.55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Diluted net income per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Continuing operations

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.27

 

$

1.99

 

$

1.29

 

 Discontinued operations

 

0.05

 

0.05

 

0.06

 

0.17

 

 Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

 

 

 

 

 Net income

 

$

0.64

 

$

0.32

 

$

2.05

 

$

1.46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cash dividends per share paid on common stock

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Diluted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

 

321.5

 

340.1

 

322.6

 

345.0

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



Aon Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

 

 (millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

657

 

$

497

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 Gain from disposal of operations

 

 

(1

)

 Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and software

 

118

 

137

 

 Stock compensation expense

 

152

 

111

 

 Amortization of intangible assets

 

31

 

36

 

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

 

(12

)

(9

)

 Income taxes

 

155

 

(102

)

 Contribution to major defined benefit pension plans (in excess of) less than expense

 

(83

)

37

 

 Cash paid in excess of expense for restructuring plans

 

(30

)

(40

)

 Provision for New York and other state settlements

 

(37

)

(73

)

 Change in funds held on behalf of brokerage and consulting clients

 

150

 

50

 

 Changes in insurance underwriting assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 Operating receivables

 

49

 

47

 

 Other assets including prepaid premiums

 

42

 

65

 

 Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

(14

)

(99

)

 Policy liabilities

 

(10

)

468

 

 Other liabilities

 

(4

)

(68

)

 Changes in other assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 Accrued compensation and general expenses

 

(418

)

(93

)

 Other assets and liabilities- net

 

180

 

(139

)

 Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

926

 

824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of investments

 

 

 

 

 

 Fixed maturities

 

 

 

 

 

 Maturities

 

102

 

156

 

 Calls and prepayments

 

61

 

169

 

 Sales

 

538

 

1,245

 

 Equity securities

 

30

 

1

 

 Other investments

 

43

 

146

 

Purchase of investments

 

 

 

 

 

 Fixed maturities

 

(789

)

(1,629

)

 Equity securities

 

 

(26

)

 Other investments

 

(21

)

(135

)

Short-term investments - net

 

363

 

(65

)

Acquisition of subsidiaries

 

(228

)

(132

)

Proceeds from sale of operations

 

39

 

20

 

Property and equipment and other - net

 

(103

)

(96

)

 Cash Provided by (Used by) Investing Activities

 

35

 

(346

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

 

15

 

46

 

Treasury stock transactions - net

 

(563

)

(592

)

Issuances (repayments) of short-term borrowings - net

 

(29

)

261

 

Issuance of long-term debt

 

677

 

381

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(924

)

(438

)

Cash dividends to stockholders

 

(132

)

(143

)

 Cash Used by Financing Activities

 

(956

)

(485

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

 

35

 

(8

)

 Increase (Decrease) in Cash

 

40

 

(15

)

 Cash at Beginning of Period

 

281

 

476

 

 Cash at End of Period

 

$

321

 

$

461

 

 

See the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

1.                                      Statement of Accounting Principles

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include all normal recurring adjustments which Aon Corporation (“Aon” or “the Company”) considers necessary for a fair presentation. Operating results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007.

 

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

 

2.                                      New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. FASB Statement No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The impact of FASB Statement No. 159 on Aon has not yet been determined.

 

3.                                      Stock Compensation Plans

 

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

 

Compensation expense

 

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

 

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

 

5



 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

RSUs

 

$

26

 

$

22

 

$

86

 

$

73

 

Performance plans

 

13

 

7

 

45

 

19

 

Stock options

 

5

 

5

 

18

 

18

 

Employee stock purchase plan

 

1

 

1

 

3

 

3

 

Total

 

$

45

 

$

35

 

$

152

 

$

113

 

 

Stock Awards

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Potential RSUs to be issued based on current performance levels

 

4,910

 

2,551

 

Shares forfeited during the period

 

66

 

9

 

RSUs awarded during the period

 

9

 

30

 

Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels

 

$

110

 

$

77

 

 

6



 

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

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

 

 

Fair

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Non-vested at beginning of period

 

12,870

 

$

28

 

11,641

 

$

25

 

Granted

 

4,087

 

39

 

3,334

 

38

 

Vested

 

(1,920

)

30

 

(1,661

)

25

 

Forfeited

 

(430

)

33

 

(438

)

28

 

Non-vested at end of period

 

14,607

 

$

32

 

12,876

 

$

28

 

 

Stock Options

 

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

 

Upon the adoption of FASB Statement No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006, Aon changed its method of valuation for stock options granted beginning in 2006 to a lattice-binomial option-pricing model from the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which was previously used for Aon’s pro forma information required under FASB Statement No. 123. Lattice-based option valuation models utilize a range of assumptions over the expected term of the options. Expected volatilities are based on the average of the historical volatility of Aon’s stock price and the implied volatility of traded options and Aon’s stock. Aon uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee terminations within the valuation model, stratifying between executives and key employees. The expected dividend yield assumption is based on the company’s historical and expected future dividend rate. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The weighted average assumptions, the weighted average expected life and estimated fair value of employee stock options are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Key employees

 

2007

 

2006

 

Weighted average volatility

 

26.9

%

30.1

%

Expected dividend yield

 

1.4

%

2.3

%

Risk-free rate

 

4.9

%

5.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average expected life, in years

 

5.8

 

6.0

 

Weighted average estimated fair value per share

 

$

12.59

 

$

10.14

 

 

7



 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Executives

 

Key
Employees

 

Executives

 

Key
Employees

 

Weighted average volatility

 

26.2

%

26.8

%

30.5

%

29.5

%

Expected dividend yield

 

1.7

%

1.6

%

2.3

%

2.3

%

Risk-free rate

 

4.7

%

4.6

%

4.4

%

4.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average expected life, in years

 

4.6

 

5.8

 

5.0

 

6.0

 

Weighted average estimated fair value per share

 

$

9.58

 

$

11.67

 

$

11.08

 

$

10.75

 

 

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

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise

 

 

 

Exercise

 

 

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Beginning outstanding

 

32,889

 

$

30

 

34,851

 

$

29

 

Granted

 

1,901

 

40

 

2,883

 

39

 

Exercised

 

(5,885

)

28

 

(3,494

)

28

 

Forfeited and expired

 

(619

)

32

 

(523

)

29

 

Outstanding at end of period

 

28,286

 

$

31

 

33,717

 

$

30

 

Exercisable at end of period

 

16,473

 

$

31

 

18,987

 

$

32

 

 

The weighted average remaining contractual life, in years, of outstanding options was 5.2 years and 5.5 years at September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on options with an exercise price less than the Company’s closing stock price of $44.81 as of September 30, 2007, which would have been received by the option holders had those option holders exercised their options as of that date. At September 30, 2007, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding was $397 million, of which $223 million was exercisable.

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $16 million and $75 million, respectively, and for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $4 million and $45 million, respectively.

 

Unamortized deferred compensation expense, which includes both options and awards, amounted to $350 million as of September 30, 2007, with a remaining weighted-average amortization period of approximately 2.2 years.

 

Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $165 million and $103 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The tax benefit realized from stock options exercised in the first nine months of 2007 and 2006 was $25 million and $20 million, respectively.

 

During the first nine months ended September 30, 2007, a majority of option exercises and award vestings were satisfied through the reissuance of treasury shares.

 

8



 

4.             Income Per Share

 

Income per share is calculated as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

(millions, except per share data)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

188

 

$

90

 

$

638

 

$

438

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

16

 

16

 

19

 

58

 

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

 

 

 

 

1

 

Net income for basic per share calculation

 

204

 

106

 

657

 

497

 

Interest expense on convertible debt securities, net of tax

 

2

 

2

 

5

 

5

 

Net income for diluted per share calculation

 

$

206

 

$

108

 

$

662

 

$

502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic shares outstanding

 

295

 

316

 

296

 

320

 

Effect of convertible debt securities

 

11

 

14

 

13

 

14

 

Common stock equivalents

 

15

 

10

 

14

 

11

 

Diluted potential common shares

 

321

 

340

 

323

 

345

 

Basic net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.64

 

$

0.29

 

$

2.16

 

$

1.37

 

Discontinued operations

 

0.05

 

0.05

 

0.06

 

0.18

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.69

 

$

0.34

 

$

2.22

 

$

1.55

 

Diluted net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.27

 

$

1.99

 

$

1.29

 

Discontinued operations

 

0.05

 

0.05

 

0.06

 

0.17

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.64

 

$

0.32

 

$

2.05

 

$

1.46

 

 

Certain common stock equivalents related to options were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because those options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares. The number of options excluded from the quarterly calculation was 7 million and 12 million at September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the number of options excluded was 7 million and 7 million, respectively.

 

During the second quarter 2007, holders of $57 million of Aon’s $300 million 3.5% convertible debt securities due November 2012 converted their holdings into Aon common stock, resulting in the issuance of approximately 2.7 million shares.

 

9



 

5.                                      Comprehensive Income

 

The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, are as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net income

 

$

204

 

$

106

 

$

657

 

$

497

 

Net derivative gains

 

10

 

3

 

8

 

11

 

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

 

18

 

51

 

(10

)

8

 

Net foreign exchange gains

 

97

 

3

 

159

 

134

 

Change in postretirement plans

 

12

 

 

62

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

341

 

$

163

 

$

876

 

$

650

 

 

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

 

(millions)

 

September 30, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

Net derivative gains

 

$

23

 

$

15

 

Net unrealized investment gains

 

63

 

73

 

Net foreign exchange translation

 

277

 

118

 

Postretirement plans

 

(1,154

)

(1,216

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

$

(791

)

$

(1,010

)

 

6.                                      Business Segments

 

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

 

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

 

10



 

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

 

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

 

Revenue by subsegment is as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Risk management and insurance brokerage:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americas

 

$

582

 

$

567

 

$

1,719

 

$

1,665

 

United Kingdom

 

207

 

180

 

581

 

526

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

275

 

242

 

1,016

 

886

 

Asia Pacific

 

123

 

114

 

361

 

331

 

Reinsurance brokerage and related services

 

250

 

238

 

731

 

698

 

Total Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

1,437

 

1,341

 

4,408

 

4,106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consulting services

 

270

 

234

 

803

 

709

 

Outsourcing

 

55

 

67

 

176

 

209

 

Total Consulting

 

325

 

301

 

979

 

918

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accident & Health and Life

 

625

 

511

 

1,809

 

1,491

 

Property & Casualty

 

2

 

8

 

2

 

28

 

Total Insurance Underwriting

 

627

 

519

 

1,811

 

1,519

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intersegment revenues

 

(8

)

(12

)

(24

)

(36

)

Total operating segments

 

2,381

 

2,149

 

7,174

 

6,507

 

Unallocated income

 

26

 

19

 

102

 

34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

$

2,407

 

$

2,168

 

$

7,276

 

$

6,541

 

 

11



 

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

 

Three months ended Sept. 30:

 

Risk and Insurance
Brokerage Services

 

Consulting

 

Insurance
Underwriting

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

530

 

$

528

 

$

156

 

$

165

 

$

441

 

$

354

 

Americas, other than U.S.

 

162

 

143

 

27

 

25

 

60

 

53

 

United Kingdom

 

266

 

243

 

69

 

58

 

55

 

51

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

341

 

303

 

56

 

43

 

43

 

38

 

Asia Pacific

 

138

 

124

 

17

 

10

 

28

 

23

 

Total revenue

 

$

1,437

 

$

1,341

 

$

325

 

$

301

 

$

627

 

$

519

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax

 

$

236

 

$

190

 

$

38

 

$

18

 

$

63

 

$

(27

)

 

Nine months ended Sept. 30,

 

Risk and Insurance
Brokerage Services

 

Consulting

 

Insurance
Underwriting

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

1,563

 

$

1,538

 

$

484

 

$

505

 

$

1,277

 

$

1,036

 

Americas, other than U.S.

 

468

 

422

 

88

 

84

 

168

 

156

 

United Kingdom

 

749

 

707

 

197

 

169

 

161

 

151

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

1,226

 

1,075

 

168

 

136

 

125

 

108

 

Asia Pacific

 

402

 

364

 

42

 

24

 

80

 

68

 

Total revenue

 

$

4,408

 

$

4,106

 

$

979

 

$

918

 

$

1,811

 

$

1,519

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax

 

$

756

 

$

645

 

$

129

 

$

71

 

$

189

 

$

101

 

 

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

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

236

 

$

190

 

$

756

 

$

645

 

Consulting

 

38

 

18

 

129

 

71

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

63

 

(27

)

189

 

101

 

Segment income before income tax

 

337

 

181

 

1,074

 

817

 

Unallocated income

 

26

 

19

 

102

 

34

 

Unallocated expenses

 

(18

)

(27

)

(86

)

(80

)

Interest expense

 

(33

)

(34

)

(102

)

(99

)

Income from continuing operations before provision for income tax

 

$

312

 

$

139

 

$

988

 

$

672

 

 

12



 

7.             Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

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

 

The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are as follows:

 

 

 

Risk and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brokerage

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

 

(millions)

 

Services

 

Consulting

 

Underwriting

 

Total

 

Balance as of December 31, 2006

 

$

4,142

 

$

379

 

$

11

 

$

4,532

 

Goodwill acquired

 

157

 

1

 

 

158

 

Goodwill related to disposals

 

(14

)

 

 

(14

)

Goodwill related to a previous business combination (Note 8)

 

(7

)

 

 

(7

)

Foreign currency revaluation

 

207

 

7

 

 

214

 

Balance as of September 30, 2007

 

$

4,485

 

$

387

 

$

11

 

$

4,883

 

 
Other intangible assets are classified into three categories:
 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Other intangible assets by asset class are as follows:

 

 

 

Customer

 

Present Value

 

Marketing,

 

 

 

 

 

Related and

 

of Future

 

Technology

 

 

 

(millions)

 

Contract Based

 

Profits

 

and Other

 

Total

 

As of September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount

 

$

214

 

$

23

 

$

317

 

$

554

 

Accumulated amortization

 

173

 

23

 

155

 

351

 

Net carrying amount

 

$

41

 

$

 

$

162

 

$

203

 

 

 

 

Customer

 

Present Value

 

Marketing,

 

 

 

 

 

Related and

 

of Future

 

Technology

 

 

 

(millions)

 

Contract Based

 

Profits

 

and Other

 

Total

 

As of December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount

 

$

232

 

$

23

 

$

245

 

$

500

 

Accumulated amortization

 

203

 

21

 

129

 

353

 

Net carrying amount

 

$

29

 

$

2

 

$

116

 

$

147

 

 

13



 

Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 is estimated to be $42 million, $36 million, $34 million, $29 million and $24 million, respectively.

 

8.                                       Restructuring Charges

 

2007 Restructuring Plan

 

In October 2007, the Company announced a global restructuring plan intended to create a more streamlined organization and reduce future expense growth to better serve clients. The 2007 Restructuring Plan includes an estimated 2,700 job eliminations beginning in the third quarter of 2007 and continuing into 2009. The Company also expects to close or consolidate several offices resulting in sublease losses or lease buy-outs. The Company estimates that this Plan will result in cumulative pretax charges totaling approximately $360 million. Expenses will include workforce reduction and lease consolidation costs, asset impairments, as well as other expenses necessary to implement the restructuring initiative. Approximately $17 million of restructuring and related expenses were recorded through September 30, 2007, of which $4 million was paid. The Company expects the remaining restructuring-related expenses to affect continuing operations from fourth quarter 2007 through the end of 2009.

 

Below is a summary of 2007 restructuring and related expenses by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative.

 

 

 

Actual

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Third

 

Total for

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Restructuring

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

Period (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workforce reduction

 

$

10

 

$

228

 

Lease consolidation

 

4

 

80

 

Asset impairments

 

2

 

36

 

Other costs associated with restructuring

 

1

 

16

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

17

 

$

360

 

 


(1)

 

Actual costs, when incurred, will vary due to changes in the assumptions built into this plan. Significant assumptions likely to change when plans are finalized and approved include, but are not limited to, changes in severance calculations, changes in the assumptions underlying sublease loss calculations due to changing market conditions, and changes in the overall analysis that might cause the Company to add or cancel component initiatives.

 

14



 

Below is a summary by geographic region of actual restructuring and related costs incurred and estimated to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative:

 

 

 

United

 

 

 

Europe,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

States &

 

United

 

Middle East

 

Asia

 

 

 

(millions)

 

Americas

 

Kingdom

 

& Africa

 

Pacific

 

Total

 

Actual third quarter 2007

 

$

1

 

$

14

 

$

 

$

2

 

$

17

 

Estimated total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

116

 

$

82

 

$

152

 

$

10

 

$

360

 

 

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

 

 

 

Actual
Third Quarter

 

Estimated Total
for Restructuring
Period

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

 

Risk & Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

16

 

$

335

 

Consulting

 

1

 

25

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

17

 

$

360

 

 

2005 Restructuring Plan

 

In 2005, the Company began executing a broad restructuring initiative to reduce its fixed cost base and increase efficiency. This three-year plan is substantially complete, with minimal costs being incurred this quarter. The Company expects additional expenses of $4 million during 2007. Restructuring costs include workforce reductions, lease consolidation costs, asset impairments and other expenses. These costs are included in compensation and benefits, other general expenses and depreciation and amortization in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

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

 

 

 

Actual

 

 

 

 

 

Full

 

Full

 

First Six

 

Third

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year

 

Year

 

Months

 

Quarter

 

Total

 

Estimated

 

(millions)

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2007

 

Incurred

 

Total

 

Workforce reduction

 

$

116

 

$

116

 

$

18

 

$

 

$

250

 

$

250

 

Lease consolidation

 

20

 

27

 

11

 

 

58

 

62

 

Asset impairments

 

17

 

12

 

3

 

 

32

 

32

 

Other related expenses

 

5

 

12

 

4

 

 

21

 

21

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

158

 

$

167

 

$

36

 

$

 

$

361

 

$

365

 

 

15



 

The following table details the restructuring and related expenses incurred and estimated to be incurred by segment through the end of the restructuring initiative:

 

 

 

Actual

 

 

 

 

 

Full

 

Full

 

First Six

 

Third

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year

 

Year

 

Months

 

Quarter

 

Inception

 

Estimated

 

(millions)

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2007

 

to Date

 

Total

 

Risk and Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brokerage Services

 

$

143

 

$

136

 

$

28

 

$

 

$

307

 

$

311

 

Consulting

 

8

 

20

 

6

 

 

34

 

34

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

3

 

8

 

2

 

 

13

 

13

 

Unallocated

 

4

 

3

 

 

 

7

 

7

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

158

 

$

167

 

$

36

 

$

 

$

361

 

$

365

 

 

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

 

(millions)

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

$

116

 

Expensed in 2006

 

155

 

Cash payments in 2006

 

(141

)

Foreign currency revaluation

 

4

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

134

 

Expensed in 2007

 

33

 

Cash payments in 2007

 

(74

)

Balance at September 30, 2007

 

$

93

 

 

Restructuring Charges – Prior Years

 

In 1996 and 1997, Aon recorded restructuring liabilities as a result of the acquisition of Alexander and Alexander Services, Inc. (“A&A”) and Bain Hogg. During third quarter and nine months 2007, Aon made payments of $2 million and $5 million, respectively, for these liabilities. In the second quarter 2007, the Company determined that certain of these reserves were no longer required. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $7 million adjustment to decrease the restructuring reserve and the corresponding goodwill that was established when the transaction occurred in 1997. The remaining liability of $10 million is primarily for lease abandonments and is being paid out over several years, as planned.

 

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

 

16



 

9.                                       Capital Stock

 

During the first nine months of 2007, Aon issued 310,000 new shares of common stock for employee benefit plans and 97,000 shares in connection with the employee stock purchase plans. In addition, Aon reissued 7.4 million shares of treasury stock for employee benefit programs and 223,000 shares in connection with the employee stock purchase plans.

 

During the second quarter 2007, certain holders of Aon’s $300 million 3.5% convertible debt securities due November 2012 converted their holdings into Aon common stock. $57 million was converted, resulting in the issuance of approximately 2.7 million shares.

 

In November 2006, Aon announced that its Board of Directors had increased the authorized repurchase program to $2 billion. Shares may be repurchased through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, based on prevailing market conditions and will be funded from available capital. Any repurchased shares will be available for use in connection with employee stock plans and for other corporate purposes. The Company repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares at a total cost of $100 million in third quarter 2007. For the first nine months of 2007, the Company repurchased approximately 18.5 million shares at a cost of $725 million.

 

There are also 22.4 million shares of common stock held in treasury at September 30, 2007 which are restricted as to their reissuance.

 

10.                                 Disposal of Operations

 

In July 2007, the Company announced that it is considering strategic options for Combined Insurance Company of America (“CICA”) and its subsidiaries. Preparations are being made for a spin-off of CICA to Aon’s shareholders. However, the Company has also received inquiries from potential buyers and is responding accordingly.

 

Continuing Operations

 

In second quarter 2007, Aon sold Media Professionals, Inc., a managing general underwriter, which was included in the Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services segment. A pretax gain of $26 million was recognized on this sale, which was included in other general expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of income. Aon has a continuing revenue-sharing agreement with the disposed business, and therefore this business does not qualify as a discontinued operation. Also in second quarter 2007, Aon sold 25% of its Botswana subsidiary, which is included in the Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services segment. A pretax gain of $4 million was recognized on the sale, which also was included in other general expenses.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

In 2006, Aon sold the following businesses:

 

 

Aon Warranty Group (“AWG”) and its worldwide warranty and credit operations, which was previously included in the Insurance Underwriting segment. Included in discontinued operations was pretax income of $25 million and $72 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. A pretax gain of $16 million was recognized on the sale in fourth quarter 2006.

 

17



 

 

Construction Program Group (“CPG”), a managing general underwriter whose policies were underwritten by Aon’s property and casualty operation. Results of CPG were previously included in both the Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services and Insurance Underwriting segments. Included in discontinued operations was a pretax loss of $14 million and pretax income of $7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. A pretax gain of $27 million was recognized on the sale in fourth quarter 2006.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Aon’s insurance subsidiaries are involved in both the cession and assumption of reinsurance with other companies. Aon’s reinsurance consists primarily of certain newer accident and health initiatives, as well as certain property and casualty lines that are in runoff. Aon’s insurance subsidiaries remain liable to the extent that the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations. In connection with the sale of AWG, Aon sold Virginia Surety Company (“VSC”). VSC will continue to remain liable to policyholders to the extent reinsurers of the property and casualty business do not meet their obligations.

Aon has provided a corporate guarantee with respect to these reinsurance recoverables, which amounts to $887 million at September 30, 2007.

 

A&A Discontinued Operations

 

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

 

As of September 30, 2007, the liabilities associated with the foregoing indemnities were included in other liabilities in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position. Such liabilities amounted to $71 million. Reinsurance recoverables and other assets related to these liabilities are $91 million. The remaining insurance liabilities represent estimates of known and future claims expected to be settled over the next 20 to 30 years, principally with regard to asbestos, pollution and other health exposures. Although these insurance liabilities represent a best estimate of the probable liabilities, adverse developments may occur given the nature of the information available and the variables inherent in the estimation processes.

 

18



 

The operating results of all these businesses are classified as discontinued operations as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AWG

 

$

 

$

320

 

$

 

$

923

 

CPG

 

 

61

 

 

183

 

Other

 

 

1

 

 

1

 

Total

 

$

 

$

382

 

$

 

$

1,107

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretax income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AWG

 

$

 

$

25

 

$

 

$

72

 

CPG

 

 

(14

)

 

7

 

Other

 

2

 

13

 

3

 

12

 

 

 

2

 

24

 

3

 

91

 

Gain on sale

 

(3

)

 

1

 

1

 

Total

 

$

(1

)

$

24

 

$

4

 

$

92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After-tax income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations

 

$

3

 

$

16

 

$

3

 

$

59

 

Sale

 

13

 

 

16

 

(1

)

Total

 

$

16

 

$

16

 

$

19

 

$

58

 

 

19



 

11.                                 Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

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

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

(millions) Three months ended September 30,

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Service cost

 

$

10

 

$

12

 

$

1

 

$

1

 

Interest cost

 

25

 

26

 

1

 

1

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(30

)

(29

)

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(4

)

1

 

(1

)

(1

)

Amortization of net loss

 

11

 

15

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

12

 

$

25

 

$

1

 

$

1

 

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

(millions) Nine months ended September 30,

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Service cost

 

$

38

 

$

45

 

$

2

 

$

2

 

Interest cost

 

74

 

76

 

3

 

3

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(90

)

(86

)

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(11

)

1

 

(1

)

(1

)

Amortization of net loss

 

33

 

38

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

44

 

$

74

 

$

4

 

$

4

 

 

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

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

 

Three months ended Sept. 30,

 

Nine months ended Sept. 30,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Service cost

 

$

3

 

$

16

 

$

20

 

$

48

 

Interest cost

 

64

 

56

 

189

 

163

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(75

)

(58

)

(221

)

(168

)

Amortization of prior service costs

 

 

1

 

 

1

 

Amortization of net loss

 

9

 

23

 

36

 

67

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

1

 

$

38

 

$

24

 

$

111

 

 

Aon previously disclosed in its 2006 financial statements that it expected to contribute $36 million in 2007 to its U.S. defined benefit pension plans to satisfy minimum funding requirements and $5 million to fund other postretirement benefit plans. Based on current rules and assumptions, Aon now plans to contribute $22 million to its defined benefit pension plans. As of September 30, 2007, contributions of $20 million have been made to the U.S. pension plans and $4 million to other postretirement benefit plans.

 

Aon previously disclosed in its 2006 financial statements that it expected to contribute $197 million in 2007 to its major international defined benefit pension plans. Based on current rules and assumptions, Aon now plans to contribute approximately $164 million to its major international defined pension plans during 2007. As of September 30, 2007, $132 million has been contributed.

 

20



 

In March 2007, the trustees of Aon’s U.K. pension plans approved the Company’s proposal to cease crediting future pension plan benefits relating to salary and service, effective April 1, 2007. Future pension provisions will be provided under the defined contribution section of the Aon U.K. Pension Scheme. As a result of the adoption of these changes, the Company remeasured its U.K. defined benefit pension plans, which resulted in an improvement in the funded status of these plans, and decreased other comprehensive loss by an after tax amount of $20 million. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions, unrecognized gains and losses in the U.K. pension plans are now amortized over the average remaining life expectancy of participants instead of the average remaining service period of employees, which was previously used.

 

21



 

12.                                 Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

 

The following table analyzes our investment positions with unrealized losses segmented by quality and period of continuous unrealized loss as of September 30, 2007.

 

 

 

Investment Grade

 

 

 

 

 

6 -12

 

 

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

0-6 Months

 

Months

 

> 12 Months

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

1

 

1

 

17

 

19

 

Fair Value

 

$

11

 

$

8

 

$

129

 

$

148

 

Amortized Cost

 

11

 

8

 

131

 

150

 

Unrealized Loss

 

 

 

(2

)

(2

)

Foreign governments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

18

 

34

 

77

 

129

 

Fair Value

 

$

136

 

$

565

 

$

444

 

$

1,145

 

Amortized Cost

 

138

 

575

 

455

 

1,168

 

Unrealized Loss

 

(2

)

(10

)

(11

)

(23

)

Corporate securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

82

 

87

 

259

 

428

 

Fair Value

 

$

183

 

$

173

 

$

507

 

$

863

 

Amortized Cost

 

186

 

181

 

529

 

896

 

Unrealized Loss

 

(3

)

(8

)

(22

)

(33

)

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

65

 

72

 

297

 

434

 

Fair Value

 

$

109

 

$

64

 

$

179

 

$

352

 

Amortized Cost

 

110

 

65

 

184

 

359

 

Unrealized Loss

 

(1

)

(1

)

(5

)

(7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

166

 

194

 

650

 

1,010

 

Fair Value

 

$

439

 

$

810

 

$

1,259

 

$

2,508

 

Amortized Cost

 

445

 

829

 

1,299

 

2,573

 

Unrealized Loss

 

(6

)

(19

)

(40

)

(65

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Total Unrealized Loss

 

9

%

28

%

60

%

97

%

 

 

 

Non-Investment Grade

 

 

 

 

 

6 -12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

Months

 

> 12 Months

 

Total

 

EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

1

 

1

 

 

2

 

Fair Value

 

$

11

 

$

9

 

$

 

$

20

 

Amortized Cost

 

12

 

10

 

 

22

 

Unrealized Loss

 

(1

)

(1

)

 

(2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Total Unrealized Loss

 

2

%

1

%

 

3

%

 

22



 

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

 

Aon’s fixed-maturity portfolio in total had a $65 million gross unrealized loss at September 30, 2007, and is subject to interest rate, market, and credit risks. No single position had an unrealized loss greater than $3 million. With a carrying value of $2,970 million at September 30, 2007, Aon’s total fixed-maturity portfolio is approximately 100% investment grade based on market value. Fixed-maturity securities with an unrealized loss are 100% investment grade and have a weighted average rating of “Aa” based on amortized cost. Aon’s non-publicly-traded fixed maturity portfolio had a carrying value of $216 million. Valuations of these securities primarily reflect the fundamental analysis of the issuer and current market price of comparable securities.

 

Aon’s equity portfolio is comprised of non-redeemable preferred stocks, publicly traded common stocks and other common and preferred stocks not publicly traded. This portfolio had $2 million of gross unrealized losses at September 30, 2007, and is subject to interest rate, market, credit, illiquidity, concentration and operational performance risks.

 

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

 

13.                                 Uncertain Tax Positions

 

Aon adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, Aon did not recognize any material adjustments in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits. As of March 31, 2007, Aon had $61 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, $49 million of which would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. There were no material changes to these amounts in either the second or third quarter 2007.

 

Aon recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in its provision for income taxes. As of March 31, 2007, Aon had accrued $8 million for the payment of interest and penalties, which is included as a component of the $61 million of total unrecognized tax benefits noted above. There were no material changes to these amounts in either the second or third quarter 2007.

 

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

 

23



 

14.                                 Endurance Warrants and Common Stock Investment

 

In 2001, Aon invested $227 million in the common stock of Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd. (“Endurance”), a Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance company. Aon sold virtually all of its common stock investment in Endurance in 2004. In conjunction with the initial common stock investment, Aon also received 4.1 million stock purchase warrants, which allowed Aon to purchase additional Endurance common stock through December 2011. These warrants met the definition of a derivative, which required them to be recorded in the financial statements at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings on a current basis. On March 31, 2006, Aon contributed all of the Endurance warrants to its U.K. pension plans. The warrants had a fair value of approximately $73 million at March 31, 2006. The change in the fair value of the warrants from December 31, 2005 was a decrease of $17 million, and was included in investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

 

15.                                 Contingencies

 

Aon and its subsidiaries are subject to numerous claims, tax assessments, lawsuits and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. The damages claimed in these matters are or may be substantial, including, in many instances, claims for punitive, treble or extraordinary damages. Aon has purchased errors and omissions (“E&O”) insurance and other appropriate insurance to provide protection against losses that arise in such matters. Accruals for these items, and related insurance receivables, when applicable, have been provided to the extent that losses are deemed probable and are reasonably estimable. These accruals and receivables are adjusted from time to time as developments warrant.

 

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

 

On March 4, 2005, Aon entered into an agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with the Attorney General of the State of New York, the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York, the Attorney General of the State of Connecticut, the Illinois Attorney General and the Director of the Division of Insurance, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (collectively, the “State Agencies”) to resolve all the issues related to investigations conducted by the State Agencies. The 2005 Settlement Agreement, under which Aon distributed funds to certain clients and implemented business reforms, has been described in detail in Aon’s previous financial filings.

 

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

 

24



 

Beginning in June 2004, a number of other putative class actions were filed against Aon and other companies by purported classes of clients under a variety of legal theories, including state tort, contract, fiduciary duty, antitrust and statutory theories and federal antitrust and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) theories. The federal actions were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, and a state court collective action was filed in California. In the New Jersey actions, the Court dismissed plaintiffs’ federal antitrust and RICO claims in separate orders in, respectively, August and October 2007. Plaintiffs are expected to appeal. Aon believes it has meritorious defenses in all of these cases and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims. The outcome of these lawsuits, and any losses or other payments that may occur as a result, cannot be predicted at this time.

 

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

 

Following inquiries from regulators, the Company commenced an internal review of its compliance with certain U.S. and non-U.S. anti-bribery laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). An outside law firm with significant experience in the area is overseeing the review. Aon has advised the U.K. Financial Services Authority, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, and certain other non-U.S. regulators of the review and has agreed with the U.S. regulators to toll any applicable statute of limitations pending completion of the review. Based on current information, the Company is unable at this time to predict when the review will be completed or what regulatory or other outcomes may result.

 

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

 

25



 

16.                                 Subsequent Event

 

On October 4, 2007, the Company announced that it will redeem on November 19, 2007 all of its outstanding 3 ½ % Senior Convertible Debentures due 2012 (“Debentures”). On September 30, 2007, the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding was approximately $243 million. The redemption price for the Debentures will be 101% of the principal amount of the Debentures, together with accrued and unpaid interest. On or before the close of business on November 16, 2007, the holders of the Debentures may elect to convert their Debentures into Aon common stock at a conversion rate of 46.5658 shares of common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of Debentures, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture dated as of November 7, 2002 by and between Aon and the Bank of New York, as Trustee (“Indenture”) and the Debentures. Debentures not converted on or before the close of business on November 16, 2007 will no longer be convertible and holders will only be entitled to the right to receive the redemption price of the Debentures and accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding November 19, 2007.

 

If all outstanding debentures as of September 30, 2007 are converted into Aon common stock, approximately 11.3 million shares will be issued.

 

26



 

ITEM 2.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

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

 

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

 

KEY RECENT EVENTS

Strategic Alternatives for Combined Insurance Company of America

Redemption of Senior Convertible Debentures

Restructuring Initiatives

Recent Regulatory and Legislative Activity

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Various Businesses

Distributions from PEPS I

Stock Repurchase Program

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

General

Consolidated Results

 

REVIEW BY SEGMENT

General

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

Consulting

Insurance Underwriting

Unallocated Income and Expense

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Cash Flows

Financial Condition

Short-term Borrowings and Notes Payable

Stockholders’ Equity

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

27



 

KEY RECENT EVENTS

 

Strategic Alternatives for Combined Insurance Company of America

 

In July 2007, we announced that we are considering strategic options for Combined Insurance Company of America (“CICA”) and its subsidiaries. Preparations are being made for a spin-off of CICA to our shareholders, but we have received inquiries from potential buyers and are responding accordingly.

 

CICA and its subsidiaries, including Sterling Life Insurance Company (“Sterling”), provide accident, health and life insurance coverage in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific primarily through more than 7,000 career insurance agents.

 

Redemption of Senior Convertible Debentures

 

On October 4, 2007, we announced that the Company will redeem on November 19, 2007 all of our outstanding 3 ½ % Senior Convertible Debentures due 2012 (“Debentures”). On September 30, 2007, the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding was approximately $243 million. The redemption price for the Debentures will be 101% of the principal amount of the Debentures, together with accrued and unpaid interest. On or before the close of business on November 16, 2007, the holders of the Debentures may elect to convert their Debentures into Aon common stock at a conversion rate of 46.5658 shares of common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of Debentures, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture and the Debentures. Debentures not converted on or before the close of business on November 16, 2007 will no longer be convertible and holders will only be entitled to the right to receive the redemption price of the Debentures and accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding November 19, 2007.

 

If all outstanding debentures as of September 30, 2007 are converted into Aon common stock, approximately 11.3 million shares will be issued.

 

Restructuring Initiatives

 

In October 2007, we announced a global restructuring plan intended to create a more streamlined organization and reduce future expense growth to better serve clients. We estimate that this Plan will result in cumulative pretax charges totaling approximately $360 million. Expenses will include workforce reduction and lease consolidation costs, asset impairments, as well as other expenses necessary to implement the restructuring initiative. Approximately $17 million of restructuring and related expenses were recorded through September 30, 2007, of which $4 million was paid. We expect the remaining restructuring-related expenses to affect continuing operations from fourth quarter 2007 through the end of 2009. We anticipate that these initiatives will lead to annualized cost-savings of approximately $50-$70 million in 2008, $175-$200 million in 2009, and $240 million of annualized savings by 2010. There can be no assurances that Aon will achieve the targeted savings.

 

The 2007 Restructuring Plan includes an estimated 2,700 job eliminations beginning in the third quarter of 2007 and continuing into 2009. We also expect to close or consolidate several offices resulting in sublease losses or lease buy-outs. These efforts will also trigger asset impairments in the form of accelerated amortization of the remaining leasehold improvements.

 

28



 

The following is a summary of 2007 restructuring and related expenses by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative.

 

(millions)

 

Actual 
Third Quarter
2007

 

Estimated Total for
Restructuring Period (1)

 

Workforce reduction

 

$

10

 

$

228

 

Lease consolidation

 

4

 

80

 

Asset impairments

 

2

 

36

 

Other costs associated with restructuring

 

1

 

16

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

17

 

$

360

 

 


(1)          Actual costs, when incurred, will vary due to changes in the assumptions built into this plan. Significant assumptions likely to change when plans are finalized and approved include, but are not limited to, changes in severance calculations, changes in the assumptions underlying our sublease loss calculations due to changing market conditions, and changes in our overall analysis that might cause us to add or cancel component initiatives.

 

Workforce reductions reflect a cash expense, though we may recognize the expense prior to paying for the expenditure. Asset impairments are non-cash expenses. Lease consolidation accruals reflect the present value of future cash flows. Other costs are cash expenses, which are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

 

The following is a summary by segment of actual restructuring and related costs incurred and estimated to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative.

 

(millions)

 

Actual 
Third
Quarter 2007

 

Estimated Total for
for Restructuring Period

 

Risk & Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

16

 

$

335

 

Consulting

 

1

 

25

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

17

 

$

360

 

 

2005 Restructuring Plan

 

In 2005, we began executing a broad restructuring initiative to reduce our fixed cost base and increase efficiency. This three-year plan is substantially complete, with minimal costs being incurred this quarter. We expect the remaining portion to cost $4 million during 2007, which is in addition to the $361 million expensed through September 30, 2007. Restructuring costs include workforce reductions, lease consolidation costs, asset impairments and other expenses. For the third quarter 2007, the estimated restructuring benefits were approximately $63 million. These initiatives are expected to lead to annualized cost savings of approximately $280 million by 2008.

 

We estimate 3,600 positions will have been eliminated as a result of this initiative. As of September 30, 2007, approximately 3,300 of these eliminations had already occurred. The remaining terminations have been largely accrued for in accordance with FASB Statement No. 112.

 

The following table details the restructuring and related expenses by type we incurred through third quarter 2007 and our estimate to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative:

 

29



 

 

 

Actual

 

 

 

(millions)

 

2005

 

2006

 

First 
Six Months
2007

 

Third 
Quarter
2007

 

Total 
Incurred

 

Estimated
Total

 

Workforce reduction

 

$

116

 

$

116

 

$

18

 

$

 

$

250

 

$

250

 

Lease consolidation

 

20

 

27

 

11

 

 

58

 

62

 

Asset impairments

 

17

 

12

 

3

 

 

32

 

32

 

Other related expenses

 

5

 

12

 

4

 

 

21

 

21

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

158

 

$

167

 

$

36

 

$

 

$

361

 

$

365

 

 

Recent Regulatory and Legislative Activity

 

A substantial portion of CICA’s revenue growth over the past two years has been generated by its Sterling unit and the bulk of that growth was generated from its Medicare Advantage (“MA”) products which are Private-Fee-For Service plans (“PFFS plans”).

 

Prior to July 2006, Sterling was authorized to market and enroll beneficiaries in MA products year-round, but that authorization was due to expire and change to an open enrollment period of November 15th through December 31st of each year, with a switch enrollment period of January through March of each year. Federal legislation that passed in late 2006 extended year-round enrollment (through 2008) for certain health plans like those marketed by Sterling. In July of 2007, that legislation was repealed. Accordingly, beginning on August 1, 2007, Sterling and all other MA plans no longer have the ability to enroll beneficiaries in their plans throughout the year.

 

In 2008 and beyond, Sterling and all other MA plans will be permitted to enroll Medicare beneficiaries until March 31st of a calendar year, unless a special enrollment period applies. Additionally, Sterling will be able to enroll year-round those individuals just becoming eligible for Medicare.

 

On June 15, 2007, Sterling voluntarily agreed, upon the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (“CMS”) request of Sterling and other private fee-for-service providers, to temporarily suspend marketing activities of non-group, individual PFFS plans effective June 22, 2007.

 

In September 2007, Sterling received approval from CMS to resume marketing its non-group plans. This announcement followed the statement by CMS that the agency has completed its review and determined that Sterling has demonstrated accelerated compliance with 2008 CMS marketing requirements. Sterling immediately resumed marketing to beneficiaries eligible to enroll, and is prepared to begin 2008 marketing on schedule.

 

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Various Businesses

 

We continually review our portfolio of businesses, making acquisitions where we think it will help us deliver distinctive client value, as well as exploring strategic alternatives of businesses we currently have. In 2006, we spent $138 million for acquisitions. In the first nine months of 2007, we spent $228 million for several 2007 acquisitions. We increased our position in the U.K. affinity market by purchasing Footman James, and our technology platform was strengthened through the acquisition of Valley Oak Systems in the U.S.

 

In second quarter 2007, Aon sold the assets and operations of Media Professional Insurance, Inc. (“Media Pro”), a managing general underwriter specializing in professional liability lines of business, which is included in our Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services segment. This disposition resulted in a $26 million gain, which is

 

30



 

included in other general expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of income. We have a continuing revenue sharing arrangement, and therefore this business does not qualify as a discontinued operation.

 

We sold a 25% stake in our Botswana brokerage subsidiary in second quarter 2007. This disposition resulted in a $4 million gain, which is included in other general expenses within our Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services segment.

 

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

 

Distributions from PEPS I

 

We received income distributions from our preferred investment in Private Equity Partnership Structures I, LLC (“PEPS I”) of $16 million during the third quarter and $55 million for the first nine months of 2007, which were recorded in investment income. Prior to 2007, income distributions received from PEPS I were limited to interest payments on various PEPS I debt instruments. Beginning in 2007, PEPS I had redeemed or collateralized all of its debt, and as a result, paid preferred income distributions. Receipt of additional preferred returns is dependent on the performance of the limited partnership (LP) interests underlying PEPS I and is expected to vary from period to period. We do not control the timing of the distribution.

 

Share Repurchase Program

 

We are currently authorized to repurchase $2 billion of Aon’s common stock. Pursuant to this program, during the first nine months of 2007, we repurchased approximately 18.5 million shares at a cost of $725 million. Since the program began, we have now repurchased 47.6 million shares at a cost of $1,797 million. Of the shares repurchased since the program’s inception, we have reissued approximately 11.8 million shares for stock options, stock awards and other benefit plans.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
 

General

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

31



 

Because we conduct business in over 120 countries, foreign exchange rates fluctuations have an impact on our business. In comparison to the U.S. dollar, foreign exchange rate movements may be significant and may distort true period-to-period comparisons of changes in revenue or pretax income. Therefore, we have isolated the impact of the change in currencies between periods by providing percentage changes on a comparable currency basis for revenue, and have disclosed the effect on earnings per share. We have also provided this form of reporting to give financial statement users more meaningful information about our operations.

 

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

 

32



 

Consolidated Results

 

The following table and commentary provide selected consolidated financial information.

 

 

 

Third Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

 

Percent

 

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

 

Percent

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions and fees

 

$

1,702

 

$

1,589

 

7

%

$

5,218

 

$

4,852

 

8

%

Premiums and other

 

589

 

487

 

21

 

1,701

 

1,423

 

20

 

Investment income

 

116

 

92

 

26

 

357

 

266

 

34

 

Total revenue

 

2,407

 

2,168

 

11

 

7,276

 

6,541

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits

 

1,156

 

1,116

 

4

 

3,515

 

3,344

 

5

 

Other general expenses

 

490

 

474

 

3

 

1,477

 

1,394

 

6

 

Benefits to policyholders

 

366

 

349

 

5

 

1,044

 

864

 

21

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

50

 

56

 

(11

)

149

 

166

 

(10

)

Interest expense

 

33

 

34

 

(3

)

102

 

99

 

3

 

Provision for New York and other state settlements

 

 

 

 

1

 

2

 

(50

)

Total expenses

 

2,095

 

2,029

 

3

 

6,288

 

5,869

 

7

 

Income from continuing operations before provision for income tax

 

$

312

 

$

139

 

124

%

$

988

 

$

672

 

47

%

Pretax margin - continuing operations

 

13.0

%

6.4

%

 

 

13.6

%

10.3

%

 

 

 

Revenue
 

Commissions and fees increased by $113 million or 7% on a quarterly basis and $366 million or 8% on a year-to-date basis. Organic growth in the Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services and Consulting segments and the impact of foreign currency translation primarily drove the increase.

 

Premiums and other increased $102 million or 21% on a quarterly basis and $278 million or 20% on a year-to-date basis, driven by strong growth in our Sterling subsidiary’s MA health product in our Accident & Health and Life sub-segment.

 

Investment income increased $24 million or 26% on a quarterly basis and $91 million or 34% on a year-to-date basis. The increase was primarily driven by:

 

                  Non-liquidating distributions from our PEPS I investment, which contributed an additional $15 million and $52 million of income on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively,

 

                  realized gains from the sale of investments,

 

                  $17 million of realized losses on our Endurance warrants in first quarter 2006, and

 

                  higher interest rates on our investment portfolio,

 

33



 

                  partially offset by a $35 million gain on the contribution of our Scandent preferred stock in first quarter 2006.

 

Expenses

 

Compensation and benefits increased $40 million or 4% on a quarterly basis and $171 million or 5% on a year-to-date basis. Driving the increase in both periods was the impact of foreign currency translation and higher salary and incentive costs, partially offset by lower pension expenses and the benefits of the 2005 restructuring program. Lower pension expense results primarily from the previously announced changes to both our U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans.

 

Other general expenses increased $16 million or 3% on a quarterly basis and $83 million or 6% on a year-to-date basis. The quarterly increase was driven by a $30 million gain on the sale of a building in Spain in 2006, and the impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by lower restructuring costs. On a year-to-date basis, foreign currency translation, the gain on the sale of the Spain building, and the settlement of litigation in early 2007 for acquired employees in our U.K. reinsurance business more than offset 2007 gains from the sale or partial sale of businesses and lower restructuring costs.

 

Benefits to policyholders increased $17 million or 5% on a quarterly basis and $180 million or 21% on a year-to-date basis. The increase for both periods was driven by the growth in Sterling’s MA product, partially offset by $81 million in Property and Casualty reserve adjustments in 2006.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $6 million or 11% on a quarterly basis and $17 million or 10% on a year-to-date basis. The decline for both periods was caused by asset disposals and write-offs in 2006, primarily driven by restructuring activity.

 

Interest expense decreased $1 million on a quarterly basis, but increased $3 million or 3% on a year-to-date basis. Higher year-to-date interest costs resulted from higher international debt levels and interest rates.

 

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

 

Income from continuing operations before provision for income tax increased $173 million to $312 million on a quarterly basis and increased $316 million or 47% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The improvements are attributable to organic revenue growth in all segments, the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, increased investment income and lower restructuring costs, which more than offset higher compensation and benefit costs and benefits to policyholders.

 

Income Taxes

 

The effective tax rate for continuing operations was 39.7% and 35.3% for the third quarters ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The effective tax rate for continuing operations was 35.4% and 34.8% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. During the third quarter 2007, legislation was finalized in the United Kingdom which reduces the corporate tax rate from 30% to 28%. While the lower U.K. tax rate will be a benefit to Aon’s recurring effective tax rate in future periods, it also requires a reevaluation of the deferred tax assets related to our U.K. operations, which resulted in a one-time non-cash charge of approximately $22 million that was included in the third quarter tax provision. The year-to-date rate was impacted by the geographic distribution of earnings and the favorable resolution of certain tax matters as well as the third quarter U.K. tax adjustment.

 

34



 

Income from Continuing Operations

 

Income from continuing operations before accounting change for third quarter 2007 and 2006 was $188 million and $90 million, respectively. Basic and diluted income per share in the third quarter 2007 was $0.64 and $0.59, respectively, versus $0.29 and $0.27 for basic and diluted income per share in 2006, respectively. Income from continuing operations before accounting change for nine months 2007 and 2006 was $638 million and $438 million, respectively. Basic and diluted income per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $2.16 and $1.99, respectively, versus $1.37 and $1.29 for basic and diluted income per share for the comparable period of 2006, respectively. Income from continuing operations in 2007 included $0.01 and $0.03 per share for currency translation gains for the third quarter and nine months, respectively.

 

Discontinued Operations
 

Third quarter income from discontinued operations was $16 million ($0.05 per basic and diluted share) for both 2007 and 2006. Nine months income from discontinued operations was $19 million in 2007 ($0.06 per basic and diluted share) versus $58 million for 2006 ($0.18 and $0.17 per basic and diluted share, respectively). Pretax income for our discontinued operations for 2007 included some residual settlement activity relating to our AWG and CPG disposals. Income from discontinued operations for 2007 was positively impacted by $18 million for both the quarter and year-to-date periods due to our ability to recognize a favorable tax credit relating to the sale of AWG. Results in 2006 principally reflect the quarterly and nine months operating results from our AWG and CPG businesses, which were sold in fourth quarter 2006.

 

REVIEW BY SEGMENT

 

General

 

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

 

                  report separate financial information, and

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

35



 

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

 

 

 

Third Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Operating segment revenue: (1) (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

1,437

 

$

1,341

 

$

4,408

 

$

4,106

 

Consulting

 

325

 

301

 

979

 

918

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

627

 

519

 

1,811

 

1,519

 

Income (loss) before income tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

236

 

$

190

 

$

756

 

$

645

 

Consulting

 

38

 

18

 

129

 

71

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

63

 

(27

)

189

 

101

 

Pretax Margins:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

16.4

%

14.2

%

17.2

%

15.7

%

Consulting

 

11.7

%

6.0

%

13.2

%

7.7

%

Insurance Underwriting

 

10.0

%

-5.2

%

10.4

%

6.6

%

 


(1) Intersegment revenues of $8 million and $12 million were included in third quarter 2007 and 2006, respectively.

(2) Intersegment revenues of $24 million and $36 million were included in nine months 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

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

 

 

 

Third Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

56

 

$

47

 

$

154

 

$

152

 

Consulting

 

1

 

1

 

8

 

4

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

33

 

25

 

93

 

76

 

 

                  Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services investment income increased $9 million and $2 million on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively. The quarterly increase was primarily driven by higher interest rates, while the year-to-date increase was driven by higher interest rates and the gain on the sale of certain investments, mostly offset by the contribution of our Scandent preferred stock investment to a U.K. pension plan in 2006, which resulted in a gain of $35 million.

 

                  The $4 million improvement at Consulting for nine months is a result of a gain on the sale of an investment.

 

                  Insurance Underwriting investment income increased $8 million and $17 million on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, primarily because of higher invested balances and increases in interest rates.

 

36



 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

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

 

Changes in premiums have a direct and potentially material impact on the insurance brokerage industry, as commission revenues are generally based on a percentage of the premiums paid by insureds. Insurance premiums may vary widely based on market conditions. Heavier than anticipated loss experience or capital shortages can result in increasing premium rates, which is referred to as a “hard market.”  A hard market tends to favorably impact commission revenues. Conversely, increased competition for market share among insurance carriers or increased underwriting capacity can result in flat or reduced premium rates, or a “soft market.”  A soft market tends to put downward pressure on commission revenues. Hard and soft markets may be broad-based or more narrowly focused across certain product lines or geographic areas.

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services generated approximately 60% and 61% of Aon’s total operating segment revenues for third quarter and nine months 2007, respectively. Revenues are generated primarily through:

 

                  fees paid by clients

                  commissions and fees paid by insurance and reinsurance companies

                  interest income on funds held on behalf of clients.

 

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

 

                  the timing of our clients’ policy renewals

                  the net effect of new and lost business

                  the timing of services provided to our clients

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

                  manages captive insurance companies.

 

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

 

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

 

37



 

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

 

Revenue

 

These tables show Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services revenue by sub-segment.

 

 

 

Third Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

Acquisitions,

 

Less:

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

Currency

 

Divestitures,

 

All

 

Revenue

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

Impact

 

& Transfers

 

Other

 

Growth

 

Americas

 

$

582

 

$

567

 

3

%

1

%

%

(1

)%

3

%

United Kingdom

 

207

 

180

 

15

 

4

 

1

 

5

 

5

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

275

 

242

 

14

 

7

 

(2

)

6

 

3

 

Asia Pacific

 

123

 

114

 

8

 

9

 

(3

)

(1

)

3

 

Reinsurance

 

250

 

238

 

5

 

3

 

2

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

$

1,437

 

$

1,341

 

7

%

4

%

%

%

3

%

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

Acquisitions,

 

Less:

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

Currency

 

Divestitures,

 

All

 

Revenue

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

Impact

 

& Transfers

 

Other

 

Growth

 

Americas

 

$

1,719

 

$

1,665

 

3

%

1

%

%

(3

)%

5

%

United Kingdom

 

581

 

526

 

10

 

5

 

3

 

2

 

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

1,016

 

886

 

15

 

7

 

 

5

 

3

 

Asia Pacific

 

361

 

331

 

9

 

8

 

(3

)

(1

)

5

 

Reinsurance

 

731

 

698

 

5

 

3

 

1

 

 

1

 

Total revenue

 

$

4,408

 

$

4,106

 

7

%

4

%

1

%

(2

)%

4

%

 

                  Americas revenue was up 3% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis driven by strong new business growth in the U.S. and Latin America and effective management of our renewal book portfolio. Nine months 2006 results were impacted by a $35 million gain on the contribution of our Scandent preferred stock.

 

                  U.K. revenue rose 15% and 10% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, due to favorable foreign currency translation and acquisitions. Organic revenue growth was 5% in the third quarter, driven by new business and an improved retention rate.

 

                  Europe, Middle East & Africa revenue rose 14% and 15% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, reflecting favorable foreign currency translation, improved investment income and 3% organic revenue growth on both a quarterly and year-to-date basis. Organic growth was primarily due to a higher retention rate in most of Europe and strong growth in emerging markets.

 

                  Asia Pacific’s 8% and 9% revenue growth on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, was driven by positive foreign currency translation and organic growth in most markets in Asia, partially offset by continued weakness in Australia.

 

38



 

                  Reinsurance revenue grew 5% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis. The growth was driven by the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, acquisitions, and organic revenue growth in international markets, driven by growth of facultative placements, which more than offset a quarterly decline in the U.S. due to soft market conditions.

 

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

 

 

 

Third Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

 

Percent

 

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

 

Percent

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

United States

 

$

530

 

$

528

 

%

$

1,563

 

$

1,538

 

2

%

Americas, other than U.S.

 

162

 

143

 

13

 

468

 

422

 

11

 

United Kingdom

 

266

 

243

 

9

 

749

 

707

 

6

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

341

 

303

 

13

 

1,226

 

1,075

 

14

 

Asia Pacific

 

138

 

124

 

11

 

402

 

364

 

10

 

Total revenue

 

$

1,437

 

$

1,341

 

7

%

$

4,408

 

$

4,106

 

7

%

 

                  U.S. revenues are unchanged on a quarterly basis as growth in our U.S. retail business was offset by soft market conditions in our reinsurance business. Revenue rose 2% on a year-to-date basis as strong new business, effective renewal book management in U.S. retail, and investment income gains were partially offset by last year’s gain on the contribution of our Scandent preferred stock.

                  Americas other than U.S. revenue rose 13% on a quarterly and 11% on a year-to-date basis, respectively, due to strong organic growth in Latin America and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation.

                  UK revenue increased 9% and 6% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, primarily driven by favorable foreign currency translation as well as organic growth on a quarterly basis.

                  Europe, Middle East & Africa grew 13% and 14% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, driven by favorable foreign currency translation, higher investment income, and organic growth.

                  Asia Pacific revenue rose 11% and 10%, respectively, due to favorable foreign currency translation and organic revenue growth.

 

Income Before Income Tax

 

Pretax income rose $46 million to $236 million for the quarter and increased $111 million to $756 million for nine months. Pretax margins were 16.4% and 17.2% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, compared to 14.2% and 15.7% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, in 2006. Organic revenue growth of 3% and 4% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, savings from the restructuring program, primarily for workforce reduction, and lower pension expenses were partially offset by higher salary costs and investment in talent and the impact of the gain on the sale of a building in Spain in 2006 of $30 million.

 

Consulting
 

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

 

                  provides a broad range of consulting services

                  generated 14% of Aon’s total operating segment revenue for both the third quarter and nine months 2007.

 

39



 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

40



 

Revenue

 

These tables show Consulting revenue by product sub-segment.

 

 

 

Third Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

Acquisitions,

 

Less:

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

Currency

 

Divestitures,

 

All

 

Revenue

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

Impact

 

& Transfers

 

Other

 

Growth

 

Consulting services

 

$

270

 

$

234

 

15

%

4

%

3

%

%

8

%

Outsourcing

 

55

 

67

 

(18

)

3

 

(1

)

 

(20

)

Total revenue

 

$

325

 

$

301

 

8

%

4

%

2

%

%

2

%

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

Acquisitions,

 

Less:

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

Currency

 

Divestitures,

 

All

 

Revenue

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

Impact

 

& Transfers

 

Other

 

Growth

 

Consulting services

 

$

803

 

$

709

 

13

%

4

%

2

%

1

%

6

%

Outsourcing

 

176

 

209

 

(16

)

3

 

 

(1

)

(18

)

Total revenue

 

$

979

 

$

918

 

7

%

3

%

2

%

1

%

1

%

 

                  Consulting Services revenue increased $36 million and $94 million on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively. Organic revenue growth was 8% for the quarter and 6% for nine months 2007, reflecting growth in most major practice groups and geographies. Revenue also increased due to favorable foreign currency translation and the transfer in of certain small units from the Risk and Insurance Brokerage Service segment.

 

                  Outsourcing revenue declined $12 million and $33 million on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively. Organic revenue declined 20% and 18% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, driven by lower revenue from AT&T. AT&T, which is our largest outsourcing client, terminated many services in a contract with us at the end of 2006, and recently informed us that they intend to terminate our remaining outsourcing services effective at the end of 2007.

 

This table shows Consulting revenue by geographic area.

 

 

 

Third Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

 

Percent

 

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

 

Percent

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

United States

 

$

156

 

$

165

 

(5

)%

$

484

 

$

505

 

(4

)%

Americas, other than U.S.

 

27

 

25

 

8

 

88

 

84

 

5

 

United Kingdom

 

69

 

58

 

19

 

197

 

169

 

17

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

56

 

43

 

30

 

168

 

136

 

24

 

Asia Pacific

 

17

 

10

 

70

 

42

 

24

 

75

 

Total revenue

 

$

325

 

$

301

 

8

%

$

979

 

$

918

 

7

%

 

41



 

                  The U.S. revenue decline in both periods was primarily caused by reduced outsourcing business triggered by the loss of revenue from AT&T as discussed above, partially offset by organic revenue growth in Consulting Services, and on a year-to-date basis, a $5 million gain on the sale of an investment.

 

                  Americas other than the U.S. grew 8% and 5% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis driven by favorable foreign currency translation.

 

                  United Kingdom revenue rose 19% and 17% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis driven by both organic growth and favorable foreign currency translation.

 

                  Europe, Middle East & Africa increased 30% and 24% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, driven by favorable foreign currency translation, the transfer in of certain small units from our brokerage segment and organic revenue growth.

 

                  Asia Pacific grew 70% and 75% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, due to favorable foreign currency translation, the transfer in of certain small units from our brokerage segment and organic revenue growth.

 

Income Before Income Tax

 

Third quarter 2007 pretax income was up 111% to $38 million, compared to $18 million in 2006. Year-to-date pretax income was up 82% to $129 million, compared to $71 million in 2006. Pretax margins for the quarter were 11.7% and 6.0% for 2007 and 2006, respectively. Pretax margins for the first nine months were 13.2% and 7.7% for 2007 and 2006, respectively. The pretax income and margin improvement was principally driven by higher revenues, benefits related to the restructuring program and disciplined expense management in the U.S., and on a year-to-date basis, the gain on the sale of an investment.

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

The Insurance Underwriting segment:

 

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

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

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

                  generated 26% and 25% of Aon’s total operating segment revenue for the third quarter and nine months 2007, respectively.

                  Refer to the Key Recent Events section for a discussion on Aon’s examination of strategic options for the remaining operations of this segment.

 

Revenue

 

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

 

42



 

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

 

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

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

 

                  professional liability errors and omissions

                  excess liability

                  workers’ compensation

                  commercial property and casualty risk.

 

These tables show Insurance Underwriting revenue by product sub-segment:

 

 

 

Third Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

Less:

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

Currency

 

All

 

Revenue

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

Impact

 

Other

 

Growth (1)

 

Accident & health and life

 

$

625

 

$

511

 

22

%

3

%

(2

)%

21

%

Property & casualty

 

2

 

8

 

(75

)

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Total revenue

 

$

627

 

$

519

 

21

%

3

%

(1

)%

19

%

 


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

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

Less:

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

Currency

 

All

 

Revenue

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

Impact

 

Other

 

Growth (1)

 

Accident & health and life

 

$

1,809

 

$

1,491

 

21

%

2

%

1

%

18

%

Property & casualty

 

2

 

28

 

(93

)

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Total revenue

 

$

1,811

 

$

1,519

 

19

%

2

%

%

17

%

 


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

 

In the Accident & health and life business, revenue increased $114 million or 22% for the quarter and $318 million or 21% on a year-to-date basis, driven by strong growth in Sterling’s MA product, favorable foreign currency translation and higher investment income.

 

43



 

This table shows Insurance Underwriting revenue by geographic area.

 

 

 

Third Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

 

Percent

 

Sept. 30,

 

Sept. 30,

 

Percent

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

United States

 

$

441

 

$

354

 

25

%

$

1,277

 

$

1,036

 

23

%

Americas, other than U.S.

 

60

 

53

 

13

 

168

 

156

 

8

 

United Kingdom

 

55

 

51

 

8

 

161

 

151

 

7

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

43

 

38

 

13

 

125

 

108

 

16

 

Asia Pacific

 

28

 

23

 

22

 

80

 

68

 

18

 

 Total revenue

 

$

627

 

$

519

 

21

%

$

1,811

 

$

1,519

 

19

%

 

                  U.S. revenue increased $87 million or 25% for the quarter and $241 million or 23% for the first nine months driven by growth in Sterling’s MA product.

 

                  Americas, other than U.S. revenues increased $7 million and $12 million over the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 principally due to the positive impact of foreign currency translation.

 

                  United Kingdom revenue growth of 8% and 7% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, was driven by favorable foreign currency translation.

 

                  Europe, Middle East & Africa increased 13% and 16% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, due to organic growth and foreign currency translation.

 

                  Asia Pacific revenue increased 22% and 18% on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, respectively, driven by organic growth and foreign currency translation.

 

Income Before Income Tax

 

Third quarter pretax income was $63 million and the pretax margin was 10.0%, compared to a $27 million pretax loss with a -5.2% margin in the third quarter 2006. Year-to-date pretax income was $189 million and the pretax margin was 10.4%, compared to pretax income of $101 million with a margin of 6.6% in 2006. The significant increase in pretax income as well as comparable margins for both periods is driven by the $81 million reserve increase recorded in 2006 in our property and casualty sub-segment, which reflected adverse development, refined assumptions and additional claim information relating to programs placed in run-off. Also positively impacting both pretax income and margins was higher investment income and growth in our U.S. operations, which was somewhat offset by higher loss ratios at Sterling, as well as losses incurred in our property and casualty run-off businesses.

 

Unallocated Income and Expense
 

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

 

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

 

44



 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Unallocated revenue was $26 million and $102 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, respectively, compared to $19 million and $34 million for the comparable periods of 2006. The increase was driven by:

 

                  an increase in income from our PEPS I investment of $15 million on a quarterly basis and $52 million on a year-to-date basis (refer to Distributions from PEPS I within the Key Recent Events section).

 

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

 

Unallocated expenses, excluding interest expense, were $18 million and $86 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, respectively; compared to $27 million and $80 million for comparable periods of 2006. The quarterly decline reflects a foreign exchange gain in 2007 on an investment. The increase on a year-to-date basis was primarily driven by higher expenses associated with a review of historical equity compensation practices.

 

Interest expense totaled $33 million and $102 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, respectively, and $34 million and $99 million during comparable periods of 2006. $57 million of debt was converted to our common stock during the second quarter of 2007, which slightly reduced interest expense. That benefit was more than offset by higher international borrowings and increased interest rates.

 

CASH FLOW

 

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

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

(millions)   Nine months ended September 30,

 

2007

 

2006

 

Insurance underwriting operating cash flows (including AWG for 2006)

 

$

225

 

$

520

 

All other operating cash flows

 

551

 

254

 

 

 

776

 

774

 

Change in funds held on behalf of brokerage and consulting clients

 

150

 

50

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

926

 

$

824

 

 

45



 

Insurance Underwriting operating cash flows

 

Our 2007 insurance underwriting operations include accident & health and life and certain property & casualty businesses that are in run-off. These insurance products have distinct differences in the timing of premiums earned and payment of future liabilities. The 2006 cash flows include the operations of AWG and CPG, sold on November 30, 2006.

 

The operating cash flow from our insurance subsidiaries, which also includes related corporate items, was $225 million for 2007, a decrease of $295 million compared to 2006. This decrease was primarily related to the sale of AWG and CPG. For 2007, operating cash flows, analyzed by major income statement component, indicated that premiums and fees collected, net of reinsurance, were $1,681 million compared to $2,643 million in 2006. Investment and other miscellaneous income received was $135 million and $195 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

We used revenues generated from premiums, investments and other miscellaneous income to pay claims and other cash benefits, commissions, general expenses and taxes. Claims and other cash benefits paid were $979 million in 2007 versus $1,204 million in 2006. Commissions and general expenses paid were $578 million for 2007, compared to $947 million in 2006. Tax payments for 2007 were $34 million compared to $167 million last year.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Funds held on behalf of clients

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

46



 

All other operating cash flows

 

The operating cash flow from our Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services and Consulting segments, as well as related corporate items, was $551 million in 2007 compared to $254 million in 2006. These amounts exclude the change in funds held on behalf of clients as described above. The operating cash flows depend on the timing of receipts and payments related to revenues, incentive compensation, other operating expenses and income taxes.

 

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

 

Investing and Financing Activities

 

Investing activities during 2007 provided cash of $35 million. The cash flows provided by investing activities included sales of investments, net of purchases, of $327 million. Cash used by investing activities included capital expenditures, net of disposals, of $103 million and acquisition of subsidiaries, net of divestitures of $189 million.

 

For the first nine months of 2007, we used $956 million of cash for financing needs. Financing uses primarily included cash dividends paid to stockholders of $132 million, net share repurchase activity of $548 million, and debt repayments, net of issuance, of $276 million.

 

Financial Condition

 

Since year-end 2006, total assets decreased $495 million to $23.8 billion.

 

Total investments at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were $7.5 billion and $7.6 billion, respectively. Approximately 94% of our investment portfolio at quarter end was in short-term investments and fixed maturities, with approximately 100% of our fixed maturities rated investment grade.

 

Total receivables decreased $736 million in the first nine months of 2007, primarily the result of the timing of cash receipts and the impact of foreign currency translation. Insurance premiums payable decreased $247 million over the same period. The primary difference between the change in receivables and premiums payable is reflected in a change in funds held on behalf of clients, which is a component of short-term investments.

 

47



 

 

 

Amount Shown

 

 

 

 

 

in Statement

 

Percentage

 

 

 

of Financial

 

of Total

 

(millions)

 

Position

 

Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities - available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

US government and agencies

 

$

212

 

3

%

States and political subdivisions

 

6

 

––

 

Debt securities of foreign governments not classified as loans

 

1,353

 

18

 

Corporate securities

 

866

 

12

 

Public utilities

 

81

 

1

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

452

 

6

 

Total Fixed Maturities

 

2,970

 

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities - available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

 

38

 

––

 

Non-redeemable preferred stocks

 

1

 

––

 

Total Equity Securities

 

39

 

––

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy loans

 

56

 

1

 

Other long-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

PEPS I Preferred Stock

 

181

 

2

 

Other

 

143

 

2

 

Total Other Long Term Investments

 

324

 

4

 

Total Other Investments

 

380

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

4,096

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS

 

$

7,485

 

100

%

 

Goodwill and intangible assets increased $407 million from year-end 2006 due to recent acquisition activity and the impact of foreign currency translation.

 

Other assets decreased $167 million from December 31, 2006. Other assets are comprised principally of prepaid premiums related to reinsurance, prepaid pension assets, and current and deferred income taxes. The decrease is principally related to a lower current tax receivable and a decrease in prepaid premiums, somewhat offset by higher prepaid pension assets.

 

General expense liabilities fell $396 million from December 31, 2006, due to paying annual incentives during the first quarter, lower restructuring reserves and the timing of accounts payable payments.

 

Short-term Borrowings and Notes Payable

 

Borrowings

 

Total debt at September 30, 2007 was $2,008 million, a decrease of $277 million from December 31, 2006. In January, we paid down $250 million of U.S. debt which had become due. Also during the first quarter we repaid most of our short-term debt. Our Euro facility borrowings increased $9 million since December 31, 2006.

 

In May 2007, holders of $57 million of our 3.5% convertible debt securities due November 2012 converted their holdings into approximately 2.7 million shares of Aon stock.

 

On October 4, 2007, we announced that the Company will redeem on November 19, 2007 all of our outstanding 3 ½ % Senior Convertible Debentures due 2012 (“Debentures”). On September 30, 2007, the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding was approximately $243 million. The redemption price for the Debentures will be 101% of the principal amount of the Debentures, together with accrued and unpaid interest.

 

48



 

On or before the close of business on November 16, 2007, the holders of the Debentures may elect to convert their Debentures into Aon common stock at a conversion rate of 46.5658 shares of common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of Debentures, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture and the Debentures. Debentures not converted on or before the close of business on November 16, 2007 will no longer be convertible and holders will only be entitled to the right to receive the redemption price of the Debentures and accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding November 19, 2007.

 

If all outstanding debentures as of September 30, 2007 are converted into Aon common stock, approximately 11.3 million shares will be issued.

 

At September 30, 2007, we had a $600 million U.S. bank credit facility, which expires in February 2010, to support commercial paper and other short-term borrowings. The facility allows us to issue up to $150 million in letters of credit. At September 30, 2007, we have issued $20 million in letters of credit.

 

We also have several foreign credit facilities available. At September 30, 2007, we had available to us:

 

                  a five-year €650 million ($918 million) multi-currency facility of which $412 million was outstanding at September 30, 2007. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2006 Form 10-K for further discussion of both the U.S. and Euro facilities;

                  a £37.5 million ($76 million) facility, a 364-day 10 million Canadian dollar ($10 million) facility and a 364-day €25 million
($35 million) facility.

                  a €20 million ($28 million) open-ended facility.

 

The major rating agencies’ ratings of our debt at November 2, 2007 appear in the table below.

 

 

 

Senior long-term debt

 

Commercial paper

 

 

 

Rating

 

Outlook

 

Rating

 

Outlook

 

Standard & Poor’s

 

BBB+

 

Stable

 

A-2

 

Stable

 

Moody’s Investor Services

 

Baa2

 

Positive

 

P-2

 

Positive

 

Fitch, Inc.

 

BBB+

 

Stable

 

F-2

 

Stable

 

 

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

 

                  increase our borrowing costs and reduce our financial flexibility

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

 

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

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

Stockholders’ equity increased $397 million from the fourth quarter 2006 to $5,615 million. The change was driven primarily by $657 million of net income and an increase in foreign exchange translation gains, principally offset by $443 million of net treasury stock repurchases as a result of our stock repurchase program.

 

49



 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased $219 million since December 31, 2006. Net foreign exchange translation increased by $159 million because of the weakening of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies as compared to the prior year-end. Changes in our postretirement plans decreased our accumulated other comprehensive loss by $62 million.

 

Our total debt as a percentage of total capital was 26.3% at September 30, 2007. This is compared to our total debt as a percentage of total capital of 30.5% at year-end 2006.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Premium Financing

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

                  have made substantial equity investments in the Bank SPEs

                  have voting control of the Bank SPEs

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

 

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

 

Through the securitization agreements we, or one of our QSPEs, sell undivided interests in specified premium finance agreements to the Bank SPEs. The total amount advanced on premium finance agreements sold to the Bank SPEs at any one time is limited by the securitization agreements to $1.8 billion. The Bank SPEs had advanced $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. We can receive additional advances as:

 

50



 

                  we sell more eligible premium finance agreements to the Bank SPEs

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

 

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

 

                  retain servicing rights for sold agreements

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

 

At September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, since the fair value of the servicing rights approximates the estimated costs to service the receivables, we have not recorded any servicing assets or liabilities.

 

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

 

                  discount rates that approximate current market rates

                  expected future prepayment rates.

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

We intend to renew the conduit facilities when they expire. In October 2007, we renewed our U.S. facility for an additional year, with no significant changes to the terms of the agreement. The Australian facility was also renewed. The new agreement reduced their facility limit from Australian dollar (“AUD”) 150 million to AUD 100 million. If there were adverse bank, regulatory, tax or accounting rule changes, our access to the conduit facilities and special purpose vehicles would be restricted. These special purpose vehicles are not included in our consolidated financial statements, following the appropriate accounting standards.

 

PEPS I

 

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

 

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

 

51



 

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services rated the fixed-maturity securities our subsidiaries received from PEPS I as investment grade. As part of this transaction, the insurance companies had been required to purchase additional fixed-maturity securities from PEPS I in an amount equal to the unfunded LP commitments as they are requested. These fixed-maturity securities are rated below investment grade. Commitments of $2 million were funded by us in 2007. As of September 30, 2007, unfunded commitments amounted to $44 million. These commitments have specific expiration dates and the general partners may decide not to draw on these commitments. We have not included the assets, liabilities and operations of PEPS I in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In previous years Aon has recognized other than temporary impairment write-downs of $59 million, equal to the original cost of one tranche. The preferred stock interest represents a beneficial interest in securitized LP investments. The fair value of the private preferred stock interests depends on the value of the LP investments held by PEPS I. These preferred stock interests have an unrealized investment gain as of September 30, 2007. We assess other-than-temporary declines in the fair value below cost using a financial model that considers the:

 

                  value of the underlying LP investments of PEPS I

                  nature and timing of the cash flows from the underlying LP investments of PEPS I.

 

Reinsurance Guarantee

 

In connection with the AWG disposal, we issued an indemnification that protects the purchaser from credit exposure relating to the property and casualty reserves that have been reinsured. Aon has provided a corporate guarantee with respect to these reinsurance recoverables, which amount to approximately $887 million at September 30, 2007. At December 31, 2006, we had recorded a $13 million liability, reflecting the fair value of this indemnification. The value declined to approximately $12 million as of September 30, 2007. The indemnification represents the present value of the indemnification on the credit risk of the reinsurers. Aon no longer reports reinsurance recoverables related to its property and casualty business, which was not part of the sale of AWG.

 

 

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INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 

This report contains certain statements related to future results, or states our intentions, beliefs and expectations or predictions for the future which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results depending on a variety of factors. Potential factors that could impact results include: general economic conditions in different countries in which we do business around the world, changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets, fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could influence revenue and expense, rating agency actions that could affect our ability to borrow funds, funding of our various pension plans, changes in the competitive environment, our ability to implement restructuring initiatives and other initiatives intended to yield cost savings, our ability to successfully execute strategic options for our Combined Insurance subsidiary, the impact of current, pending and future regulatory and legislative actions that affect our ability to market or sell, and be reimbursed at current levels for, our Sterling subsidiary’s Medicare Advantage health plans, changes in commercial property and casualty markets and commercial premium rates that could impact revenues, changes in revenues and earnings due to the elimination of contingent commissions, other uncertainties surrounding a new compensation model, the impact of investigations brought by state attorneys general, state insurance regulators, federal prosecutors and federal regulators, the impact of class actions and individual lawsuits including client class actions, securities class actions, derivative actions and ERISA class actions, the impact of the analyses of practices relating to stock options, the cost of resolution of other contingent liabilities and loss contingencies, and the difference in ultimate paid claims in our underwriting companies from actuarial estimates.

 

We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

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

 

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

 

Additionally, some of our foreign brokerage subsidiaries receive revenues in currencies that differ from their functional currencies. Our U.K. subsidiary earns a portion of its revenue in U.S. dollars but most of its expenses are incurred in pounds sterling. Our policy is to convert into pounds sterling sufficient U.S. dollar revenue to fund the subsidiary’s pound sterling expenses using OTC options and forward exchange contracts. At September 30, 2007, we have hedged approximately 65% of our U.K. subsidiaries’ expected U.S. dollar transaction exposure for the next twelve months. We do not generally hedge these exposures beyond three years.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on Aon management’s evaluation (with the participation of the chief executive officer and chief financial officer), as of the end of the period covered by this report, Aon’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d) –15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Aon in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in Aon’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)–15(f) under the Exchange Act) during third quarter 2007 that have materially affected, or 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 15 (Contingencies) to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1, which is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

ITEM 2.

 

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

 

 

 

 

(a)  None.

 

 

(b)  None.

 

 

(c)  Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

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

 

Period

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased

 

Average Price
Paid per Share (1)

 

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

 

Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs (1) (2)

 

7/1/07 – 7/31/07

 

––

 

$

 

––

 

$

303,022,875

 

8/1/07 – 8/31/07

 

1,413,680

 

$

42.65

 

1,413,680

 

$

242,729,153

 

9/1/07 – 9/30/07

 

914,400

 

$

43.61

 

914,400

 

$

202,847,776

 

Total

 

2,328,080

 

$

43.03

 

2,328,080

 

 

 

 


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

 

(2)         In 2005, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $1 billion of Aon’s common stock. In fourth quarter 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had increased the authorized share repurchase program to $2 billion. Shares may be repurchased through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Through September 30, 2007, the Company has repurchased 47.6 million shares of common stock at an average price (excluding commissions) of $37.76 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $1,797 million since inception of the stock repurchase program, and the remaining authorized amount for stock repurchases under this program is $203 million, with no termination date.

 

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 Corporation

 

(Registrant)

 

 

November 8, 2007

/s/ David P. Bolger

 

 

DAVID P. BOLGER

 

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND

 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and

duly authorized officer of Registrant)

 

 

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Aon CORPORATION

 

Exhibit Number

In Regulation S-K

 

 

Item 601 Exhibit Table

 

12

Statements regarding Computation of Ratios

 

 

 

 

(a)

Statement regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

 

 

 

 

(b)

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

 

 

 

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

 

58