grepcent / static financial knowledge base

Aon plc (AON)

CIK: 0000315293. SIC: 6411 Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service. Latest 10-K as of: 2026-02-13.

SIC breadcrumb: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate > SIC Major Group 64 > SIC 6411 Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service

SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=315293. Latest filing source: 0001628280-26-008116.

Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.

Selected Fundamentals

MetricValueUnitFYFiled
Revenue17,181,000,000USD20252026-02-13
Net income3,695,000,000USD20252026-02-13
Assets50,784,000,000USD20252026-02-13

Financials

Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-13. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000315293.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.

Flow metrics use full-year FY periods from 10-K/10-K/A filings; balance-sheet metrics use FY-end instants. Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures. Missing metrics are omitted rather than fabricated.

Metric2008200920102016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue9,409,000,0009,998,000,00010,770,000,00011,013,000,00011,066,000,00012,193,000,00012,479,000,00013,376,000,00015,698,000,00017,181,000,000
Net income1,462,000,000747,000,000706,000,0001,532,000,0001,969,000,0001,255,000,0002,589,000,0002,564,000,0002,654,000,0003,695,000,000
Operating income1,811,000,0001,065,000,0001,544,000,0002,169,000,0002,781,000,0002,090,000,0003,669,000,0003,785,000,0003,835,000,0004,344,000,000
Diluted EPS5.164.704.596.378.455.5512.1412.5112.4917.02
Operating cash flow2,326,000,000734,000,0001,686,000,0001,835,000,0002,783,000,0002,182,000,0003,219,000,0003,435,000,0003,035,000,0003,481,000,000
Capital expenditures156,000,000183,000,000240,000,000225,000,000141,000,000137,000,000196,000,000252,000,000218,000,000263,000,000
Dividends paid345,000,000364,000,000382,000,000410,000,000412,000,000447,000,000463,000,000489,000,000562,000,000629,000,000
Assets26,615,000,00026,088,000,00026,422,000,00029,405,000,00032,114,000,00031,917,000,00032,704,000,00033,959,000,00048,965,000,00050,784,000,000
Liabilities21,083,000,00021,440,000,00022,203,000,00025,956,000,00028,531,000,00030,759,000,00033,133,000,00034,701,000,00042,535,000,00041,236,000,000
Stockholders' equity5,475,000,0004,583,000,0004,151,000,0003,375,000,0003,495,000,0001,061,000,000-529,000,000-826,000,0006,121,000,0009,352,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents426,000,000756,000,000656,000,000790,000,000884,000,000544,000,000690,000,000778,000,0001,085,000,0001,195,000,000
Free cash flow2,170,000,000551,000,0001,446,000,0001,610,000,0002,642,000,0002,045,000,0003,023,000,0003,183,000,0002,817,000,0003,218,000,000

Ratios

ROE and ROA use period-end equity/assets. Liabilities / equity uses total liabilities divided by stockholders' equity. Current ratio uses current assets divided by current liabilities when both are reported.

Metric2008200920102016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Net margin13.91%17.79%10.29%20.75%19.17%16.91%21.51%
Operating margin19.25%10.65%14.34%19.69%25.13%17.14%29.40%28.30%24.43%25.28%
Return on equity45.39%56.34%118.28%43.36%39.51%
Return on assets5.21%6.13%3.93%7.92%7.55%5.42%7.28%
Liabilities / equity3.854.685.357.698.1628.996.954.41
Current ratio1.051.071.081.061.071.001.021.001.021.11

Financial Charts

Quarterly

Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-01. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000315293.json.

Flow metrics use discrete quarter-length periods from 10-Q/10-Q/A filings. Q4 revenue and net income are derived only when annual FY and nine-month YTD facts exist for the same fiscal year; derived Q4 values are labeled. EPS Q4 is not derived.

QuarterEnd DateRevenueNet IncomeDiluted EPSMethod
2022-Q22022-06-302.33reported discrete quarter
2022-Q32022-09-301.92reported discrete quarter
2023-Q12023-03-315.07reported discrete quarter
2023-Q22023-06-303,177,000,000560,000,0002.71reported discrete quarter
2023-Q32023-09-302,953,000,000456,000,0002.23reported discrete quarter
2023-Q42023-12-313,375,000,000498,000,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2024-Q12024-03-314,070,000,0001,071,000,0005.35reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-06-303,760,000,000524,000,0002.46reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-09-303,721,000,000343,000,0001.57reported discrete quarter
2024-Q42024-12-314,147,000,000716,000,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2025-Q12025-03-314,729,000,000965,000,0004.43reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-06-304,155,000,000579,000,0002.66reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-09-303,997,000,000458,000,0002.11reported discrete quarter
2025-Q42025-12-314,300,000,0001,693,000,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2026-Q12026-03-315,034,000,0001,212,000,0005.63reported discrete quarter

Quarterly Charts

Macro Cross-References

Latest quarter (10-Q)

Latest 10-Q source: 0001628280-26-029322.

Extracted structurally from real Item 2 body heading to real Item 3/4 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-05-01. Report date: 2026-03-31.

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF FIRST-QUARTER 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Aon plc is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of Risk Capital and Human Capital solutions. Through our experience, global reach and comprehensive analytics, we help clients meet rapidly changing, increasingly complex and interconnected challenges related to risk and people. We are committed to accelerating innovation to address unmet and evolving client needs so that our clients are better informed, better advised and able to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. Management remains focused on strengthening Aon and uniting the firm with a portfolio of Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities enabled by data and analytics and a united operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity and efficiency.

Financial Results

The following is a summary of our first quarter of 2026 financial results.

•Revenue increased $305 million, or 6%, reflecting 5% organic revenue growth and a 4% favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a 3% unfavorable impact primarily from divestitures largely due to the sales of the NFP Wealth business and Stroz Friedberg.

◦Risk Capital revenue increased $311 million, or 10%, compared to the prior-year period; and

◦Human Capital revenue decreased $6 million compared to the prior-year period.

•Operating expenses increased $51 million, or 2%, compared to the prior-year period, due primarily to the increase in expense associated with 5% organic revenue growth and investments in long-term growth, as well as the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by lower expenses associated with the sale of the NFP Wealth business and $25 million of net restructuring savings.

◦Risk Capital operating expenses increased $126 million, or 6%, compared to the prior-year period; and

◦Human Capital operating expenses decreased $46 million, or 4%, compared to the prior-year period.

•Operating margin increased to 34.1% from 30.9% in the prior-year period, driven primarily by organic revenue growth of 5% and $25 million of net restructuring savings, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses as previously described.

◦Risk Capital operating margin increased to 39.5% from 37.5% in the prior-year period; and

◦Human Capital operating margin increased to 28.8% from 26.1% in the prior-year period.

•Due to the factors set forth above, net income increased $257 million, or 26%, compared to the prior-year period.

•Diluted earnings per share was $5.63 compared to $4.43 per share for the prior-year period.

•Cash flows provided by operating activities were $430 million for the first three months of 2026, an increase of $290 million, or 207%, from the prior-year period, due primarily to strong adjusted operating income growth and lower cash taxes.

We focus on four key metrics that are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP that we communicate to shareholders: organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow. These non-GAAP metrics should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures and our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics for the first quarter of 2026:

•Organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Organic Revenue Growth,” was 5% for the first quarter of 2026, driven by net new business and ongoing strong retention.

•Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Operating Margin,” was 39.1% for the first quarter of 2026 compared to 38.4% in the prior-year period. The increase in adjusted operating margin reflects organic revenue growth, net restructuring savings and tailwinds from currency movements, partially offset by increased expenses associated with 5% organic revenue growth and lower fiduciary investment income.

◦Risk Capital adjusted operating margin increased to 42.0% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 41.3% in the prior-year period.

◦Human Capital adjusted operating margin decreased to 34.4% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 35.3% in the prior-year period.

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•Adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share,” was $6.48 per share for the first quarter of 2026, compared to $5.67 per share for the prior-year period.

•Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Free Cash Flow,” was $363 million in the first three months of 2026, an increase of $279 million, or 332%, from the prior-year period, reflecting a $290 million increase in cash flows from operations, due primarily to strong adjusted operating income growth and lower cash taxes, partially offset by an $11 million increase in capital expenditures.

31

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Summary of Results

Our consolidated results (unaudited) are as follows (in millions):

Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
Revenue
Total revenue$5,034$4,729
Expenses
Compensation and benefits2,3932,249
Information technology144136
Premises8182
Depreciation of fixed assets4646
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets152199
Other general expense411446
Accelerating Aon United Program expenses92110
Total operating expenses3,3193,268
Operating income1,7151,461
Interest income125
Interest expense(179)(206)
Other income (expense)5(10)
Income before income taxes1,5531,250
Income tax expense314268
Net income1,239982
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests2717
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,212$965
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.63$4.43
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted215.4217.9

Our segment results (unaudited) are as follows (in millions):

Three Months Ended March 31,
Risk CapitalHuman CapitalCorporate/Eliminations (1)Total Consolidated
20262025202620252026202520262025
Revenue
Total revenue$3,502$3,191$1,539$1,545$(7)$(7)$5,034$4,729
Expenses
Compensation and benefits1,6321,4617597742142,3932,249
Information technology9690464521144136
Premises53522729118182
Other expenses (2)33939126429498116701801
Total operating expenses2,1201,9941,0961,1421031323,3193,268
Operating income$1,382$1,197$443$403$(110)$(139)$1,715$1,461
Operating margin39.5%37.5%28.8%26.1%34.1%30.9%

(1)Corporate expenses/eliminations include governance costs, post-retirement benefits, and other costs that are not directly attributable to a specific segment.

(2)Includes expenses related to depreciation of fixed assets, amortization and impairment of intangible assets, Accelerating Aon United Program expenses, and other general expenses.

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Revenue

Total revenue increased $305 million, or 6%, reflecting 5% organic revenue growth and a 4% favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a 3% unfavorable impact primarily from divestitures. Risk Capital revenue increased $311 million, or 10%, and Human Capital revenue decreased $6 million, or less than 1%.

Risk Capital

Commercial Risk Solutions revenue increased $221 million, or 11%, in the first quarter of 2026, compared to the first quarter of 2025. Organic revenue growth was 7% in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting double-digit growth in North America and strong growth in EMEA, driven by net new business and ongoing strong retention. Net market impact was slightly positive. Within North America, performance was highlighted by strong growth in M&A services, U.S. core P&C and construction.

Reinsurance Solutions revenue increased $90 million, or 8%, in the first quarter of 2026, compared to the first quarter of 2025. Organic revenue growth was 4% in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting growth in treaty placements, driven by net new business and strong retention, and a double-digit increase in facultative placements. Net market impact was a modest negative in the quarter.

Human Capital

Health Solutions revenue increased $93 million, or 9%, in the first quarter of 2026, compared to the first quarter of 2025. Organic revenue growth was 4% in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting strong growth in core health and benefits, including particular strength in international, driven by net new business, ongoing strong retention and a positive net market impact. This was partially offset by slower discretionary spend in Talent Solutions.

Wealth Solutions revenue decreased $99 million, or 19%, in the first quarter of 2026, compared to the first quarter of 2025, driven by the sale of the NFP Wealth business in the fourth quarter of 2025. Organic revenue growth was 1% in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting growth in Retirement, driven by continued demand for advisory work in the UK and EMEA related to the ongoing impact of regulatory change, partially offset by continued soft advisory demand in the U.S.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits expense increased $144 million, or 6%, compared to the prior-year period due primarily to expenses associated with 5% organic revenue growth and investments in long-term growth, as well as the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by lower expenses from the sale of the NFP Wealth business and savings from Accelerating Aon United restructuring actions.

Information Technology

Information technology, which represents costs associated with supporting and maintaining our infrastructure, increased $8 million, or 6%, compared to the prior-year period, due primarily to the expense associated with 5% organic revenue growth, including Aon Business Services investments in ongoing technology initiatives.

Premises

Premises, which represents the cost of occupying offices in various locations throughout the world, decreased $1 million, or 1%, in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the prior-year period, due primarily to efforts to optimize our real estate footprint and savings from Accelerating Aon United restructuring actions.

Depreciation of Fixed Assets

Depreciation of fixed assets primarily relates to software, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, computer equipment, buildings and vehicles. Depreciation of fixed assets was flat compared to the prior-year period.

Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets

Amortization and impairment of intangibles primarily relates to finite-lived customer-related and contract-based, technolog

[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

Latest 10-K MD&A

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-02-13. Report date: 2025-12-31.

Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Aon plc is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of Risk Capital and Human Capital solutions. Through our experience, global reach, and comprehensive analytics, we help clients meet rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and interconnected challenges related to risk and people. We are committed to accelerating innovation to address unmet and evolving client needs so that our clients are better informed, better advised, and able to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. Management remains focused on strengthening Aon and uniting the firm with a portfolio of Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities enabled by data and analytics and a united operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity, and efficiency.

Financial Results

The following is a summary of our 2025 financial results:

•Revenue increased $1.5 billion, or 9%, to $17.2 billion, reflecting 6% organic revenue growth, driven by net new business and ongoing strong retention and acquired revenues from NFP. Risk Capital revenue increased $773 million, or 7%, to $11.3 billion and Human Capital revenue increased $698 million, or 13%, to $5.9 billion in 2025 compared to 2024.

•Operating expenses increased $1.0 billion, or 8%, to $12.8 billion in 2025 due primarily to the inclusion of NFP’s operating expenses and an increase in expenses associated with 6% organic revenue growth, partially offset by $160 million of additional net restructuring savings and lower NFP transaction- and integration-related expense. Risk Capital operating expenses increased $629 million, or 9%, to $7.9 billion and Human Capital operating expenses increased $431 million, or 11%, to $4.5 billion in 2025 compared to 2024.

•Operating margin increased to 25.3% in 2025 from 24.4% in 2024, driven primarily by organic revenue growth of 6% and $160 million of net restructuring savings, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses as previously described, the addition of NFP and lower fiduciary investment income. Risk Capital operating margin decreased to 30.4% in 2025 from 31.3% in 2024 and Human Capital operating margin increased to 23.9% in 2025 from 21.9% in 2024.

•Due to the factors set forth above, as well as the $1.2 billion gain from the disposal of the NFP Wealth business, net income was $3.8 billion in 2025, an increase of $1.0 billion, or 38%, from 2024.

•Diluted earnings per share was $17.02 per share in 2025 compared to $12.49 per share in the prior year period.

•Cash flows provided by operating activities was $3.5 billion in 2025, an increase of $446 million, or 15%, from $3.0 billion in 2024, due primarily to strong adjusted operating income growth and lower NFP-related transaction costs, partially offset by working capital headwinds.

We focus on four key metrics that are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which we communicate to shareholders: organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow. These non-GAAP metrics should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics for 2025:

•Organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Organic Revenue Growth,” was 6% in both 2025 and 2024, driven by net new business and ongoing strong retention, as well as positive net market impact.

•Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Operating Margin,” was 32.4% in 2025, compared to 31.5% in the prior year. The increase in adjusted operating margin primarily reflects organic revenue growth of 6%, $160 million of additional net restructuring savings and a decrease in incentive compensation, partially offset by the addition of NFP, an increase in operating expenses as previously described and lower fiduciary investment income. Risk Capital adjusted operating margin decreased to 34.3% in 2025 from 34.6% in 2024 and Human Capital adjusted operating margin increased to 32.2% in 2025 from 29.5% in 2024.

•Adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share,” was $17.07 per share in 2025, an increase of $1.47 per share, or 9%, from $15.60 per share in 2024.

•Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Free Cash Flow,” was $3.2 billion in 2025, an increase of $401 million, or 14%, from $2.8 billion in 2024, reflecting an increase in cash flows from operations, partially offset by a $45 million increase in capital expenditures.

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REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Summary of Results

Our consolidated results are as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
202520242023
Revenue
Total revenue$17,181$15,698$13,376
Expenses
Compensation and benefits8,9858,2836,902
Information technology568539534
Premises337325294
Depreciation of fixed assets188183167
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets77850389
Other general expense1,6161,6411,470
Accelerating Aon United Program expenses365389135
Total operating expenses12,83711,8639,591
Operating income4,3443,8353,785
Interest income196731
Interest expense(815)(788)(484)
Other income (expense)1,211348(163)
Income before income taxes4,7593,4623,169
Income tax expense1,009742541
Net income3,7502,7202,628
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests556664
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$3,695$2,654$2,564
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$17.02$12.49$12.51
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted217.1212.5205.0

Our segment results are as follows (in millions):

Twelve Months Ended December 31,
Risk CapitalHuman CapitalCorporate/Eliminations (1)Total Consolidated
20252024202520242025202420252024
Revenue
Total revenue$11,290$10,517$5,907$5,209$(16)$(28)$17,181$15,698
Expenses
Compensation and benefits5,8325,4173,0602,739931278,9858,283
Information technology372368186168103568539
Premises2162151161105337325
Other expenses (2)1,4341,2251,1351,0493784422,9472,716
Total operating expenses7,8547,2254,4974,06648657212,83711,863
Operating income$3,436$3,292$1,410$1,143$(502)$(600)$4,344$3,835
Operating margin30.4%31.3%23.9%21.9%25.3%24.4%

(1)Segment expenses exclude governance costs, post-retirement benefits, and other costs that are not directly attributable to a specific segment.

(2)Includes expenses related to depreciation of fixed assets, amortization and impairment of intangible assets, Accelerating Aon United Program expenses, and other general expenses.

Refer to “Non-GAAP Metrics” below for a reconciliation of segment operating margin to segment adjusted operating margin.

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Consolidated and Segment Results for 2025 Compared to 2024

Revenue

Total revenue increased $1.5 billion, or 9%, to $17.2 billion in 2025, compared to $15.7 billion in 2024, reflecting 6% organic revenue growth, acquired revenues from NFP, and a favorable impact from foreign currency translation. Risk Capital revenue increased $773 million, or 7%, to $11.3 billion and Human Capital revenue increased $698 million, or 13%, to $5.9 billion.

Risk Capital

Commercial Risk Solutions revenue increased $636 million, or 8%, to $8.5 billion in 2025, compared to $7.9 billion in 2024. Organic revenue growth was 6% in 2025, reflecting strong growth in North America and EMEA, driven by net new business and ongoing strong retention. Performance was highlighted by strong growth in U.S. core P&C and double-digit increases in M&A services and construction. Market impact was modestly positive.

Reinsurance Solutions revenue increased $137 million, or 5%, to $2.8 billion in 2025, compared to $2.7 billion in 2024. Organic revenue growth was 6% in 2025, reflecting growth in treaty, driven by net new business and strong retention, strength in facultative placements, and double-digit growth in insurance-linked securities. Results were partially offset by slightly unfavorable market impact in the year.

Human Capital

Health Solutions revenue increased $504 million, or 15%, to $3.8 billion in 2025, compared to $3.3 billion in 2024. Organic revenue growth was 5% in 2025, reflecting strong growth globally in core health and benefits brokerage, driven by net new business and ongoing strong retention.

Wealth Solutions revenue increased $194 million, or 10%, to $2.1 billion in 2025, compared to $1.9 billion in 2024. Organic revenue growth was 5% in 2025 reflecting growth in both Investments and Retirement. Growth in Investments was driven by net asset inflows and market performance and includes the impact of strong organic revenue growth from the divested NFP Wealth business, as defined in Liquidity and Financial Condition, until classified as held for sale in September 2025. Growth in Retirement was driven by continued strong demand for advisory work in the UK and EMEA related to the ongoing impact of regulatory change.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits increased $702 million, or 8%, in 2025 compared to 2024. The increase was primarily driven by the inclusion of operating expenses from NFP and an increase in expenses associated with 6% organic revenue growth, partially offset by savings from Accelerating Aon United restructuring actions.

Information Technology

Information technology, which represents costs associated with supporting and maintaining our infrastructure, increased $29 million, or 5%, in 2025 compared to 2024. The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of ongoing operating expenses from NFP and an increase in expenses associated with 6% organic revenue growth, partially offset by savings from Accelerating Aon United restructuring actions.

Premises

Premises, which represents the cost of occupying offices in various locations throughout the world, increased $12 million, or 4%, in 2025 compared to 2024 due primarily to the inclusion of operating expenses from NFP, partially offset by savings from Accelerating Aon United restructuring actions.

Depreciation of Fixed Assets

Depreciation of fixed assets primarily relates to software, computer equipment, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, buildings, and vehicles. Depreciation of fixed assets increased $5 million, or 3%, in 2025 compared to 2024, due primarily to an increase in fixed assets acquired from NFP.

Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets

Amortization and impairment of intangibles primarily relates to finite-lived customer-related and contract-based tradename assets, and technology. Amortization and impairment of intangibles increased $275 million, or 55%, in 2025 compared to 2024 due primarily to an increase in intangible assets acquired from NFP.

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Other General Expenses

Other general expenses decreased $25 million, or 2%, in 2025 compared to 2024. The decrease was due primarily to lower transaction- and integration-related expenses and non-recurring gains including sales of portfolios, partially offset by the inclusion of operating expenses from NFP.

Accelerating Aon United Program Expenses

Accelerating Aon United Program expenses were $365 million in 2025 compared to $389 million in 2024, reflecting restructuring charges associated with the AAU Program announced in the third quarter of 2023, relating to workforce optimization, technology and other costs, and asset impairments.

Total Operating Expenses and Operating Income

Total operating expenses increased $1.0 billion, or 8%, to $12.8 billion in 2025, due primarily to the inclusion of NFP’s operating expenses and an increase in expenses associated with 6% organic revenue growth, partially offset by $160 million of net restructuring savings and lower NFP transaction- and integration-related expense. Due to the factors impacting revenue and operating expenses set forth above, total operating income increased $509 million, or 13%, to $4.3 billion in 2025.

Risk Capital total operating expenses increased $629 million, or 9% to $7.9 billion in 2025. The increase was primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits and an increase in other expenses. The increase in compensation and benefits is due to the inclusion of operating expenses from NFP and an increase in expenses associated with 6% organic revenue growth in both Commercial Risk Solutions and Reinsurance Solutions, partially offset by restructuring savings. The increase in other expenses is primarily due to increased amortization and impairment of intangible assets acquired from NFP. Due to the factors set forth above, Risk Capital operating income increased $144 million, or 4%, to $3.4 billion in 2025.

Human Capital total operating expenses increased $431 million, or 11% to $4.5 billion in 2025. The increase was primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits and an increase in other expenses. The increase in compensation and benefits is due to the inclusion of operating expenses from NFP and an increase in expenses associated with 5% organic revenue growth in both Health Solutions and Wealth Solutions. The increase in other expenses is primarily due to increased amortization and impairment of intangible assets acquired from NFP. Due to the factors set forth above, Human Capital operating income increased $267 million, or 23%, to $1.4 billion in 2025.

Interest Income

Interest income represents income earned, net of expense, on operating cash balances and other income-producing investments. It does not include interest earned on funds held on behalf of clients. If interest expense on these assets exceeds interest income for the period, the net amount is reported as interest expense for both the quarterly and year-to-date periods. Interest income was $19 million in 2025, a decrease of $48 million, or 72%, from 2024, primarily reflecting interest earned on the investment of $5 billion of term debt proceeds in 2024, which were ultimately used to fund the acquisition of NFP.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, which represents the cost of our debt obligations and net interest expense on operating cash balances and other income-producing investments, was $815 million in 2025, an increase of $27 million, or 3%, from 2024. The increase was driven primarily by an increase in average total debt outstanding.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income was $1.2 billion in 2025, compared to other income of $348 million in 2024. The increase was primarily due to gain on the sale of businesses, particularly the NFP Wealth business sold in the fourth quarter.

Income before Income Taxes

Income before income taxes increased $1.3 billion, or 37% to $4.8 billion in 2025, compared to $3.5 billion in the prior year.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate on net income was 21.2% in 2025 and 21.4% in 2024.

The 2025 tax rate was driven by the geographical distribution of income, including an unfavorable impact from the gain on sale of a business. In addition, the tax rate was impacted by certain discrete items, including the tax benefit associated with the sale of certain assets and liabilities and share-based payments partially offset by the unfavorable impact of other discrete items.

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The 2024 tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items, including the favorable impacts of share-based payments and the unfavorable impact of other discrete items.

Ireland, the U.K., Singapore, and many E.U. member states, among others, have enacted legislation to implement the global minimum tax that is generally consistent with the OECD’s proposed Pillar Two tax regime. There remains significant uncertainty, however, as to how Pillar Two applies to the Company in prior years and how its application may change in future years. The OECD has issued numerous guidance documents attempting to change how Pillar Two operates, subject to enactment by each implementing country, and the OECD may issue additional guidance in the future. The Company is actively monitoring developments in this area and continues to evaluate the guidance and the potential impacts this may have on its global effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition in 2026 and future periods.

Net Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders increased $1.0 billion to $3.7 billion, or $17.02 per diluted share, in 2025, compared to $2.7 billion, or $12.49 per diluted share, in 2024.

Consolidated Results for 2024 Compared to 2023

We have elected not to include a discussion of our consolidated results for 2024 compared to 2023 in this report in reliance upon Instruction 1 to Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K. This discussion can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 18, 2025.

Non-GAAP Metrics

In our discussion of consolidated results, we sometimes refer to certain non-GAAP supplemental information derived from consolidated financial information specifically related to organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted net income attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted net income per share, adjusted other income (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, free cash flow, and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating results. Management believes that these measures are important to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons and that this supplemental information is helpful to investors. Management also uses these measures to assess operating performance and performance for compensation. This non-GAAP supplemental information should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Organic Revenue Growth

We use supplemental information related to organic revenue growth to help us and our investors evaluate business growth from ongoing operations. Organic revenue growth is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact of certain intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions (provided that organic revenue growth includes organic growth of an acquired business as calculated assuming that the acquired business was part of the combined company for the same proportion of the relevant prior year period), divestitures (including held for sale disposal groups, which are adjusted from organic revenue growth upon classification as held for sale, if any), transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges. This supplemental information related to organic revenue growth represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, Total revenue in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Industry peers provide similar supplemental information about their revenue performance, although they may not make identical adjustments. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported Total revenue is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(millions)20252024% ChangeLess: Currency Impact (1)Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & OtherOrganic Revenue Growth (3)
Risk Capital Revenue:
Commercial Risk Solutions$8,497$7,8618%1%—%1%6%
Reinsurance Solutions2,7932,6565(1)6
Human Capital Revenue:
Health Solutions3,8393,33515105
Wealth Solutions2,0681,87410145
Eliminations(16)(28)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total revenue$17,181$15,6989%1%—%2%6%

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Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(millions)20242023% ChangeLess: Currency Impact (1)Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & OtherOrganic Revenue Growth (3)
Risk Capital Revenue:
Commercial Risk Solutions$7,861$7,04312%—%—%7%5%
Reinsurance Solutions2,6562,48171(1)7
Human Capital Revenue:
Health Solutions3,3352,43337316
Wealth Solutions1,8741,431311237
Eliminations(28)(12)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total revenue$15,698$13,37617%—%—%11%6%

(1)Currency impact represents the effect on prior year period results if they were translated at current period foreign exchange rates.

(2)Fiduciary investment income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $271 million, $315 million, and $274 million, respectively.

(3)Organic revenue growth includes the impact of certain intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions (provided that organic revenue growth includes organic growth of an acquired business as calculated assuming that the acquired business was part of the combined company for the same proportion of the relevant prior-year period), divestitures (including held for sale disposal groups, which are adjusted from Organic revenue growth upon classification as held for sale, if any), transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges.

Adjusted Operating Margin

We use adjusted operating margin as a non-GAAP measure of core operating performance of the Company. Adjusted operating margin excludes the impact of certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses are the best indicators of our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to adjusted operating margin represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported operating margin is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Twelve Months Ended December 31,
Risk CapitalHuman CapitalCorporate/Eliminations (1)Total Consolidated
(millions, except percentages)20252024202520242025202420252024
Revenue$11,290$10,517$5,907$5,209$(16)$(28)$17,181$15,698
Operating income$3,436$3,292$1,410$1,143$(502)$(600)$4,344$3,835
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets354211424292778503
Change in the fair value of contingent consideration622212227
Accelerating Aon United Program expenses (2)821141627267248365389
Legal settlements (3)(23)(23)
Transaction and integration costs (4)(5)221233532212077185
Adjusted operating income$3,871$3,635$1,905$1,536$(213)$(232)$5,563$4,939
Operating margin30.4%31.3%23.9%21.9%25.3%24.4%
Adjusted operating margin34.3%34.6%32.2%29.5%32.4%31.5%

(1)Segment expenses exclude governance costs, post-retirement benefits, and other costs that are not directly attributable to a specific segment.

(2)Total charges are expected to include technology-related costs to facilitate streamlining and simplifying operations, headcount reduction costs, and costs associated with asset impairments, including real estate consolidation costs.

(3)In the fourth quarter of 2023, Aon recognized a $197 million charge in connection with transactions for which capital was arranged by a third party, Vesttoo Ltd., and in the third quarter of 2025, certain legal settlement expenses and recoveries were recognized resulting in a $23 million reduction of expense within the Risk Capital segment.

(4)Transaction costs include advisory, legal, accounting, regulatory, and other professional or consulting fees required to complete the NFP Transaction. No transaction costs were recognized for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, $90 million of transaction costs were recognized in Total operating expenses and $6 million were recognized in Other income (expense) related to the extinguishment of acquired NFP debt.

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(5)The NFP Transaction has and will continue to result in certain non-recurring integration costs associated with colleague severance, retention bonus awards, termination of redundant third-party agreements, costs associated with legal entity rationalization, and professional or consulting fees related to alignment of management processes and controls, as well as costs associated with the assessment of NFP information technology environment and security protocols. Aon incurred $77 million and $95 million of integration costs in the twelve months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Risk Capital adjusted operating income increased $236 million, or 6%, to $3.9 billion in 2025. The increase was primarily due to organic revenue growth of 6% in both Commercial Risk Solutions and Reinsurance Solutions and the impact of acquisitions, including NFP, partially offset by increased expenses, including the inclusion of ongoing operating expenses from NFP. Human Capital adjusted operating income increased $369 million, or 24%, to $1.9 billion in 2025. The increase was primarily due to the impact of organic revenue growth of 5% in both Health Solutions and Wealth Solutions and the impact of acquisitions, including NFP, partially offset by increased expenses, including the inclusion of ongoing operating expenses from NFP.

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share

We use adjusted diluted earnings per share as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses are the best indicators of our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to adjusted diluted earnings per share represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to reported diluted earnings per share is as follows (in millions, except per share data and percentages):

Year Ended December 31, 2025
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$4,344$1,219$5,563
Interest income1919
Interest expense(815)(815)
Other income (expense) (1)(2)(3)1,211(1,307)(96)
Income before income taxes4,759(88)4,671
Income tax expense (4)1,009(99)910
Net income3,750113,761
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests5555
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$3,695$11$3,706
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$17.02$0.05$17.07
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted217.1217.1
Effective tax rates (4)21.2%19.5%
Year Ended December 31, 2024
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$3,835$1,104$4,939
Interest income6767
Interest expense(788)(788)
Other income (expense) (1)(2)(3)(5)348(335)13
Income before income taxes3,4627694,231
Income tax expense (4)742107849
Net income2,7206623,382
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests6666
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$2,654$662$3,316
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$12.49$3.11$15.60
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted212.5212.5
Effective tax rates (4)21.4%20.1%

(1)For the twelve months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, Other income was $1,211 million and $348 million, respectively. Adjusted other expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025 was $96 million compared to Adjusted other income of $13 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

(2)Adjusted other income (expense) excluded gains related to deferred consideration from the affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. and the other designated purchasers related to a divestiture completed in a prior year period. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company recognized gains of $108 million and $84 million, respectively.

(3)Adjusted other income (expense) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025 excluded gains from the disposal of NFP Wealth business totaling $1,199 million. Adjusted other income (expense) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 excluded gains from disposal of $257 million related to the sale of a business.

(4)Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, certain legal settlements, Accelerating Aon United Program expenses, certain transaction and integration costs related to the acquisition of NFP, certain gains from dispositions, and deferred consideration from a prior-year sale of business, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate. The tax adjustment also excludes interest accruals for income tax reserves related to the termination fee payment made in connection with the Company’s terminated proposed combination with Willis Towers Watson.

(5)Adjusted other income (expense) excluded $6 million of debt extinguishment charges related to the repayment of NFP debt, which is considered a transaction related cost incurred in the second quarter of 2024.

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Free Cash Flow

We use free cash flow, defined as cash flows provided by operations less capital expenditures, as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance and cash generating capabilities of our business operations. This supplemental information related to free cash flow represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, cash provided by operating activities in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes the supplemental information related to free cash flow is helpful to investors when evaluating our operating performance and liquidity results. The use of this non-GAAP measure does not imply or represent the residual cash flow for discretionary expenditures. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported Cash provided by operating activities is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20252024
Cash provided by operating activities$3,481$3,035
Capital expenditures(263)(218)
Free cash flow$3,218$2,817

Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations

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

Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.03 on net income per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2025 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.11 on net income per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2024, if 2023 results were translated at 2024 rates.

Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.01 on adjusted diluted earnings per share during the year ended December 31, 2025 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.12 on adjusted diluted earnings per share during the year ended December 31, 2024, if 2023 results were translated at 2024 rates. These translations are performed for comparative and illustrative purposes only and do not impact the accounting policies or practices for amounts included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity

Executive Summary

We believe that our balance sheet and strong cash flow provide us with adequate liquidity. Our primary sources of liquidity in the near-term include cash flows provided by operations and available cash reserves; primary sources of liquidity in the long-term include cash flows provided by operations, debt capacity available under our credit facilities, and capital markets. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and investments, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases, pension obligations, shareholder dividends, and Accelerating Aon United Program cash charges. We believe that cash flows from operations, available credit facilities, available cash reserves, and the capital markets will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including principal and interest payments on debt obligations, capital expenditures, pension contributions, and anticipated working capital requirements in the next twelve months and over the long-term.

Cash on our balance sheet includes funds available for general corporate purposes, as well as amounts restricted as to their use. Funds held on behalf of clients in a fiduciary capacity are segregated and shown together with uncollected insurance premiums in Fiduciary assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, with a corresponding amount in Fiduciary liabilities.

In our capacity as an insurance broker or agent, we collect premiums from insureds and, after deducting our commission, remit the premiums to the respective insurance underwriters. We also collect claims or refunds from underwriters on behalf of insureds, which are then returned to the insureds. Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held by us in a fiduciary capacity. The levels of funds held on behalf of clients and liabilities can fluctuate significantly depending on when we collect the premiums, claims, and refunds, make payments to underwriters and insureds, and collect funds from clients and make payments on their behalf, and upon the impact of foreign currency movements. Funds held on behalf of clients, because of their nature, are generally invested in highly liquid securities with highly rated, credit-worthy financial institutions. Fiduciary assets include funds held on behalf of clients of $7.4 billion and $7.2 billion at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and fiduciary receivables of $10.5 billion and $10.3 billion at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. While we earn investment income on the funds held in cash and money market funds, the funds cannot be used for general corporate purposes.

We maintain multi-currency cash pools with third-party banks in which various Aon entities participate. Individual Aon entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall global balance does not fall below zero. At December 31, 2025, some Aon entities had negative cash balances; however, the overall balance was positive. Entities with a negative cash pool position incur interest expense, while those with a positive position earn interest income. Interest rates are determined by local market conditions and vary by currency. For the period, if interest expense on negative cash pool balances exceeds interest income associated with positive cash pool balances, as well as other income-producing assets, the net amount is reported as interest expense for both the quarterly and year-to-date periods.

The following table summarizes our Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments, and Fiduciary assets as of December 31, 2025 (in millions):

Statement of Financial Position Classification
Asset TypeCash and Cash EquivalentsShort-term InvestmentsFiduciary AssetsTotal
Certificates of deposit, bank deposits, or time deposits$1,195$$3,983$5,178
Money market funds1,6033,3954,998
Cash, Short-term investments, and funds held on behalf of clients1,1951,603$7,37810,176
Fiduciary receivables10,51110,511
Total$1,195$1,603$17,889$20,687

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Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients increased $240 million in 2025 compared to 2024. A summary of our cash flows provided by and used for operating, investing, and financing activities is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20252024
Cash provided by operating activities$3,481$3,035
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities$286$(2,833)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities$(4,205)$796
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$678$(387)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$240$611

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2025 was $3.5 billion, an increase of $446 million compared to $3.0 billion of Cash flows provided by operating activities in the prior year. This amount represents Net income reported, generally adjusted for gains from sales of businesses, losses from sales of businesses, share-based compensation expense, depreciation expense, amortization and impairments, and other non-cash income and expenses, including pension settlement charges. Adjustments also include changes in working capital, that relate primarily to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities, collection of receivables, and payments for Accelerating Aon United Program expenses.

Pension Contributions

Pension contributions were $99 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. In 2026, we expect to contribute approximately $93 million in cash to our pension plans, including contributions to non-U.S. pension plans, which are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Accelerating Aon United Program Expenses

In the third quarter of 2023, we initiated a three-year restructuring program called Accelerating Aon United Program (the “Program” or the “AAU Program”) with the purpose of streamlining our technology infrastructure, optimizing our leadership structure and resource alignment, and reducing the real estate footprint to align to our hybrid working strategy. The Program includes technology-related costs to facilitate streamlining and simplifying operations, headcount reduction costs, and costs associated with asset impairments, including real estate consolidation and technology costs.

Program charges are recognized within the Program’s expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and consist of the following cost activities:

•Technology and other – includes costs associated with actions taken to rationalize certain applications and to optimize technology across the Company. These costs may include contract termination fees and other non-capitalizable costs associated with Program initiatives, which include professional service fees.

•Workforce optimization – includes costs associated with headcount reduction and other separation-related costs.

•Asset impairments – includes non-cash costs associated with impairment of assets, as they are identified, including ROU lease assets, leasehold improvements, and other capitalized assets no longer providing economic benefit.

The changes in the Company’s liabilities for the Program as of December 31, 2025 are as follows (in millions):

Technology and otherWorkforce optimizationAsset impairmentsTotal
Liability Balance as of December 31, 2024$17$97$$114
Charges19515515365
Cash payments(165)(132)(297)
Foreign currency translation and other66
Non-cash charges(8)(18)(15)(41)
Liability balance as of December 31, 2025$39$108$$147
Total costs incurred from inception to date$335$455$99$889

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In the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company increased the expected Program cumulative costs from $1.0 billion to $1.3 billion, where total costs will consist of approximately $1.2 billion of cash charges and approximately $0.1 billion of non-cash charges. Our Risk Capital segment is expected to incur approximately $300 million of charges, while our Human Capital segment is expected to incur approximately $80 million of charges, with the remaining charges relating to corporate expenses. The Program is estimated to generate annualized expense savings of approximately $450 million by the end of 2027, largely benefiting Compensation and benefits, Information technology, and Premises on the Consolidated Statements of Income. For the year ended December 31, 2025, total Program costs incurred were $365 million. The Company expects to continue to review the implementation of elements of the Program throughout the course of the Program and, therefore, there may be changes to expected timing, estimates of expected costs and related savings. As a result of Program actions taken, the Company realized an additional $160 million of annualized expense savings in 2025, resulting in $270 million of cumulative, annualized expense savings since the beginning of the Program, the majority of which were recognized within Compensation and benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Investing Activities

Cash flows provided by investing activities were $286 million during the year ended December 31, 2025, an increase of $3.1 billion compared to $2.8 billion of Cash flows used for investing activities in the prior year period. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows used for investing activities are acquisition of businesses, purchases of short-term investments, capital expenditures, and payments for investments. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows provided by investing activities are sales of businesses, including collection of deferred consideration in connection with prior year business divestitures, sales of short-term investments, and proceeds from investments. The gains and losses corresponding to cash flows provided by proceeds from investments and used for payments for investments are primarily recognized in Other income (expense) in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments increased $1.4 billion to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024, primarily reflecting the investment of proceeds from the sale of the NFP Wealth business. The majority of our investments carried at fair value are money market funds. These money market funds are held throughout the world with various financial institutions. We are not aware of any market liquidity issues that would materially impact the fair value of these investments.

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses

Total acquisitions completed by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows. Acquisitions that impact multiple segments are categorized by the segment primarily impacted.

For the Year Ended December 3120252024
Risk Capital1010
Human Capital812
Total1822

For the year ended December 31, 2025, cash consideration, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients acquired, was $394 million, which relates to cash consideration paid in 2025 for current year acquisitions. Due to the timing of the acquisition, the majority of cash consideration for the Griffiths & Armour acquisition, completed in the first quarter of 2025, was recognized as a cash outflow in the fourth quarter of 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2024, cash consideration, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients acquired, was $3.5 billion, which includes $4 million related to acquisitions completed in 2023.

On October 30, 2025, Aon completed the sale of a significant majority of NFP’s wealth businesses including Wealthspire Advisors, Fiducient Advisors, Newport Private Wealth and related platforms (the “NFP Wealth business”) to Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC. The disposed business was within our Human Capital segment. Total cash proceeds received on closing was $2.3 billion, and a pre-tax gain of $1.2 billion was recognized within Other income (expense) on the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2025. The major classes of assets sold included Intangible assets, net of $760 million and Goodwill of $398 million.

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Including the disposition of the NFP Wealth business, total dispositions completed by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows. Dispositions that impact multiple segments are categorized by the segment primarily impacted.

For the Year Ended December 3120252024
Risk Capital13
Human Capital32
Total45

For the year ended December 31, 2025, cash consideration for dispositions, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients, was $2.3 billion.

Capital Expenditures

Our additions to fixed assets including capitalized software amounted to $263 million in 2025 and $218 million in 2024, which primarily relate to new build out and the refurbishing of office facilities, software development costs, and computer equipment purchases. In the current period, we continue to support certain technology projects to drive long-term growth and real estate projects to align with our Smart Working strategy, including projects related to our AAU restructuring program.

Financing Activities

Cash flows used for financing activities were $4.2 billion during the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $796 million of Cash flows provided by financing activities in the prior year period. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flow provided by financing activities are issuances of debt, changes in net fiduciary liabilities, and proceeds from issuance of shares. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows used for financing activities are repayments of debt, share repurchases, cash paid for employee taxes on withholding shares, dividends paid to shareholders, transactions with noncontrolling interests, and other financing activities, such as certain payments for deferred and contingent consideration in connection with prior year business acquisitions.

Share Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases, and was increased by $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014, June 2017, and November 2020, and by $7.5 billion in February 2022 for a total of $27.5 billion in repurchase authorizations.

The following table summarizes our share repurchase activity (in millions, except per share data):

Years Ended December 31
20252024
Shares repurchased2.73.1
Average price per share$365.91$325.56
Repurchase costs recorded to accumulated deficit$1,000$1,000

At December 31, 2025, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the Repurchase Program was approximately $1.3 billion. Under the Repurchase Program, we have repurchased a total of 174.9 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $26.2 billion.

Borrowings

In May 2025, Aon Global Limited’s €500 million ($589 million at December 31, 2025 exchange rates) 2.875% Senior Notes due May 2026 were classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as the date of maturity is in less than one year. On January 15, 2026, Aon Global Limited issued an irrevocable notice of redemption to holders of its 2.875% Senior Notes for the redemption of all €500 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of the notes, which were set to mature in May 2026, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The notes will be redeemed in full on February 14, 2026.

In December 2025, Aon Global Limited’s $750 million 3.875% Senior Notes matured and were repaid in full. As of December 31, 2024, the notes were classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

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On April 25, 2024, Aon North America, Inc. drew its $2 billion delayed draw term loan and used proceeds, together with the proceeds of the notes issued on March 1, 2024 described below, to pay a portion of cash consideration in connection with the acquisition of NFP, completed on April 25, 2024, to repay certain debt of NFP, and to pay related fees and expenses. As of December 31, 2025, the term loan was paid in full.

On April 2, 2024, Aon plc announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Randolph Acquisition Corp., commenced cash tender offers for any and all of the outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes due 2028, 4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, 7.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 and 8.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2031, each issued by NFP Corp. (together, the “NFP Notes”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated as of April 2, 2024. The total amount tendered pursuant to the tender offers was approximately $3.3 billion, excluding premiums. On April 26, 2024, Randolph Acquisition Corp. purchased those NFP Notes that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to April 15, 2024, effecting the early settlement of the offers (the “Early Settlement”). In addition, on April 16, 2024, NFP Corp. delivered notices of redemption of all NFP Notes not validly tendered pursuant to the offers and purchased at the Early Settlement, at a purchase price equal to the price paid to holders of the NFP Notes in connection with the Early Settlement, with a redemption date of April 26, 2024. As a result of the Early Settlement of the offers and the related redemption which occurred on April 26, 2024, no NFP Notes remain outstanding. Aon plc incurred $6 million of debt extinguishment charges for the year ended December 31, 2024 related to costs related to the NFP Transaction.

On March 1, 2024, Aon North America, Inc. issued $600 million 5.125% Senior Notes due in March 2027, $1 billion 5.150% Senior Notes due in March 2029, $650 million 5.300% Senior Notes due in March 2031, $1.75 billion 5.450% Senior Notes due in March 2034, and $2 billion 5.750% Senior Notes due in March 2054, totaling to an aggregate amount of $6 billion. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including a portion of which was used to pay a portion of the cash consideration in connection with the acquisition of NFP, to repay certain debt of NFP and to pay related fees and expenses.

Aon Corporation has established a U.S. commercial paper program (the “U.S. Program”) and Aon Global Holdings plc has established a European multi-currency commercial paper program (the “European Program” and, together with the U.S. Program, the “Commercial Paper Programs”). Commercial paper may be issued in aggregate principal amounts of up to approximately $1.3 billion under the U.S. Program and €625 million ($736 million at December 31, 2025 exchange rates) under the European Program, not to exceed the amount of our committed credit facilities, which was $2.0 billion at December 31, 2025. The aggregate capacity of the Commercial Paper Programs remain fully backed by our committed credit facilities. Commercial paper activity during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20252024
Total issuances (1)$4,678$1,871
Total repayments(4,702)(2,462)
Net issuances (repayments)$(24)$(591)

(1) The proceeds of the commercial paper issuances were used primarily for short-term working capital needs.

Other Liquidity Matters

Distributable Profits

We are required under Irish law to have available “distributable profits” to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable profits are created through the earnings of the Irish parent company and, among other methods, through intercompany dividends or a reduction in share capital approved by the High Court of Ireland. Distributable profits are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g., Accumulated deficit). As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we had distributable profits in excess of $30.1 billion and $29.7 billion, respectively. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable profits for the foreseeable future.

Revolving Credit Facilities

We expect cash generated by operations for the near-term to be sufficient to service our debt and contractual obligations, finance capital expenditures, and continue to pay dividends to our shareholders. Although cash from operations is expected to be sufficient to service these activities, we have the ability to access the commercial paper markets or borrow under our credit facilities to accommodate any timing differences in cash flows. Additionally, under current market conditions, we believe that we could access capital markets to obtain debt financing for longer-term funding, if needed.

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As of December 31, 2025, we had two primary committed credit facilities outstanding: our $1.0 billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in September 2027 and our $1.0 billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in October 2028. In aggregate, these two facilities provide $2.0 billion in available credit.

Each of these primary committed credit facilities includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including financial covenants that require us to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA, in each case, tested quarterly. We did not have borrowings under either of these primary committed credit facilities as of December 31, 2025. Additionally, we are in compliance with the financial covenants and all other covenants contained therein during the rolling year ended December 31, 2025.

Shelf Registration Statement

On June 22, 2023, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC, registering the offer and sale from time to time of an indeterminate amount of, among other securities, debt securities, preference shares, class A ordinary shares and convertible securities. Our ability to access the market as a source of liquidity is dependent on investor demand, market conditions, and other factors.

Rating Agency Ratings

The major rating agencies’ ratings of our debt at February 13, 2026 appear in the table below.

Ratings
Senior Long-term DebtCommercial PaperOutlook
Standard & Poor’sA-A-2Stable
Moody’s Investor ServicesBaa2P-2Positive
Fitch, Inc.BBB+F-2Stable

In the fourth quarter of 2025, S&P’s Global Ratings changed our ‘A-’ outlook to Stable, as compared to a Negative outlook, and Moody’s Investor Services changed our ‘Baa2’ outlook to Positive, as compared to a Stable outlook at February 18, 2025 as reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees

We have entered into a number of arrangements whereby our performance on certain obligations is guaranteed by a third party through the issuance of a letter of credit. We had total LOCs outstanding of approximately $124 million at December 31, 2025, compared to $124 million at December 31, 2024. These LOCs cover the beneficiaries related to certain of our U.S. and Canadian secure non-qualified pension plan schemes, reinsurance obligations related to our own E&O liability insurance program, and secure deductible retentions for our own workers’ compensation program. We also have obtained LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at our international subsidiaries.

We have certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $196 million at December 31, 2025, compared to $162 million at December 31, 2024.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2025 are comprised of principal payments on debt, interest payments on debt, operating leases, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and purchase obligations.

Operating leases are primarily comprised of leased office space throughout the world. As leases expire, we do not anticipate difficulty in negotiating renewals or finding other satisfactory space if the premise becomes unavailable. In certain circumstances, we may have unused space and may seek to sublet such space to third parties, depending upon the demands for office space in the locations involved. As part of our AAU restructuring program, we are reducing our real estate footprint to align with our hybrid working strategy. Refer to Note 9 “Lease Commitments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information.

Pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations include estimates of our minimum funding requirements pursuant to the ERISA and other regulations, as well as minimum funding requirements agreed with the trustees of our U.K. pension plans. Additional amounts may be agreed to with, or required by, the U.K. pension plan trustees. Nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are based on estimated future benefit payments. We may make additional discretionary

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contributions. Refer to Note 12 “Employee Benefits” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information.

Purchase obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods and services that are enforceable and legally binding on us, and that specify all significant terms, including the goods to be purchased or services to be rendered, the price at which the goods or services are to be rendered, and the timing of the transactions. Most of our purchase obligations are related to purchases of information technology services or other service contracts.

We had no other cash requirements from known contractual obligations and commitments that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Guarantee of Registered Securities

All issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation are guaranteed by Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Holdings plc, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Corporation Notes”):

Aon Corporation Notes
8.205% Junior Subordinated Notes due January 2027
4.500% Senior Notes due December 2028
3.750% Senior Notes due May 2029
2.800% Senior Notes due May 2030
6.250% Senior Notes due September 2040

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Holdings plc of the Aon Corporation Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of Aon Corporation. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Corporation Notes.

All issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Global Limited are guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Global Limited Notes”):

Aon Global Limited Notes
2.875% Senior Notes due May 2026
4.250% Senior Notes due December 2042
4.450% Senior Notes due May 2043
4.600% Senior Notes due June 2044
4.750% Senior Notes due May 2045

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation of the Aon Global Limited Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of Aon Global Limited. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Global Limited Notes.

All issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon North America, Inc. are guaranteed by Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon North America, Inc. Notes”):

Aon North America, Inc. Notes
5.125% Senior Notes due March 2027
5.150% Senior Notes due March 2029
5.300% Senior Notes due March 2031
5.450% Senior Notes due March 2034
5.750% Senior Notes due March 2054

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All guarantees of Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation of the Aon North America, Inc. Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of Aon North America, Inc. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon North America, Inc. Notes.

All co-issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc (together, the “Co-Issuers”) are guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Limited and include the following (collectively, the “Co-Issued Notes”):

Co-Issued Notes - Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc
2.850% Senior Notes due May 2027
2.050% Senior Notes due August 2031
2.600% Senior Notes due December 2031
5.000% Senior Notes due September 2032
5.350% Senior Notes due February 2033
2.900% Senior Notes due August 2051
3.900% Senior Notes due February 2052

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, and Aon North America, Inc. of the Co-Issued Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the Co-Issuers. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Co-Issued Notes.

Aon Corporation, Aon North America, Inc., Aon Global Limited, and Aon Global Holdings plc are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Aon plc. Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation together comprise the “Obligor group”. The following tables set forth summarized financial information for the Obligor group for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Adjustments are made to the tables to eliminate intercompany balances and transactions between the Obligor group. Intercompany balances and transactions between the Obligor group and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented as separate line items within the summarized financial information. These balances are presented on a net presentation basis, rather than a gross basis, as this better reflects the nature of the intercompany positions and presents the funding or funded position that is to be received or owed. No balances or transactions of non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented in the summarized financial information, including investments of the Obligor group in non-guarantor subsidiaries.

Obligor Group
Summarized Statement of Income Information
Year EndedDecember 31, 2025
Revenue$
Operating loss$(102)
Expense from non-guarantor subsidiaries before income taxes$(485)
Net loss$(1,351)
Net loss attributable to Aon shareholders$(1,351)

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Obligor Group
Summarized Statement of Financial Position Information
As ofDecember 31, 2025
Receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$1,617
Other current assets1,453
Total current assets$3,070
Non-current receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$261
Other non-current assets1,417
Total non-current assets$1,678
Payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$8,771
Other current liabilities5,939
Total current liabilities$14,710
Non-current payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$5,230
Other non-current liabilities16,081
Total non-current liabilities$21,311

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To prepare these financial statements, we make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect what we report as our assets and liabilities, what we disclose as contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.

In accordance with our policies, we regularly evaluate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments, including, but not limited to, those concerning revenue recognition, pensions, goodwill and other intangible assets, contingencies, share-based payments, income taxes, restructuring, and business combinations, and base our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on our historical experience and on factors we believe reasonable under the circumstances. The results involve judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. If our assumptions or conditions change, the actual results we report may differ from these estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments we use to prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when control of the promised services is transferred to the customer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements where control is transferred over time, an input or output method is applied that represents a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For arrangements that include variable consideration, we assess whether any amounts should be constrained. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, we allocate consideration based on their relative fair values.

Costs incurred in obtaining a contract are capitalized and amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, considering anticipated renewals when applicable. Certain contract-related costs, including pre-placement brokerage costs, are capitalized as a cost to fulfill and are amortized on a systematic basis consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, which is generally less than one year.

Risk Capital

Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For

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arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded net of allowances for estimated policy cancellations, which are determined based on an evaluation of historical and current cancellation data. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced near the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period.

Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, Strategy and Technology Group, and capital markets. Revenue primarily includes reinsurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the inception of the reinsurance period for certain reinsurance brokerage, or more commonly for treaty reinsurance arrangements, over the term of the arrangement in installments based on deposit or minimum premiums.

Human Capital

Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, consumer benefits, and talent advisory services. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. For brokerage commissions, revenue is predominantly recognized at the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using input or output methods to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various input or output measures, including units delivered or time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For Talent, revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time upon completion of the services. For arrangements recognized over time, revenue is based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation, including units delivered or time elapsed. Input and output measures utilized vary based on the arrangement but typically include reports provided or days elapsed. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period. Payment terms for other services vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.

Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting, pension administration and investments. Revenue recognized for these arrangements is predominantly recognized over the term of the arrangement using input or output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For consulting arrangements recognized over time, revenue will be recognized based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer, utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including units delivered or time elapsed. Fees paid by customers for consulting services are typically charged on an hourly, project or fixed-fee basis, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time incurred, days elapsed, or reports delivered. Revenue from time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements are recognized as services are performed using input or output measures to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including hours worked, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time and materials incurred. Revenue generated from our delegated investment business is generally earned as an agreed percentage based on AUM and, to a lesser extent, based on performance fees. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Payment terms vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.

Pensions

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans throughout the world. Our most significant plans are located in the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Canada, which are closed to new entrants. We have ceased crediting future benefits relating to salary and services for our U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plans to the extent statutorily permitted.

The service cost component of NPPC is reported in Compensation and benefits and all other components are reported in Other income (expense). We used a full-yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of NPPC for our major pension and other postretirement benefit plans; this was obtained by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.

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Recognition of Gains and Losses and Prior Service

Certain changes in the value of the obligation and in the value of plan assets, which may occur due to various factors such as changes in the discount rate and actuarial assumptions, actual demographic experience, and/or plan asset performance are not immediately recognized in net income. Such changes are recognized in Other comprehensive income and are amortized into net income as part of NPPC.

Unrecognized gains and losses that have been deferred in Other comprehensive income, as previously described, are amortized into expense as a component of NPPC based on the average life expectancy of the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plan members. We amortize any prior service expense or credits that arise as a result of plan changes over a period consistent with the amortization of gains and losses.

As of December 31, 2025, our pension plans have deferred losses that have not yet been recognized through income in the Consolidated Financial Statements. We amortize unrecognized actuarial losses outside of a corridor, which is defined as 10% of the greater of market-related value of plan assets or PBO. To the extent not offset by future gains, incremental amortization as calculated above will continue to affect future pension expense similarly until fully amortized.

The following table discloses our accumulated other comprehensive loss, the number of years over which we are amortizing the loss, and the estimated 2026 amortization of loss by country (in millions, except amortization period):

U.K.U.S.Other
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$1,941$1,304$467
Amortization period5 to 21 years5 to 23 years9 to 32 years
Estimated 2026 amortization of loss$83$44$15

The U.S. had no unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2025. The unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2025 was $48 million, and $(6) million for the U.K. and other plans, respectively.

For the U.S. pension plans, we use a market-related valuation of assets approach to determine the expected return on assets, which is a component of NPPC recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This approach recognizes 20% of any gains or losses in the current year’s value of market-related assets, with the remaining 80% spread over the next four years. As this approach recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets and therefore, our NPPC will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded. As of December 31, 2025, the market-related value of assets was $1.7 billion. We do not use the market-related valuation approach to determine the funded status of the U.S. plans recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Instead, we record and present the funded status in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position based on the fair value of the plan assets. As of December 31, 2025, the fair value of plan assets was $1.5 billion. Our non-U.S. plans use fair value to determine expected return on assets.

Rate of Return on Plan Assets and Asset Allocation

The following table summarizes the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for future pension expense as of December 31, 2025:

U.K.U.S.Other
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses5.84%7.33%4.85 - 5.40%

In determining the expected rate of return for the plan assets, we analyze investment community forecasts and current market conditions to develop expected returns for each of the asset classes used by the plans. In particular, we surveyed multiple third-party financial institutions and consultants to obtain long-term expected returns on each asset class, considered historical performance data by asset class over long periods, and weighted the expected returns for each asset class by target asset allocations of the plans.

The U.S. pension plan asset allocation is based on approved allocations following adopted investment guidelines. The investment policy for U.K. and other non-U.S. pension plans is generally determined by the plans’ trustees. Because there are several pension plans maintained in the U.K. and other non-U.S. categories, our target allocation presents a range of the target allocation of each plan. Target allocations are subject to change.

Impact of Changing Economic Assumptions

Changes in the discount rate and expected return on assets can have a material impact on pension obligations and pension expense.

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Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our PBO at December 31, 2025 (in millions):

Increase (decrease) in projected benefit obligation (1)25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
IncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(79)$83
U.S. plans$(46)$48
Other plans$(42)$44

(1)Increases to the PBO reflect increases to our pension obligations, while decreases in the PBO are recoveries toward fully-funded status. A change in the discount rate has an inverse relationship to the PBO.

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our estimated 2026 pension expense (in millions):

25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(1)$1
U.S. plans$1$(1)
Other plans$$

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our long-term rate of return on plan assets would have on our estimated 2026 pension expense (in millions):

25 BPS Change in Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(8)$8
U.S. plans$(4)$4
Other plans$(3)$3

Estimated Future Contributions

We estimate cash contributions of approximately $93 million to our pension plans in 2026 as compared with cash contributions of $99 million in 2025.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair market value of the net assets acquired. We classify our intangible assets acquired as either customer-related and contract-based, technology, tradenames or other intangibles.

Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter. We test more frequently if there are indicators of impairment or whenever business circumstances suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. These indicators may include a sustained significant decline in our share price and market capitalization, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, or a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, among others.

A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a “component”). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. An operating segment shall be deemed to be a reporting unit if all of its components are similar, if none of its components are a reporting unit, or if the segment comprises only a single component.

When evaluating these assets for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the goodwill impairment test becomes a quantitative analysis. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value limited to the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

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When determining the fair value of our reporting units, we use a DCF model based on our most current forecasts. We discount the related cash flow forecasts using the weighted average cost of capital method at the date of evaluation. Preparation of forecasts and selection of the discount rate for use in the DCF model involve significant judgments, and changes in these estimates could affect the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period. We also use market multiples which are obtained from quoted prices of comparable companies to corroborate our DCF model results. The combined estimated fair value of our reporting units from our DCF model often results in a premium over our market capitalization, commonly referred to as a control premium. We believe the implied control premium determined by our impairment analysis is reasonable based upon historic data of premiums paid on actual transactions within our industry.

During the year-ended December 31, 2025, we performed a qualitative impairment assessment at the reporting unit level which was defined as components of the Company’s operating segments. This assessment considered the factors described above, where we concluded that goodwill was not impaired.

We review intangible assets that are being amortized for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that an asset group’s carrying value may not be recoverable. If we are required to record impairment charges in the future, they could materially impact our results of operations.

Contingencies

We define a contingency as an existing condition that involves a degree of uncertainty as to a possible gain or loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Under U.S. GAAP, we are required to establish reserves for loss contingencies when the loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate its financial impact. We are required to assess the likelihood of material adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges or probability of losses. We determine the amount of reserves required, if any, for contingencies after carefully analyzing each individual item. The required reserves may change due to new developments in each issue. We do not recognize gain contingencies until all contingencies are resolved.

Share-Based Payments

Share-based compensation expense is generally measured based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the requisite service period for awards that we ultimately expect to vest. For purposes of measuring share-based compensation expense, we consider whether an adjustment to the observable market price is necessary to reflect material nonpublic information that is known to us at the time the award is granted. No adjustments were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, or 2023. We also estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on our actual experience to date and revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Restricted Share Units

RSUs are service-based awards for which we recognize the associated compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period where applicable.

Performance Share Awards

PSAs are performance-based awards for which vesting is dependent on the achievement of certain objectives. Such objectives may be made on a personal, group, or company level. We typically estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period.

Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period. The number of shares issued on the vesting date will vary depending on the actual performance objectives achieved, which are based on a fixed number of potential outcomes. We make assessments of future performance using subjective estimates, such as long-term plans. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions could have a material impact on the compensation expense recognized.

The largest plan is the LPP, which has a three-year performance period. As the percent of expected performance increases or decreases, the potential change in expense can go from 0% to 200% of the targeted total expense. The 2023 to 2025 performance period ended on December 31, 2025, the 2022 to 2024 performance period ended on December 31, 2024, and the 2021 to 2023 performance period ended on December 31, 2023. The LPP currently has two open performance periods: 2024 to 2026 and 2025 to 2027. A 10% upward adjustment in our estimated performance achievement percentage for both open performance periods would have increased our 2025 expense by approximately $9.1 million, while a 10% downward adjustment would have decreased our expense by approximately $9.1 million.

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Income Taxes

We earn income in numerous countries and this income is subject to the laws of taxing jurisdictions within those countries.

The carrying values of deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the application of our income tax accounting policies and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates about future operating results and levels of taxable income, and judgments regarding the interpretation of the provisions of current accounting principles.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Considerations with respect to the realizability of deferred tax assets include the period of expiration of the deferred tax asset, historical earnings and projected future taxable income by jurisdiction as well as tax liabilities for the tax jurisdiction to which the tax asset relates. Significant management judgment is required in determining the assumptions and estimates related to the amount and timing of future taxable income. Valuation allowances are evaluated quarterly and are subject to change in each future reporting period as a result of changes in various factors.

We assess carryforwards and tax credits for realization as a reduction of future taxable income by using a “more likely than not” determination.

We base the carrying values of liabilities and assets for income taxes currently payable and receivable on management’s interpretation of applicable tax laws and incorporate management’s assumptions and judgments about using tax planning strategies in various taxing jurisdictions. Using different estimates, assumptions, and judgments in accounting for income taxes, especially those that deploy tax planning strategies, may result in materially different carrying values of income tax assets and liabilities and changes in our results of operations.

Accelerating Aon United Program

Restructuring charges related to the AAU Program are recognized within Accelerating Aon United Program expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and consists of the following cost activities:

Workforce Optimization Costs

Severance and related costs are generally determined based on amounts due under established severance plans. Typically, severance benefits are recognized when it is probable the benefit will be paid, and the amount is reasonably estimable. Most workforce reductions happen over a short span of time, so no discounting is necessary.

Asset Impairments for Fixed Assets

Asset impairments relate to fixed assets and are accounted for in the period when they become known by revising the useful life of fixed assets when there is a change in the estimated future benefits in or use of the asset, accordingly depreciation is accelerated to reflect the revised useful life.

Leases

For leased properties where we plan to permanently cease use of a space and have the intent and ability to sublease the property, we will test the ROU asset for impairment to determine if an impairment has occurred. The test for impairment will adjust the book value of the asset based on the net present value of the future cash flows expected from a sublease agreement using current market information for similar properties.

For properties where we plan to permanently cease use of a space and have no intent or ability to sublease the property, the amortization of the ROU asset will be accelerated and recognized on a straight-line basis from the decision date to the cease use date.

For the remaining lease term, we decrease the liability for payments and increase the liability for accretion of the discount. The discount reflects our incremental borrowing rate, which matches the lifetime of the liability. Significant changes in the discount rate selected or the estimations of sublease income could impact the amounts recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Other Associated Costs of Exit and Disposal Activities

We recognize other costs associated with exit and disposal activities as they are incurred, including professional services fees, certain technology-related costs, moving costs, contract termination costs, and other costs.

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NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, including a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or future potential impact on our financial results, if determinable.

MD&A history

Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.

FY 2024 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001628280-25-006093.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2025-02-18. Report date: 2024-12-31.

Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Aon plc is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of Risk Capital and Human Capital solutions. Through our experience, global reach, and comprehensive analytics, we help clients meet rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and interconnected challenges related to risk and people. We are committed to accelerating innovation to address unmet and evolving client needs so that our clients are better informed, better advised, and able to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. Management remains focused on strengthening Aon and uniting the firm with a portfolio of Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities enabled by data and analytics and a united operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity, and efficiency.

Financial Results

The following is a summary of our 2024 financial results:

•Revenue increased $2.3 billion, or 17%, to $15.7 billion, reflecting acquired revenues from NFP and 6% organic revenue growth, driven by net new business and ongoing strong retention. Risk Capital revenue increased $1.0 billion, or 10%, to $10.5 billion and Human Capital revenue increased $1.3 billion, or 35%, to $5.2 billion in 2024 compared to 2023.

•Operating expenses increased $2.3 billion, or 24%, to $11.9 billion in 2024 due primarily to the inclusion of NFP’s operating expenses, an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth, Accelerating Aon United restructuring charges, and transaction and integration costs, partially offset by $110 million of restructuring savings. Risk Capital operating expenses increased $647 million, or 10%, to $7.2 billion and Human Capital operating expenses increased $1.3 billion, or 47%, to $4.1 billion in 2024 compared to 2023.

•Operating margin decreased to 24.4% in 2024 from 28.3% in 2023, driven primarily by the addition of NFP and an increase in operating expenses as previously described, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 6% and $110 million of net restructuring savings. Risk Capital operating margin increased to 31.3% in 2024 from 30.9% in 2023 and Human Capital operating margin decreased to 21.9% in 2024 from 28.4% in 2023.

•Due to the factors set forth above, Net income was $2.7 billion in 2024, an increase of $92 million, or 4%, from 2023.

•Diluted earnings per share was $12.49 per share in 2024 compared to $12.51 per share in the prior year period.

•Cash flows provided by operating activities was $3.0 billion in 2024, a decrease of $400 million, or 12%, from $3.4 billion in 2023, primarily due to higher cash taxes, payments related to restructuring, legal settlement expenses, and transaction and integration costs, partially offset by strong adjusted operating income growth and working capital improvements.

We focus on four key metrics, that are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP that we communicate to shareholders: organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow. These non-GAAP metrics should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics for 2024:

•Organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Organic Revenue Growth,” was 6% in 2024, compared to 7% organic growth in the prior year period, driven by net new business and ongoing strong retention.

•Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Operating Margin,” was 31.5% in 2024, compared to 31.6% in the prior year. The decrease in adjusted operating margin primarily reflects the addition of NFP and increased expenses, partially offset by 6% organic revenue growth and $110 million of net restructuring savings. Risk Capital adjusted operating margin increased to 34.6% in 2024 from 34.2% in 2023 and Human Capital adjusted operating margin decreased to 29.5% in 2024 from 29.9% in 2023.

•Adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share,” was $15.60 per share in 2024, an increase of $1.46 per share, or 10%, from $14.14 per share in 2023.

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•Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Free Cash Flow,” was $2.8 billion in 2024, a decrease of $366 million, or 11%, from $3.2 billion in 2023, reflecting a decrease in Cash flows from operations, partially offset by a $34 million decrease in capital expenditures.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE

For many companies, the management of ESG risks and opportunities has become increasingly important, and ESG-related challenges, such as extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, cyber events, regulatory changes, ongoing public health impacts, and the increased focus on workforce resilience in various work environments, continue to create volatility and uncertainty for our clients. At Aon, helping clients manage risk - including ESG risk - is at the core of what we do. We offer a wide range of risk assessment, consulting, and advisory solutions, many of which are significant parts of our core business offerings, designed to address and manage ESG issues for clients, and to enable our clients to create more sustainable value. We see significant opportunity in enhancing our impact and delivering innovative client solutions on ESG matters.

ACQUISITION OF NFP

On April 25, 2024, the Company completed its acquisition of NFP, a leading middle-market provider of property and casualty brokerage, benefits consulting, wealth management, and retirement plan consulting, with more than 7,700 colleagues. The Company acquired NFP Intermediate Holdings A Corp in a cash-and-stock merger for an aggregate U.S. GAAP preliminary purchase price totaling $9.1 billion, including approximately $3.2 billion to settle NFP indebtedness and cash consideration to the selling shareholders, and approximately 19 million class A ordinary shares with a fair value of approximately $5.9 billion, based on the Company’s closing stock price on April 25, 2024. In addition, the company had other adjustments of $3.9 billion for cash and certain assumed liabilities.

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REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Summary of Results

Our consolidated results are as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
202420232022
Revenue
Total revenue$15,698$13,376$12,479
Expenses
Compensation and benefits8,2836,9026,477
Information technology539534509
Premises325294289
Depreciation of fixed assets183167151
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets50389113
Other general expense1,6411,4701,271
Accelerating Aon United Program expenses389135
Total operating expenses11,8639,5918,810
Operating income3,8353,7853,669
Interest income673118
Interest expense(788)(484)(406)
Other income (expense)348(163)(125)
Income before income taxes3,4623,1693,156
Income tax expense742541510
Net income2,7202,6282,646
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests666457
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$2,654$2,564$2,589
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$12.49$12.51$12.14
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted212.5205.0213.2

Our segment results are as follows (in millions):

Twelve Months Ended December 31,
Risk CapitalHuman CapitalCorporate/Eliminations (1)Total Consolidated
20242023202420232024202320242023
Revenue
Total revenue$10,517$9,524$5,209$3,864$(28)$(12)$15,698$13,376
Expenses
Compensation and benefits5,4174,8002,7392,003127998,2836,902
Information technology36838516814831539534
Premises215204110882325294
Other expenses (2)1,2251,1891,0495284421442,7161,861
Total operating expenses7,2256,5784,0662,76757224611,8639,591
Operating income$3,292$2,946$1,143$1,097$(600)$(258)$3,835$3,785
Operating margin31.3%30.9%21.9%28.4%24.4%28.3%

(1)Segment expenses exclude governance costs, post-retirement benefits, and other costs that are not directly attributable to a specific segment.

(2)Includes expenses related to Depreciation of fixed assets, Amortization and impairment of intangible assets, Accelerating Aon United Program expenses, and Other general expenses.

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Refer to “Non-GAAP Metrics” below for a reconciliation of segment operating margin to segment adjusted operating margin.

Consolidated and Segment Results for 2024 Compared to 2023

Revenue

Total revenue increased $2.3 billion, or 17%, to $15.7 billion in 2024, compared to $13.4 billion in 2023, reflecting acquired revenues from NFP and 6% organic revenue growth. Risk Capital revenue increased $1.0 billion, or 10%, to $10.5 billion and Human Capital revenue increased $1.3 billion, or 35%, to $5.2 billion.

Risk Capital

Commercial Risk Solutions revenue increased $818 million, or 12%, to $7.9 billion in 2024, compared to $7.0 billion in 2023. Organic revenue growth was 5% in 2024, reflecting growth across all major geographies, driven by net new business and strong retention. Performance was highlighted by strength in North America core P&C, strong growth internationally and an increase in construction business. Results also reflect a double-digit increase in M&A services. Market impact was modestly positive on results in the year.

Reinsurance Solutions revenue increased $175 million, or 7%, to $2.7 billion in 2024, compared to $2.5 billion in 2023. Organic revenue growth was 7% in 2024 reflecting strong growth in treaty, driven by net new business and strong retention, as well as strength in facultative placements. In addition, market impact was modestly positive on results in the year.

Human Capital

Health Solutions revenue increased $902 million, or 37%, to $3.3 billion in 2024, compared to $2.4 billion in 2023. Organic revenue growth was 6% in 2024, reflecting strong growth globally in core health and benefits brokerage, driven by net new business and ongoing strong retention.

Wealth Solutions revenue increased $443 million, or 31%, to $1.9 billion in 2024, compared to $1.4 billion in 2023. Organic revenue growth was 7% in 2024 reflecting growth in Retirement, driven by advisory demand and project-related work related to pension de-risking and ongoing impact of regulatory changes. Growth in Investments was highlighted by strong revenue growth within NFP, driven by net asset inflows and market performance.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits increased $1.4 billion, or 20%, in 2024 compared to 2023. The increase was primarily driven by the inclusion of operating expenses from NFP and an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth, partially offset by savings from Accelerating Aon United restructuring actions.

Information Technology

Information technology, which represents costs associated with supporting and maintaining our infrastructure, increased $5 million, or 1%, in 2024 compared to 2023. The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of ongoing operating expenses from NFP, partially offset by efficiencies from our Aon Business Services operating platform and savings from Accelerating Aon United restructuring actions.

Premises

Premises, which represents the cost of occupying offices in various locations throughout the world, increased $31 million, or 11%, in 2024 compared to 2023 due primarily to the inclusion of operating expenses from NFP, partially offset by savings from Accelerating Aon United restructuring actions.

Depreciation of Fixed Assets

Depreciation of fixed assets primarily relates to software, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, computer equipment, buildings, and vehicles. Depreciation of fixed assets increased $16 million, or 10%, in 2024 compared to 2023, due primarily to the inclusion of operating expenses from NFP, partially offset by savings from Accelerating Aon United restructuring actions.

Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets

Amortization and impairment of intangibles primarily relates to finite-lived customer-related and contract-based, technology, and tradename assets. Amortization and impairment of intangibles increased $414 million, or 465%, in 2024 compared to 2023 due primarily to an increase in intangible assets related to the NFP Transaction.

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Other General Expense

Other general expenses increased $171 million, or 12%, in 2024 compared to 2023. The increase was due primarily to the inclusion of ongoing operating expenses from NFP, as well as NFP related transaction and integration costs, partially offset by a non-recurring charge in connection with certain settlement expenses in the prior year period.

Accelerating Aon United Program Expenses

Accelerating Aon United Program expenses were $389 million in 2024 compared to $135 million in 2023, reflecting restructuring charges associated with the AAU Program announced in the third quarter of 2023, relating to workforce optimization, technology and other costs, and asset impairments.

Total Operating Expenses and Operating Income

Total operating expenses increased $2.3 billion, or 24%, to $11.9 billion in 2024 due primarily to the inclusion of NFP’s operating expenses, an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth, Accelerating Aon United restructuring charges, and transaction and integration costs, partially offset by $110 million of restructuring savings. Due to the factors set forth above, Total operating income increased $50 million, or 1%, to $3.8 billion in 2024.

Risk Capital Total operating expenses increased $647 million, or 10% to $7.2 billion in 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in Compensation and benefits and an increase in Other expenses. The increase in Compensation and benefits is due to the inclusion of operating expenses from NFP and an increase in expense associated with 5% and 7% organic revenue growth in Commercial Risk Solutions and Reinsurance Solutions, respectively, partially offset by restructuring savings. The increase in Other expenses is primarily due to increased Amortization and impairment from the NFP Transaction and Accelerating Aon United restructuring charges. Due to the factors set forth above, Risk Capital operating income increased $346 million, or 12%, to $3.3 billion in 2024.

Human Capital Total operating expenses increased $1.3 billion, or 47% to $4.1 billion in 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in Compensation and benefits and an increase in Other expenses. The increase in Compensation and benefits is due to the inclusion of operating expenses from NFP and an increase in expense associated with 6% and 7% organic revenue growth in Health Solutions and Wealth Solutions, respectively. The increase in Other expenses is primarily due to increased Amortization and impairment of intangible assets acquired from the NFP Transaction. Due to the factors set forth above, Human Capital operating income increased $46 million, or 4%, to $1.1 billion in 2024.

Interest Income

Interest income represents income earned, net of expense, on operating cash balances and other income-producing investments. It does not include interest earned on funds held on behalf of clients. Interest income was $67 million in 2024, an increase of $36 million, or 116%, from 2023, primarily reflecting interest earned on the investment of $5 billion of term debt proceeds, which were ultimately used to fund the acquisition of NFP.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, which represents the cost of our debt obligations, was $788 million in 2024, an increase of $304 million, or 63%, from 2023. The increase was driven primarily by an increase in total debt outstanding, primarily to fund the acquisition of NFP.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income was $348 million in 2024, compared to Other expense of $163 million in 2023. The increase was primarily due to gain on the sale of businesses.

Income before Income Taxes

Income before income taxes increased $293 million, or 9% to $3.5 billion in 2024, compared to $3.2 billion in the prior year.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate on Net income was 21.4% in 2024 and 17.1% in 2023.

The 2024 tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items, including the favorable impacts of share-based payments and the unfavorable impact of other discrete items.

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The 2023 tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items, including the tax benefits associated with the release of a valuation allowance, and share-based payments.

Ireland, the U.K., Singapore, and many E.U. member states, among others, have enacted legislation to implement the global minimum tax that is generally consistent with the OECD’s proposed Pillar Two tax regime. There remains significant uncertainty, however, as to how Pillar Two will ultimately apply to the Company. The OECD has issued numerous guidance documents attempting to change how Pillar Tax operates, subject to enactment by each implementing country, and the OECD may issue additional guidance in the future. The Company is actively monitoring developments in this area and continues to evaluate the guidance and the potential impacts this may have on its global effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition in 2025 and future periods.

Net Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders increased $90 million to $2.7 billion, or $12.49 per diluted share, in 2024, compared to $2.6 billion, or $12.51 per diluted share, in 2023.

Consolidated and Segment Results for 2023 Compared to 2022

Due to our change in reportable segments in the fourth quarter of 2024, a discussion of our segment results for 2023 compared to 2022 is included below. Otherwise, we have elected not to include a discussion of our consolidated results for 2023 compared to 2022 in this report in reliance upon Instruction 1 to Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K. This discussion can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on February 16, 2024. Our segment results are as follows (in millions):

Twelve Months Ended December 31,
Risk CapitalHuman CapitalCorporate/Eliminations (1)Total Consolidated
20232022202320222023202220232022
Revenue
Total revenue$9,524$8,905$3,864$3,591$(12)$(17)$13,376$12,479
Expenses
Compensation and benefits4,8004,5322,0031,85699896,9026,477
Information technology38536114814612534509
Premises204195888826294289
Other expenses (2)1,189922528540144731,8611,535
Total operating expenses6,5786,0102,7672,6302461709,5918,810
Operating income$2,946$2,895$1,097$961$(258)$(187)$3,785$3,669
Operating margin30.9%32.5%28.4%26.8%28.3%29.4%

(1)Segment expenses exclude governance costs, post-retirement benefits, and other costs that are not directly attributable to a specific segment.

(2)Includes expenses related to Depreciation of fixed assets, Amortization and impairment of intangible assets, Accelerating Aon United Program expenses, and Other general expenses.

Revenue

Total revenue increased $897 million, or 7%, to $13.4 billion in 2023, compared to $12.5 billion in 2022. The increase was primarily driven by 7% organic revenue growth and a 2% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income, partially offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures, and other. Risk Capital revenue increased $619 million, or 7%, to $9.5 billion and Human Capital revenue increased $273 million, or 8%, to $3.9 billion.

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Risk Capital

Commercial Risk Solutions revenue increased $328 million, or 5%, to $7.0 billion in 2023, compared to $6.7 billion in 2022. Organic revenue growth was 5% in 2023, reflecting growth across all major geographies, driven by strong retention, management of the renewal book, and net new business generation. Growth in retail brokerage was highlighted by double-digit growth in Asia and the Pacific, driven by continued strength in core P&C. The U.S. grew modestly driven by strength in core areas of property, casualty, and construction, partially offset by the impact of external M&A and IPO activity. On average globally, exposures and pricing were positive, resulting in modestly positive market impact.

Reinsurance Solutions revenue increased $291 million, or 13%, to $2.5 billion in 2023, compared to $2.2 billion in 2022. Organic revenue growth was 10% in 2023 driven by strong retention and net new business generation, as well as strong growth in core Reinsurance. In addition, market impact was modestly positive overall.

Human Capital

Health Solutions revenue increased $209 million, or 9%, to $2.4 billion in 2023, compared to $2.2 billion in 2022. Organic revenue growth was 10% in 2023, reflecting strong growth globally in core health and benefits brokerage, driven by net new business generation and management of the renewal book. Strength in health and benefits included growth in advisory work related to wellbeing and resilience. Results also reflect double-digit growth in consumer benefits and strong growth in talent advisory services.

Wealth Solutions revenue increased $64 million, or 5%, to $1.4 billion in 2023, compared to $1.4 billion in 2022. Organic revenue growth was 4% in 2023 reflecting growth in Retirement, driven by advisory demand and project-related work related to pension de-risking and ongoing impact of regulatory changes. In Investments, a decrease in AUM-based delegated investment management revenue due to debt and equity market movements was partially offset by higher advisory demand and project- related work.

Total Operating Expenses and Operating Income

Total operating expenses increased $781 million, or 9%, to $9.6 billion in 2023 primarily due to an increase in expense associated with 7% organic revenue growth, investments in long-term growth, a $197 million charge in connection with certain accrued actual or anticipated legal settlement expenses, and $135 million of expenses related to the Accelerating Aon United Restructuring Program. Due to the factors set forth above, Total operating income increased $116 million, or 3%, to $3.8 billion in 2023.

Risk Capital operating expenses increased $568 million, or 9%, to $6.6 billion in 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in Compensation and benefits as a result of additional expense associated with 5% and 10% organic revenue growth in Commercial Risk Solutions and Reinsurance Solutions, respectively. Due to the factors set forth above, Risk Capital operating income increased $51 million, or 2%, to $2.9 billion in 2023.

Human Capital operating expenses increased $137 million, or 5%, to $2.8 billion in 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in Compensation and benefits as a result of additional expense associated with 10% and 4% organic revenue growth in Health Solutions and Wealth Solutions, respectively. Due to the factors set forth above, Human Capital operating income increased $136 million, or 14%, to $1.1 billion in 2023.

Additionally, due to our change in reportable segments in the fourth quarter of 2024, a discussion of our non-GAAP segment results for 2023 compared to 2022 is included in the Non-GAAP Metrics section below.

Non-GAAP Metrics

In our discussion of consolidated results, we sometimes refer to certain non-GAAP supplemental information derived from consolidated financial information specifically related to organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted net income attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted net income per share, adjusted other income (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, free cash flow, and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating results. Management believes that these measures are important to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons and that this supplemental information is helpful to investors. Management also uses these measures to assess operating performance and performance for compensation. This non-GAAP supplemental information should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Organic Revenue Growth

We use supplemental information related to organic revenue growth to help us and our investors evaluate business growth from ongoing operations. Organic revenue growth is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact of certain intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions (provided that organic revenue growth includes organic growth of an acquired business as calculated assuming that the acquired business was part of the combined company for the same proportion of the relevant prior year period), divestitures (including held for sale disposal groups, if any), transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges. This supplemental information related to organic revenue growth represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements. Industry peers provide similar supplemental information about their revenue performance, although they may not make identical adjustments. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported Total revenue is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(millions)20242023% ChangeLess: Currency Impact (1)Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & OtherOrganic Revenue Growth (3)
Risk Capital Revenue:
Commercial Risk Solutions$7,861$7,04312%—%—%7%5%
Reinsurance Solutions2,6562,48171(1)7
Human Capital Revenue:
Health Solutions3,3352,43337316
Wealth Solutions1,8741,431311237
Eliminations(28)(12)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total revenue$15,698$13,37617%—%—%11%6%
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(millions)20232022% ChangeLess: Currency Impact (1)Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & OtherOrganic Revenue Growth (3)
Risk Capital Revenue:
Commercial Risk Solutions$7,043$6,7155%—%2%(2)%5%
Reinsurance Solutions2,4812,19013(1)410
Human Capital Revenue:
Health Solutions2,4332,2249(1)10
Wealth Solutions1,4311,367514
Eliminations(12)(17)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total revenue$13,376$12,4797%—%2%(2)%7%

(1)Currency impact represents the effect on prior year period results if they were translated at current period foreign exchange rates.

(2)Fiduciary investment income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $315 million, $274 million, and $76 million, respectively.

(3)Organic revenue growth includes the impact of certain intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions (provided that Organic revenue growth includes Organic growth of an acquired business as calculated assuming that the acquired business was part of the combined company for the same proportion of the relevant prior year period), divestitures (including held for sale disposal groups, if any), transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges.

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Adjusted Operating Margin

We use adjusted operating margin as a non-GAAP measure of core operating performance of the Company. Adjusted operating margin excludes the impact of certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses are the best indicators of our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to adjusted operating margin represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported operating margin is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Twelve Months Ended December 31,
Risk CapitalHuman CapitalCorporate/Eliminations (1)Total Consolidated
(millions, except percentages)20242023202420232024202320242023
Revenue$10,517$9,524$5,209$3,864$(28)$(12)$15,698$13,376
Operating income$3,292$2,946$1,143$1,097$(600)$(258)$3,835$3,785
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets211532923650389
Change in the fair value of contingent consideration62127
Accelerating Aon United Program expenses (2)11457272324855389135
Legal settlements (3)197197
Transaction and integration costs (4)12531201718517
Adjusted operating income$3,635$3,253$1,536$1,156$(232)$(186)$4,939$4,223
Operating margin31.3%30.9%21.9%28.4%24.4%28.3%
Adjusted operating margin34.6%34.2%29.5%29.9%31.5%31.6%

(1)Segment expenses exclude governance costs, post-retirement benefits, and other costs that are not directly attributable to a specific segment.

(2)Total charges are expected to include technology-related costs to facilitate streamlining and simplifying operations, headcount reduction costs, and costs associated with asset impairments, including real estate consolidation costs.

(3)In the fourth quarter of 2023, Aon recognized actual or anticipated legal settlement expenses in connection with transactions for which capital was arranged by a third party, Vesttoo Ltd., primarily in the form of letters of credit from third party banks that are alleged to have been fraudulent. Certain actual or anticipated legal settlement expenses totaling $197 million have been recognized in the fourth quarter of 2023 within the Risk Capital segment, where certain potentially meaningful amounts may be recoverable in future periods.

(4)On April 25, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of NFP. As part of the acquisition, Aon incurred $191 million transaction and integration costs in 2024. Transaction costs include advisory, legal, accounting, regulatory, and other professional or consulting fees required to complete the acquisition. $96 million in transaction costs were recognized in 2024. In 2024, $90 million of transaction costs were recognized in Total operating expenses and $6 million were recognized in Other income (expense) related to the extinguishment of acquired NFP debt. The NFP Transaction will also result in certain non-recurring integration costs associated with colleague severance, retention bonus awards, termination of redundant third-party agreements, costs associated with legal entity rationalization, and professional or consulting fees related to alignment of management processes and controls, as well as costs associated with the assessment of NFP information technology environment and security protocols. Aon incurred $95 million of integration costs in 2024.

Risk Capital adjusted operating income increased $382 million, or 12%, to $3.6 billion in 2024. The increase was primarily due to the impact of NFP and organic revenue growth of 5% in Commercial Risk Solutions and 7% in Reinsurance Solutions, partially offset by increased expenses, including the inclusion of ongoing operating expenses from NFP. Human Capital adjusted operating income increased $380 million, or 33%, to $1.5 billion in 2024. The increase was primarily due to the impact of NFP and organic revenue growth of 6% in Health Solutions and 7% in Wealth Solutions, partially offset by increased expenses, including the inclusion of ongoing operating expenses from NFP.

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A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported operating margin is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Twelve Months Ended December 31,
Risk CapitalHuman CapitalCorporate/Eliminations (1)Total Consolidated
(millions, except percentages)20232022202320222023202220232022
Revenue$9,524$8,905$3,864$3,591$(12)$(17)$13,376$12,479
Operating income$2,946$2,895$1,097$961$(258)$(187)$3,785$3,669
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets5362365189113
Accelerating Aon United Program expenses (2)572355135
Legal settlements (3)197213719758
Transaction and integration costs (4)1717
Adjusted operating income$3,253$2,978$1,156$1,049$(186)$(187)$4,223$3,840
Operating margin30.9%32.5%28.4%26.8%28.3%29.4%
Adjusted operating margin34.2%33.4%29.9%29.2%31.6%30.8%

(1)Segment expenses exclude governance costs, post-retirement benefits, and other costs that are not directly attributable to a specific segment.

(2)Total charges are expected to include technology-related costs to facilitate streamlining and simplifying operations, headcount reduction costs, and costs associated with asset impairments, including real estate consolidation costs.

(3)In the fourth quarter of 2023, Aon recognized actual or anticipated legal settlement expenses in connection with transactions for which capital was arranged by a third party, Vesttoo Ltd., primarily in the form of letters of credit from third party banks that are alleged to have been fraudulent. Certain actual or anticipated legal settlement expenses totaling $197 million have been recognized in the fourth quarter of 2023 within the Risk Capital segment, where certain potentially meaningful amounts may be recoverable in future periods. Additionally, a $58 million charge was recognized in the second quarter of 2022 with certain other legal settlements reached in matters unrelated to Vesttoo.

(4)In the fourth quarter of 2023, Aon entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NFP. As part of the definitive agreement, certain transaction costs were incurred including advisory, legal, accounting, and other professional or consulting fees required to complete the acquisition.

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share

We use adjusted diluted earnings per share as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses are the best indicators of our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to adjusted diluted earnings per share represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to reported diluted earnings per share is as follows (in millions, except per share data and percentages):

Year Ended December 31, 2024
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$3,835$1,104$4,939
Interest income6767
Interest expense(788)(788)
Other income (expense) (1)(2)(3)348(335)13
Income before income taxes3,4627694,231
Income tax expense (4)742107849
Net income2,7206623,382
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests6666
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$2,654$662$3,316
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$12.49$3.11$15.60
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted212.5212.5
Effective tax rates (4)21.4%20.1%
Year Ended December 31, 2023
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$3,785$438$4,223
Interest income3131
Interest expense(484)(484)
Other income (expense) (5)(163)27(136)
Income before income taxes3,1694653,634
Income tax expense (4)541130671
Net income2,6283352,963
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests6464
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$2,564$335$2,899
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$12.51$1.63$14.14
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted205.0205.0
Effective tax rates (4)17.1%18.5%

(1)For the year ended December 31, 2024, $84 million in gains were recognized related to deferred consideration from the affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. and the other designated purchasers related to a divestiture completed in a prior year period.

(2)Adjusted other income (expense) excluded gains from dispositions of $257 million related to the sale of a business in 2024.

(3)Adjusted other income (expense) excluded $6 million of debt extinguishment charges related to the repayment of NFP debt, which is considered a transaction related cost incurred in the second quarter of 2024.

(4)Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with certain pension and legal settlements, Accelerating Aon United Program expenses, deferred consideration from a prior year sale of business, certain gains from dispositions, certain transaction and integration costs related to the acquisition of NFP, and changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate. The tax adjustment also excludes interest accruals for income tax reserves related to the termination fee payment made in connection with the Company’s terminated proposed combination with Willis Towers Watson.

(5)To further its pension de-risking strategy, the Company settled certain pension obligations in the Netherlands through the purchase of annuities, where certain pension assets were liquidated to purchase the annuities. A non-cash settlement charge of $27 million was recognized in the second quarter of 2023, which is excluded from adjusted other income (expense).

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Free Cash Flow

We use free cash flow, defined as cash flows provided by operations less capital expenditures, as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance and cash generating capabilities of our business operations. This supplemental information related to free cash flow represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes the supplemental information related to free cash flow is helpful to investors when evaluating our operating performance and liquidity results. The use of this non-GAAP measure does not imply or represent the residual cash flow for discretionary expenditures. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported Cash provided by operating activities is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20242023
Cash provided by operating activities$3,035$3,435
Capital expenditures(218)(252)
Free cash flow$2,817$3,183

Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations

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

Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.11 on net income per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2024 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.17 on net income per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2023, if 2022 results were translated at 2023 rates.

Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.12 on adjusted diluted earnings per share during the year ended December 31, 2024 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.17 on adjusted diluted earnings per share during the year ended December 31, 2023, if 2022 results were translated at 2023 rates. These translations are performed for comparative and illustrative purposes only and do not impact the accounting policies or practices for amounts included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity

Executive Summary

We believe that our balance sheet and strong cash flow provide us with adequate liquidity. Our primary sources of liquidity in the near-term include cash flows provided by operations and available cash reserves; primary sources of liquidity in the long-term include cash flows provided by operations, debt capacity available under our credit facilities, and capital markets. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and investments, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases, pension obligations, shareholder dividends, and Accelerating Aon United Program cash charges. We believe that cash flows from operations, available credit facilities, available cash reserves, and the capital markets will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including principal and interest payments on debt obligations, capital expenditures, pension contributions, and anticipated working capital requirements in the next twelve months and over the long-term.

Cash on our balance sheet includes funds available for general corporate purposes, as well as amounts restricted as to their use. Funds held on behalf of clients in a fiduciary capacity are segregated and shown together with uncollected insurance premiums in Fiduciary assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, with a corresponding amount in Fiduciary liabilities.

In our capacity as an insurance broker or agent, we collect premiums from insureds and, after deducting our commission, remit the premiums to the respective insurance underwriters. We also collect claims or refunds from underwriters on behalf of insureds, which are then returned to the insureds. Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held by us in a fiduciary capacity. The levels of funds held on behalf of clients and liabilities can fluctuate significantly depending on when we collect the premiums, claims, and refunds, make payments to underwriters and insureds, and collect funds from clients and make payments on their behalf, and upon the impact of foreign currency movements. Funds held on behalf of clients, because of their nature, are generally invested in highly liquid securities with highly rated, credit-worthy financial institutions. Fiduciary assets include funds held on behalf of clients of $7.2 billion and $6.9 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and fiduciary receivables of $10.3 billion and $9.4 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. While we earn investment income on the funds held in cash and money market funds, the funds cannot be used for general corporate purposes.

We maintain multicurrency cash pools with third-party banks in which various Aon entities participate. Individual Aon entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall global balance does not fall below zero. At December 31, 2024, cash balances of one or more non-U.S. entities may have been negative; however, the overall balance was positive.

The following table summarizes our Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments, and Fiduciary assets as of December 31, 2024 (in millions):

Statement of Financial Position Classification
Asset TypeCash and Cash EquivalentsShort-term InvestmentsFiduciary AssetsTotal
Certificates of deposit, bank deposits, or time deposits$1,085$$4,047$5,132
Money market funds2193,2003,419
Cash, Short-term investments, and funds held on behalf of clients1,085219$7,2478,551
Fiduciary receivables10,31910,319
Total$1,085$219$17,566$18,870

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Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients, including cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients classified as held for sale, increased $611 million in 2024 compared to 2023. A summary of our cash flows provided by and used for operating, investing, and financing activities is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20242023
Cash provided by operating activities$3,035$3,435
Cash used for investing activities$(2,833)$(188)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities$796$(2,865)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$(387)$264
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$611$646

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $3.0 billion, a decrease of $400 million compared to $3.4 billion of Cash flows provided by operating activities in the prior year. This amount represents Net income reported, generally adjusted for gains from sales of businesses, losses from sales of businesses, share-based compensation expense, depreciation expense, amortization and impairments, and other non-cash income and expenses, including pension settlement charges. Adjustments also include changes in working capital, that relate primarily to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities, collection of receivables, and payments for Accelerating Aon United Program expenses.

Pension Contributions

Pension contributions were $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. In 2025, we expect to contribute approximately $88 million in cash to our pension plans, including contributions to non-U.S. pension plans, which are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Accelerating Aon United Program Expenses

In the third quarter of 2023, we initiated the Accelerating Aon United Program (the “Program” or the “AAU Program”) with the purpose of streamlining our technology infrastructure, optimizing our leadership structure and resource alignment, and reducing the real estate footprint to align to our hybrid working strategy. The Program includes technology-related costs to facilitate streamlining and simplifying operations, headcount reduction costs, and costs associated with asset impairments, including real estate consolidation and technology costs.

Program charges are recognized within the Program’s expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and consists of the following cost activities:

•Technology and other – includes costs associated with actions taken to rationalize certain applications and to optimize technology across the Company. These costs may include contract termination fees and other non-capitalizable costs associated with Program initiatives, which include professional service fees.

•Workforce optimization – includes costs associated with headcount reduction and other separation-related costs.

•Asset impairments – includes non-cash costs associated with impairment of assets, as they are identified, including ROU lease assets, leasehold improvements, and other capitalized assets no longer providing economic benefit.

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The changes in the Company’s liabilities for the Program as of December 31, 2024 are as follows (in millions):

Technology and otherWorkforce optimizationAsset impairmentsTotal
Liability Balance as of January 1, 2024$14$86$$100
Charges12619766389
Cash payments(96)(172)(268)
Foreign currency translation and other(3)(3)
Non-cash charges (1)(27)(11)(66)(104)
Liability balance as of December 31, 2024$17$97$$114
Total costs incurred from inception to date$140$300$84$524

(1)For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized $27 million of accelerated ROU asset amortization or impairments due to the Company’s decision to exit certain leased properties as a result of the Program. The amounts are presented in Technology and other, where the corresponding liability is reflected within Other current liabilities and Non-current operating lease liabilities, which will ultimately be settled in cash.

The Program is currently expected to result in cumulative costs of $1.0 billion, consisting of approximately $0.9 billion of cash charges and approximately $0.1 billion of non-cash charges. Our Risk Capital segment is expected to incur approximately $200 million of charges, while our Human Capital segment is expected to incur approximately $50 million of charges, with the remaining charges relating to corporate expenses. The Program is estimated to generate annualized expense savings of approximately $350 million by the end of 2026, largely benefiting Compensation and benefits, Information technology, and Premises on the Consolidated Statements of Income. For the year ended December 31, 2024, total Program costs incurred were $389 million. The Company expects to continue to review the implementation of elements of the Program throughout the course of the Program and, therefore, there may be changes to expected timing, estimates of expected costs and related savings. The Company realized $110 million of expense savings in 2024 from Program actions, the majority of which were recognized within Compensation and benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Investing Activities

Cash flows used for investing activities were $2.8 billion during the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $2.6 billion compared to $188 million of Cash flows used for investing activities in the prior year period. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows used for investing activities are acquisition of businesses, purchases of short-term investments, capital expenditures, and payments for investments. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows provided by investing activities are sales of businesses, including collection of deferred consideration in connection with prior year business divestitures, sales of short-term investments, and proceeds from investments. The gains and losses corresponding to cash flows provided by proceeds from investments and used for payments for investments are primarily recognized in Other income (expense) in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments decreased $150 million to $219 million at December 31, 2024 as compared to December 31, 2023. The majority of our investments carried at fair value are money market funds. These money market funds are held throughout the world with various financial institutions. We are not aware of any market liquidity issues that would materially impact the fair value of these investments.

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses

During 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of 22 businesses, 10 within Risk Capital and 12 within Human Capital. Cash consideration, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients acquired, was $3.5 billion, and $4 million related to acquisitions completed in 2023. During 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of three businesses, two within Risk Capital and one within Human Capital. Cash consideration, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients acquired, was $35 million, which includes $2 million related to acquisitions completed in 2022.

During 2024, the Company completed the disposition of five businesses, three within Risk Capital and two within Human Capital, for a $700 million cash inflow, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients. During 2023, the Company completed the disposition of two businesses, both within Risk Capital, for a $5 million cash inflow, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients.

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Capital Expenditures

Our additions to fixed assets including capitalized software amounted to $218 million in 2024 and $252 million in 2023, which primarily relate to new build out and the refurbishing of office facilities, software development costs, and computer equipment purchases. In the current period, we continue to support certain technology projects to drive long-term growth and real estate projects to align with our Smart Working strategy, including projects related to our AAU restructuring program.

Financing Activities

Cash flows provided by financing activities were $796 million during the year ended December 31, 2024,compared to $2.9 billion of Cash flows used for financing activities in the prior year period. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flow provided by financing activities are issuances of debt, changes in net fiduciary liabilities, and proceeds from issuance of shares. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows used for financing activities are repayments of debt, partially related to the cash tender offer for the NFP Notes, share repurchases, cash paid for employee taxes on withholding shares, dividends paid to shareholders, transactions with noncontrolling interests, and other financing activities, such as payments for deferred consideration in connection with prior year business acquisitions.

Share Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases, and was increased by $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014, June 2017, and November 2020, and by $7.5 billion in February 2022 for a total of $27.5 billion in repurchase authorizations.

The following table summarizes our share repurchase activity (in millions, except per share data):

Years Ended December 31
20242023
Shares repurchased3.18.4
Average price per share$325.56$321.52
Repurchase costs recorded to accumulated deficit$1,000$2,700

At December 31, 2024, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the Repurchase Program was approximately $2.3 billion. Under the Repurchase Program, we have repurchased a total of 172.1 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $25.2 billion.

Borrowings

In December 2024, Aon Global Limited’s $750 million 3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025 were classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as the date of maturity is in less than one year. We expect to use cash flow from operations and available cash on hand to repay these Senior Notes.

In June 2024, Aon Global Limited’s $600 million 3.50% Senior Notes matured and were repaid in full.

On April 25, 2024, Aon North America, Inc. drew its $2 billion delayed draw term loan and used proceeds, together with the proceeds of the notes issued on March 1, 2024 described below, to pay a portion of cash consideration in connection with the acquisition of NFP, completed on April 25, 2024, (the “Transaction” or the “NFP Transaction”), to repay certain debt of NFP, and to pay related fees and expenses. The term loan matures on April 24, 2027 and is prepayable at any time. Aon plc incurred $1 million of debt extinguishment charges for the year ended December 31, 2024 related to the delayed draw term loan. As of December 31, 2024, Aon North America, Inc. had repaid $900 million of the outstanding balance. The remaining outstanding balance is $1.1 billion.

On April 2, 2024, Aon plc announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Randolph Acquisition Corp., commenced cash tender offers for any and all of the outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes due 2028, 4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, 7.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 and 8.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2031, each issued by NFP Corp. (together, the “NFP Notes”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated as of April 2, 2024. The total amount tendered pursuant to the tender offers was approximately $3.3 billion, excluding premiums. On April 26, 2024, Randolph Acquisition Corp. purchased those NFP Notes that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to April 15, 2024, effecting the early settlement of the offers (the “Early Settlement”). In addition, on April 16, 2024, NFP Corp. delivered notices of redemption of all NFP Notes not validly tendered pursuant to the offers and purchased at the Early Settlement, at a purchase price equal to the price paid to holders of the NFP Notes in connection with the Early Settlement, with a redemption date of April 26, 2024. As a result of the Early Settlement of the offers

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and the related redemption which occurred on April 26, 2024, no NFP Notes remain outstanding. Aon plc incurred $6 million of debt extinguishment charges for the year ended December 31, 2024 related to costs related to the NFP Transaction.

On March 1, 2024, Aon North America, Inc. issued $600 million 5.125% Senior Notes due in March 2027, $1 billion 5.150% Senior Notes due in March 2029, $650 million 5.300% Senior Notes due in March 2031, $1.75 billion 5.450% Senior Notes due in March 2034, and $2 billion 5.750% Senior Notes due in March 2054, totaling to an aggregate amount of $6 billion. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including a portion of which was used to pay a portion of the cash consideration in connection with the acquisition of NFP, to repay certain debt of NFP and to pay related fees and expenses.

In November 2023, Aon Global Limited’s $350 million 4.00% Senior Notes matured and were repaid in full.

On February 28, 2023, Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc co-issued $750 million 5.35% Senior Notes due in February 2033. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.

Aon Corporation has established a U.S. commercial paper program (the “U.S. Program”) and Aon Global Holdings plc has established a European multi-currency commercial paper program (the “European Program” and, together with the U.S. Program, the “Commercial Paper Programs”). Commercial paper may be issued in aggregate principal amounts of up to approximately $1.3 billion under the U.S. Program and €625 million ($651 million at December 31, 2024 exchange rates) under the European Program, not to exceed the amount of our committed credit facilities, which was $2.0 billion at December 31, 2024. The aggregate capacity of the Commercial Paper Programs remain fully backed by our committed credit facilities. Commercial paper activity during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20242023
Total issuances (1)$1,871$4,835
Total repayments(2,462)(4,862)
Net issuances (repayments)$(591)$(27)

(1) The proceeds of the commercial paper issuances were used primarily for short-term working capital needs.

Other Liquidity Matters

Distributable Profits

We are required under Irish law to have available “distributable profits” to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable profits are created through the earnings of the Irish parent company and, among other methods, through intercompany dividends or a reduction in share capital approved by the High Court of Ireland. Distributable profits are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g., Accumulated deficit). As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had distributable profits in excess of $29.7 billion and $27.5 billion, respectively. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable profits for the foreseeable future.

Revolving Credit Facilities

We expect cash generated by operations for 2024 to be sufficient to service our debt and contractual obligations, finance capital expenditures, and continue to pay dividends to our shareholders. Although cash from operations is expected to be sufficient to service these activities, we have the ability to access the commercial paper markets or borrow under our credit facilities to accommodate any timing differences in cash flows. Additionally, under current market conditions, we believe that we could access capital markets to obtain debt financing for longer-term funding, if needed.

As of December 31, 2024, we had two primary committed credit facilities outstanding: its $1.0 billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in September 2027 and its $1.0 billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in October 2028. In aggregate, these two facilities provide $2.0 billion in available credit.

Each of these primary committed credit facilities and the delayed draw term loan includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including financial covenants that require us to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA, in each case, tested quarterly. We did not have borrowings under either of these primary committed credit facilities as of December 31, 2024. Additionally, we are in compliance with the financial covenants and all other covenants contained therein during the rolling year ended December 31, 2024.

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Shelf Registration Statement

On June 22, 2023, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC, registering the offer and sale from time to time of an indeterminate amount of, among other securities, debt securities, preference shares, class A ordinary shares and convertible securities. Our ability to access the market as a source of liquidity is dependent on investor demand, market conditions, and other factors.

Rating Agency Ratings

The major rating agencies’ ratings of our debt at February 18, 2025 appear in the table below.

Ratings
Senior Long-term DebtCommercial PaperOutlook
Standard & Poor’sA-A-2Negative
Moody’s Investor ServicesBaa2P-2Stable
Fitch, Inc.BBB+F-2Stable

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Fitch, Inc. upgraded our ‘BBB+’ outlook to Stable, as compared to a Negative outlook at October 25, 2024 reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees

We have entered into a number of arrangements whereby our performance on certain obligations is guaranteed by a third party through the issuance of a letter of credit. We had total LOCs outstanding of approximately $124 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $86 million at December 31, 2023. These LOCs cover the beneficiaries related to certain of our U.S. and Canadian secure non-qualified pension plan schemes, reinsurance obligations related to our own E&O liability insurance program, and secure deductible retentions for our own workers’ compensation program. We also have obtained LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at our international subsidiaries.

We have certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $162 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $194 million at December 31, 2023.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2024 are comprised of principal payments on debt, interest payments on debt, operating leases, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and purchase obligations.

Operating leases are primarily comprised of leased office space throughout the world. As leases expire, we do not anticipate difficulty in negotiating renewals or finding other satisfactory space if the premise becomes unavailable. In certain circumstances, we may have unused space and may seek to sublet such space to third parties, depending upon the demands for office space in the locations involved. As part of our AAU restructuring program, we are reducing our real estate footprint to align with our hybrid working strategy. Refer to Note 9 “Lease Commitments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information.

Pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations include estimates of our minimum funding requirements pursuant to the ERISA and other regulations, as well as minimum funding requirements agreed with the trustees of our U.K. pension plans. Additional amounts may be agreed to with, or required by, the U.K. pension plan trustees. Nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are based on estimated future benefit payments. We may make additional discretionary contributions. Refer to Note 12 “Employee Benefits” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information.

Purchase obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods and services that are enforceable and legally binding on us, and that specify all significant terms, including the goods to be purchased or services to be rendered, the price at which the goods or services are to be rendered, and the timing of the transactions. Most of our purchase obligations are related to purchases of information technology services or other service contracts.

We had no other cash requirements from known contractual obligations and commitments that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

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Guarantee of Registered Securities

All issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation are guaranteed by Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Holdings plc, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Corporation Notes”):

Aon Corporation Notes
8.205% Junior Subordinated Notes due January 2027
4.50% Senior Notes due December 2028
3.75% Senior Notes due May 2029
2.80% Senior Notes due May 2030
6.25% Senior Notes due September 2040

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Holdings plc of the Aon Corporation Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of Aon Corporation. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Corporation Notes.

All issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Global Limited are guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Global Limited Notes”):

Aon Global Limited Notes
3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025
2.875% Senior Notes due May 2026
4.25% Senior Notes due December 2042
4.45% Senior Notes due May 2043
4.60% Senior Notes due June 2044
4.75% Senior Notes due May 2045

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation of the Aon Global Limited Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of Aon Global Limited. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Global Limited Notes.

All issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon North America, Inc. are guaranteed by Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon North America, Inc. Notes”):

Aon North America, Inc. Notes
5.125% Senior Notes due March 2027
Delayed Draw Term Loan due April 2027
5.150% Senior Notes due March 2029
5.300% Senior Notes due March 2031
5.450% Senior Notes due March 2034
5.750% Senior Notes due March 2054

All guarantees of Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation of the Aon North America, Inc. Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of Aon North America, Inc. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon North America, Inc. Notes.

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All co-issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc (together, the “Co-Issuers”) are guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Limited and include the following (collectively, the “Co-Issued Notes”):

Co-Issued Notes - Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc
2.85% Senior Notes due May 2027
2.05% Senior Notes due August 2031
2.60% Senior Notes due December 2031
5.00% Senior Notes due September 2032
5.35% Senior Notes due February 2033
2.90% Senior Notes due August 2051
3.90% Senior Notes due February 2052

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, and Aon North America, Inc. of the Co-Issued Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the Co-Issuers. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Co-Issued Notes.

Aon Corporation, Aon North America, Inc., Aon Global Limited, and Aon Global Holdings plc are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Aon plc. Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation together comprise the revised “Obligor group”. The following tables set forth summarized financial information for the revised Obligor group, which reflects the financial results of Aon North America, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Adjustments are made to the tables to eliminate intercompany balances and transactions between the revised Obligor group. Intercompany balances and transactions between the revised Obligor group and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented as separate line items within the summarized financial information. These balances are presented on a net presentation basis, rather than a gross basis, as this better reflects the nature of the intercompany positions and presents the funding or funded position that is to be received or owed. No balances or transactions of non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented in the summarized financial information, including investments of the revised Obligor group in non-guarantor subsidiaries.

Obligor Group
Summarized Statement of Income Information
Year EndedDecember 31, 2024
Revenue$
Operating loss$(115)
Expense from non-guarantor subsidiaries before income taxes$116
Net loss$(641)
Net loss attributable to Aon shareholders$(641)

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Obligor Group
Summarized Statement of Financial Position Information
As ofDecember 31, 2024
Receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$9,611
Other current assets77
Total current assets$9,688
Non-current receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$10,768
Other non-current assets1,393
Total non-current assets$12,161
Payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$7,628
Other current liabilities3,309
Total current liabilities$10,937
Non-current payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$9,801
Other non-current liabilities17,668
Total non-current liabilities$27,469

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To prepare these financial statements, we make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect what we report as our assets and liabilities, what we disclose as contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.

In accordance with our policies, we regularly evaluate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments, including, but not limited to, those concerning revenue recognition, pensions, goodwill and other intangible assets, contingencies, share-based payments, income taxes, restructuring, and business combinations, and base our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on our historical experience and on factors we believe reasonable under the circumstances. The results involve judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. If our assumptions or conditions change, the actual results we report may differ from these estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments we use to prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when control of the promised services is transferred to the customer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements where control is transferred over time, an input or output method is applied that represents a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For arrangements that include variable consideration, we assesses whether any amounts should be constrained. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, we allocate consideration based on their relative fair values.

Costs incurred in obtaining a contract are capitalized and amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, considering anticipated renewals when applicable. Certain contract-related costs, including pre-placement brokerage costs, are capitalized as a cost to fulfill and are amortized on a systematic basis consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, which is generally less than one year.

Risk Capital

Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For

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arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded net of allowances for estimated policy cancellations, which are determined based on an evaluation of historical and current cancellation data. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced near the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period.

Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, Strategy and Technology Group, and capital markets. Revenue primarily includes reinsurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the inception of the reinsurance period for certain reinsurance brokerage, or more commonly for treaty reinsurance arrangements, over the term of the arrangement in installments based on deposit or minimum premiums.

Human Capital

Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, consumer benefits, and talent advisory services. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. For brokerage commissions, revenue is predominantly recognized at the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using input or output methods to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various input or output measures, including units delivered or time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For Talent, revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time upon completion of the services. For arrangements recognized over time, revenue is based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation, including units delivered or time elapsed. Input and output measures utilized vary based on the arrangement but typically include reports provided or days elapsed. Revenue from Consumer Benefits Solutions arrangements are typically recognized upon successful enrollment of participants. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period. Payment terms for other services vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.

Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting, pension administration and investments. Revenue recognized for these arrangements is predominantly recognized over the term of the arrangement using input or output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For consulting arrangements recognized over time, revenue will be recognized based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer, utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including units delivered or time elapsed. Fees paid by customers for consulting services are typically charged on an hourly, project or fixed-fee basis, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time incurred, days elapsed, or reports delivered. Revenue from time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements are recognized as services are performed using input or output measures to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including hours worked, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time and materials incurred. Revenue generated from our delegated investment business is generally earned as an agreed percentage based on AUM and, to a lesser extent, based on performance fees. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Payment terms vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.

Pensions

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans throughout the world. Our most significant plans are located in the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Canada, which are closed to new entrants. We have ceased crediting future benefits relating to salary and services for our U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plans to the extent statutorily permitted.

The service cost component of NPPC is reported in Compensation and benefits and all other components are reported in Other income (expense). We used a full-yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of NPPC for our major pension and other postretirement benefit plans; this was obtained by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.

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Recognition of Gains and Losses and Prior Service

Certain changes in the value of the obligation and in the value of plan assets, which may occur due to various factors such as changes in the discount rate and actuarial assumptions, actual demographic experience, and/or plan asset performance are not immediately recognized in net income. Such changes are recognized in Other comprehensive income and are amortized into net income as part of NPPC.

Unrecognized gains and losses that have been deferred in Other comprehensive income, as previously described, are amortized into expense as a component of NPPC based on the average life expectancy of the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plan members. We amortize any prior service expense or credits that arise as a result of plan changes over a period consistent with the amortization of gains and losses.

As of December 31, 2024, our pension plans have deferred losses that have not yet been recognized through income in the Consolidated Financial Statements. We amortize unrecognized actuarial losses outside of a corridor, which is defined as 10% of the greater of market-related value of plan assets or PBO. To the extent not offset by future gains, incremental amortization as calculated above will continue to affect future pension expense similarly until fully amortized.

The following table discloses our accumulated other comprehensive loss, the number of years over which we are amortizing the loss, and the estimated 2025 amortization of loss by country (in millions, except amortization period):

U.K.U.S.Other
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$1,897$1,276$414
Amortization period6 to 23 years5 to 24 years9 to 32 years
Estimated 2025 amortization of loss$89$35$13

The U.S. had no unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2024. The unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2024 was $43 million, and $(5) million for the U.K. and other plans, respectively.

For the U.S. pension plans, we use a market-related valuation of assets approach to determine the expected return on assets, which is a component of NPPC recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This approach recognizes 20% of any gains or losses in the current year’s value of market-related assets, with the remaining 80% spread over the next four years. As this approach recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets and therefore, our NPPC will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded. As of December 31, 2024, the market-related value of assets was $1.7 billion. We do not use the market-related valuation approach to determine the funded status of the U.S. plans recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Instead, we record and present the funded status in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position based on the fair value of the plan assets. As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of plan assets was $1.4 billion. Our non-U.S. plans use fair value to determine expected return on assets.

Rate of Return on Plan Assets and Asset Allocation

The following table summarizes the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for future pension expense as of December 31, 2024:

U.K.U.S.Other
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses5.24%7.08%4.35 - 4.90%

In determining the expected rate of return for the plan assets, we analyze investment community forecasts and current market conditions to develop expected returns for each of the asset classes used by the plans. In particular, we surveyed multiple third-party financial institutions and consultants to obtain long-term expected returns on each asset class, considered historical performance data by asset class over long periods, and weighted the expected returns for each asset class by target asset allocations of the plans.

The U.S. pension plan asset allocation is based on approved allocations following adopted investment guidelines. The investment policy for U.K. and other non-U.S. pension plans is generally determined by the plans’ trustees. Because there are several pension plans maintained in the U.K. and other non-U.S. categories, our target allocation presents a range of the target allocation of each plan. Target allocations are subject to change.

Impact of Changing Economic Assumptions

Changes in the discount rate and expected return on assets can have a material impact on pension obligations and pension expense.

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Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our PBO at December 31, 2024 (in millions):

Increase (decrease) in projected benefit obligation (1)25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
IncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(77)$80
U.S. plans$(46)$47
Other plans$(38)$41

(1)Increases to the PBO reflect increases to our pension obligations, while decreases in the PBO are recoveries toward fully-funded status. A change in the discount rate has an inverse relationship to the PBO.

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our estimated 2025 pension expense (in millions):

25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(2)$2
U.S. plans$1$(1)
Other plans$$

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our long-term rate of return on plan assets would have on our estimated 2025 pension expense (in millions):

25 BPS Change in Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(8)$8
U.S. plans$(4)$4
Other plans$(3)$3

Estimated Future Contributions

We estimate cash contributions of approximately $88 million to our pension plans in 2025 as compared with cash contributions of $58 million in 2024.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair market value of the net assets acquired. We classify our intangible assets acquired as either customer-related and contract-based, technology, tradenames or other intangibles.

Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter. We test more frequently if there are indicators of impairment or whenever business circumstances suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. These indicators may include a sustained significant decline in our share price and market capitalization, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, or a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, among others.

A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a “component”). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. An operating segment shall be deemed to be a reporting unit if all of its components are similar, if none of its components are a reporting unit, or if the segment comprises only a single component.

When evaluating these assets for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the goodwill impairment test becomes a quantitative analysis. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value limited to the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

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When determining the fair value of our reporting units, we use a DCF model based on our most current forecasts. We discount the related cash flow forecasts using the weighted average cost of capital method at the date of evaluation. Preparation of forecasts and selection of the discount rate for use in the DCF model involve significant judgments, and changes in these estimates could affect the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period. We also use market multiples which are obtained from quoted prices of comparable companies to corroborate our DCF model results. The combined estimated fair value of our reporting units from our DCF model often results in a premium over our market capitalization, commonly referred to as a control premium. We believe the implied control premium determined by our impairment analysis is reasonable based upon historic data of premiums paid on actual transactions within our industry.

During the year-ended December 31, 2024, we performed a qualitative impairment assessment at the reporting unit level which was defined as components of the Company’s operating segments. This assessment considered the factors described above, where we concluded that goodwill was not impaired.

We review intangible assets that are being amortized for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that an asset group’s carrying value may not be recoverable. If we are required to record impairment charges in the future, they could materially impact our results of operations.

Contingencies

We define a contingency as an existing condition that involves a degree of uncertainty as to a possible gain or loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Under U.S. GAAP, we are required to establish reserves for loss contingencies when the loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate its financial impact. We are required to assess the likelihood of material adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges or probability of losses. We determine the amount of reserves required, if any, for contingencies after carefully analyzing each individual item. The required reserves may change due to new developments in each issue. We do not recognize gain contingencies until all contingencies are resolved.

Share-Based Payments

Share-based compensation expense is generally measured based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the requisite service period for awards that we ultimately expect to vest. For purposes of measuring share-based compensation expense, we consider whether an adjustment to the observable market price is necessary to reflect material nonpublic information that is known to us at the time the award is granted. No adjustments were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, or 2022. We also estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on our actual experience to date and revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Restricted Share Units

RSUs are service-based awards for which we recognize the associated compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period where applicable.

Performance Share Awards

PSAs are performance-based awards for which vesting is dependent on the achievement of certain objectives. Such objectives may be made on a personal, group, or company level. We typically estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period.

Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period. The number of shares issued on the vesting date will vary depending on the actual performance objectives achieved, which are based on a fixed number of potential outcomes. We make assessments of future performance using subjective estimates, such as long-term plans. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions could have a material impact on the compensation expense recognized.

The largest plan is the LPP, which has a three-year performance period. As the percent of expected performance increases or decreases, the potential change in expense can go from 0% to 200% of the targeted total expense. The 2022 to 2024 performance period ended on December 31, 2024, the 2021 to 2023 performance period ended on December 31, 2023, and the 2020 to 2022 performance period ended on December 31, 2022. The LPP currently has two open performance periods: 2023 to 2025 and 2024 to 2026. A 10% upward adjustment in our estimated performance achievement percentage for both open performance periods would have increased our 2024 expense by approximately $9 million, while a 10% downward adjustment would have decreased our expense by approximately $9 million.

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Income Taxes

We earn income in numerous countries and this income is subject to the laws of taxing jurisdictions within those countries.

The carrying values of deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the application of our income tax accounting policies and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates about future operating results and levels of taxable income, and judgments regarding the interpretation of the provisions of current accounting principles.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Considerations with respect to the realizability of deferred tax assets include the period of expiration of the deferred tax asset, historical earnings and projected future taxable income by jurisdiction as well as tax liabilities for the tax jurisdiction to which the tax asset relates. Significant management judgment is required in determining the assumptions and estimates related to the amount and timing of future taxable income. Valuation allowances are evaluated quarterly and are subject to change in each future reporting period as a result of changes in various factors.

We assess carryforwards and tax credits for realization as a reduction of future taxable income by using a “more likely than not” determination.

We base the carrying values of liabilities and assets for income taxes currently payable and receivable on management’s interpretation of applicable tax laws and incorporate management’s assumptions and judgments about using tax planning strategies in various taxing jurisdictions. Using different estimates, assumptions, and judgments in accounting for income taxes, especially those that deploy tax planning strategies, may result in materially different carrying values of income tax assets and liabilities and changes in our results of operations.

Accelerating Aon United Program

Restructuring charges related to the AAU Program are recognized within Accelerating Aon United Program expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and consists of the following cost activities:

Workforce optimization costs

Severance and related costs are generally determined based on amounts due under established severance plans. Typically, severance benefits are recognized when it is probable the benefit will be paid, and the amount is reasonably estimable. Most workforce reductions happen over a short span of time, so no discounting is necessary.

Asset impairments for fixed assets

Asset impairments relate to fixed assets and are accounted for in the period when they become known by revising the useful life of fixed assets when there is a change in the estimated future benefits in or use of the asset, accordingly depreciation is accelerated to reflect the revised useful life.

Leases

For leased properties where we plan to permanently cease use of a space and have the intent and ability to sublease the property, we will test the ROU asset for impairment to determine if an impairment has occurred. The test for impairment will adjust the book value of the asset based on the net present value of the future cash flows expected from a sublease agreement using current market information for similar properties.

For properties where we plan to permanently cease use of a space and have no intent or ability to sublease the property, the amortization of the ROU asset will be accelerated and recognized on a straight-line basis from the decision date to the cease use date.

For the remaining lease term, we decrease the liability for payments and increase the liability for accretion of the discount. The discount reflects our incremental borrowing rate, which matches the lifetime of the liability. Significant changes in the discount rate selected or the estimations of sublease income could impact the amounts recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Other associated costs of exit and disposal activities

We recognize other costs associated with exit and disposal activities as they are incurred, including professional services fees, certain technology-related costs, moving costs, contract termination costs, and other costs.

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Business Combinations

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of a business combination are recognized at their acquisition-date fair values. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of identifiable assets, particularly intangible assets, requires us to make estimates about discount rates, growth and retention rates, royalty rates, expected future cash flows and other future events that are judgmental in nature. While we use our best estimates and assumptions as a part of the purchase price allocation process, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. These estimates directly impact the fair value of identified intangible assets recognized, the estimated useful lives, and the related amortization expense in future periods. We may refine our estimates and adjust the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed over a measurement period, not to exceed one year from the acquisition date.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, including a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or future potential impact on our financial results, if determinable.

FY 2023 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001628280-24-005392.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2024-02-16. Report date: 2023-12-31.

Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Aon plc is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk and human capital solutions. Through our experience, global reach, and comprehensive analytics, we help clients meet rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and interconnected challenges related to risk and people. We are committed to accelerating innovation to address unmet and evolving client needs so that our clients are better informed, better advised, and able to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. Management remains focused on strengthening Aon and uniting the firm with one portfolio of capability enabled by data and analytics and one operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity, and efficiency.

Financial Results

The following is a summary of our 2023 financial results:

•Revenue increased $897 million, or 7%, to $13.4 billion in 2023 compared to 2022, reflecting 7% organic revenue growth and a 2% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income, partially offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures and other.

•Operating expenses increased $781 million, or 9%, to $9.6 billion in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to an increase in expense associated with 7% organic revenue growth, investments in long-term growth, a $197 million charge in connection with certain accrued actual or anticipated legal settlement expenses, and $135 million of expenses related to the Accelerating Aon United Restructuring Program.

•Operating margin decreased to 28.3% in 2023 from 29.4% in 2022. The decrease was driven by an increase in operating expenses as listed above.

•Due to the factors set forth above, Net income was $2.6 billion in 2023, a decrease of $18 million, or 1%, from 2022.

•Diluted earnings per share increased 3% to $12.51 per share during the twelve months of 2023 compared to $12.14 per share for the prior year period.

•Cash flows provided by operating activities was $3.4 billion in 2023, an increase of $216 million, or 7%, from $3.2 billion in 2022, reflecting strong operating income growth and overall working capital optimization, partially offset by higher cash tax payments and a negative impact to working capital due to temporary invoicing delays associated with the implementation of a new system.

We focus on four key metrics not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP that we communicate to shareholders: organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow. These non-GAAP metrics should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics for 2023:

•Organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Organic Revenue Growth,” was 7% in 2023, compared to 6% organic growth in the prior year period.

•Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Operating Margin,” was 31.6% in 2023, compared to 30.8% in the prior year period. The increase in adjusted operating margin primarily reflects 7% organic revenue growth and higher fiduciary investment income, partially offset by increased expenses and investments in long-term growth.

•Adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share,” was $14.14 per share in 2023, an increase of $0.75 per share, or 6%, from $13.39 per share in 2022. The increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share primarily reflects strong operational performance and effective capital management, highlighted by $2.7 billion of share repurchase during 2023.

•Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Free Cash Flow,” was $3.2 billion in 2023, an increase of $160 million, or 5%, from $3.0 billion in 2022, reflecting an increase in Cash flows from operations, partially offset by a $56 million increase in capital expenditures.

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ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE

For many companies, the management of ESG risks and opportunities has become increasingly important, and ESG-related challenges, such as extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, cyber events, regulatory changes, ongoing public health impacts, and the increased focus on workforce resilience in various work environments, continue to create volatility and uncertainty for our clients. At Aon, helping clients manage risk - including ESG risk - is at the core of what we do. We offer a wide range of risk assessment, consulting, and advisory solutions, many of which are significant parts of our core business offerings, designed to address and manage ESG issues for clients, and to enable our clients to create more sustainable value. We see significant opportunity in enhancing our impact and delivering innovative client solutions on ESG matters.

DEFINITIVE ACQUISITION AGREEMENT

On December 19, 2023, Aon entered into a definitive agreement with NFP and the NFP seller, where Aon will acquire NFP for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $7 billion in cash and approximately 20,000,000 class A ordinary shares, nominal value of $0.01, in capital of Aon. The Company expects to fund the cash portion of the consideration with approximately $7 billion of new debt, with $5 billion raised in advance of the closing date and $2 billion raised at close of the acquisition. The acquisition is expected to be completed by mid-2024, subject to satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including applicable regulatory approval.

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REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Summary of Results

Our consolidated results are as follow (in millions, except per share data):

Years Ended December 31
202320222021
Revenue
Total revenue$13,376$12,479$12,193
Expenses
Compensation and benefits6,9026,4776,738
Information technology534509477
Premises294289327
Depreciation of fixed assets167151179
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets89113147
Other general expense1,4701,2712,235
Accelerating Aon United Program expenses135
Total operating expenses9,5918,81010,103
Operating income3,7853,6692,090
Interest income311811
Interest expense(484)(406)(322)
Other income (expense)(163)(125)152
Income before income taxes3,1693,1561,931
Income tax expense541510623
Net income2,6282,6461,308
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests645753
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$2,564$2,589$1,255
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$12.51$12.14$5.55
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted205.0213.2226.1

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Consolidated Results for 2023 Compared to 2022

Revenue

Total revenue increased $897 million, or 7%, to $13.4 billion in 2023, compared to $12.5 billion in 2022. The increase was driven by 7% organic revenue growth and a 2% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income, partially offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures, and other.

Commercial Risk Solutions revenue increased $328 million, or 5%, to $7.0 billion in 2023, compared to $6.7 billion in 2022. Organic revenue growth was 5% in 2023, reflecting growth across all major geographies, driven by strong retention, management of the renewal book, and net new business generation. Growth in retail brokerage was highlighted by double-digit growth in Asia and the Pacific, driven by continued strength in core P&C. The U.S. grew modestly driven by strength in core areas of property, casualty, and construction, partially offset by the impact of external M&A and IPO activity. On average globally, exposures and pricing were positive, resulting in modestly positive market impact.

Reinsurance Solutions revenue increased $291 million, or 13%, to $2.5 billion in 2023, compared to $2.2 billion in 2022. Organic revenue growth was 10% in 2023 driven by strong retention and net new business generation, as well as strong growth in core Reinsurance. In addition, market impact was modestly positive overall.

Health Solutions revenue increased $209 million, or 9%, to $2.4 billion in 2023, compared to $2.2 billion in 2022. Organic revenue growth was 10% in 2023, reflecting strong growth globally in core health and benefits brokerage, driven by net new business generation and management of the renewal book. Strength in health and benefits included growth in advisory work related to wellbeing and resilience. Results also reflect double-digit growth in Consumer Benefits Solutions and strong growth in Talent.

Wealth Solutions revenue increased $64 million, or 5%, to $1.4 billion in 2023, compared to $1.4 billion in 2022. Organic revenue growth was 4% in 2023 reflecting growth in Retirement, driven by advisory demand and project-related work related to pension de-risking and ongoing impact of regulatory changes. In Investments, a decrease in AUM-based delegated investment management revenue due to debt and equity market movements was partially offset by higher advisory demand and project-related work.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits increased $425 million, or 7%, in 2023 compared to 2022. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in expense associated with 7% organic revenue growth.

Information Technology

Information technology, which represents costs associated with supporting and maintaining our infrastructure, increased $25 million, or 5%, in 2023 compared to 2022. The increase was primarily driven by ongoing investments in Aon Business Services-enabled technology platforms and technology to drive long-term growth and continued investment in core infrastructure and security.

Premises

Premises, which represents the cost of occupying offices in various locations throughout the world, increased $5 million, or 2%, in 2023 compared to 2022.

Depreciation of Fixed Assets

Depreciation of fixed assets primarily relates to software, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, computer equipment, buildings, and automobiles. Depreciation of fixed assets increased $16 million, or 11%, in 2023 compared to 2022, due primarily to ongoing investments in Aon Business Services-enabled technology platforms to drive long-term growth.

Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets

Amortization and impairment of intangibles primarily relates to finite-lived customer-related and contract-based, technology, and tradename assets. Amortization and impairment of intangibles decreased $24 million, or 21%, in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to a decrease associated with assets held for sale in 2023 as part of ongoing portfolio management and assets fully amortized in the prior year period.

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Other General Expense

Other general expenses increased $199 million, or 16%, in 2023 compared to 2022. The increase was due primarily to a $197 million charge in connection with certain accrued actual or anticipated legal settlement expenses.

Accelerating Aon United Program Expenses

Accelerating Aon United Program expenses were $135 million in 2023, reflecting restructuring charges associated with the Program announced in the third quarter of 2023, relating to workforce optimization, asset impairments, and technology and other costs.

Interest Income

Interest income represents income earned, net of expense, on operating cash balances and other income-producing investments. It does not include interest earned on funds held on behalf of clients. Interest income was $31 million in 2023, an increase of $13 million, or 72%, from 2022, reflecting higher interest rates.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, which represents the cost of our debt obligations, was $484 million in 2023, an increase of $78 million, or 19%, from 2022. The increase was driven primarily by an overall increase in total debt and higher interest rates.

Other Income (Expense)

Other expense was $163 million in 2023, which primarily reflects an expense from the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies and a non-cash net periodic pension cost. Other expense was $125 million in 2022, primarily reflecting a non-cash pension settlement charge of $170 million, partially offset by gains from sale of businesses.

Income before Income Taxes

Income before income taxes was flat at $3.2 billion in 2023, compared to the prior year period.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate on net income was 17.1% in 2023 and 16.2% in 2022. The 2023 tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items, including the tax benefits associated with the release of a valuation allowance and share-based payments.

The 2022 tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items, primarily the favorable impacts of share-based payments.

Ireland, the U.K., and many E.U. member states, among others, have enacted legislation to implement the global minimum tax that are consistent with the OECD’s proposed Pillar Two tax regime. There remains significant uncertainty, however, as to how Ireland’s Pillar Two tax regime and the OECD’s past and potentially future Pillar Two guidance will ultimately apply to the Company. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that this may have on its global effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition beginning in 2024.

Net Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders decreased $25 million to $2.6 billion, or $12.51 per diluted share, in 2023, compared to $2.6 billion, or $12.14 per diluted share, in 2022.

Consolidated Results for 2022 Compared to 2021

We have elected not to include a discussion of our consolidated results for 2022 compared to 2021 in this report in reliance upon Instruction 1 to Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K. This discussion can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on February 17, 2023.

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Non-GAAP Metrics

In our discussion of consolidated results, we sometimes refer to certain non-GAAP supplemental information derived from consolidated financial information specifically related to organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted net income attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted net income per share, other income (expense), as adjusted, adjusted effective tax rate, free cash flow, and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating results. Management believes that these measures provide helpful supplemental information that enables investors to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Management also uses these measures to assess operating performance and performance for compensation. This non-GAAP supplemental information should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Organic Revenue Growth

We use supplemental information related to organic revenue growth to help us and our investors evaluate business growth from ongoing operations. Organic revenue growth is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact of certain intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures (including held for sale disposal groups), transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges. This supplemental information related to organic revenue growth represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements. Industry peers provide similar supplemental information about their revenue performance, although they may not make identical adjustments. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported Total revenue is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended
December 31, 2023December 31, 2022% ChangeLess: Currency Impact (1)Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & OtherOrganic Revenue Growth (3)
Revenue
Commercial Risk Solutions$7,043$6,7155%%2%(2)%5%
Reinsurance Solutions2,4812,19013(1)410
Health Solutions2,4332,2249(1)10
Wealth Solutions1,4311,367514
Elimination(12)(17)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total revenue$13,376$12,4797%%2%(2)%7%
Years Ended
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021% ChangeLess: Currency Impact (1)Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & OtherOrganic Revenue Growth (3)
Revenue
Commercial Risk Solutions$6,715$6,6351%(4)%1%(2)%6%
Reinsurance Solutions2,1901,99710(3)148
Health Solutions2,2242,1543(3)(2)8
Wealth Solutions1,3671,426(4)(5)(2)3
Elimination(17)(19)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total revenue$12,479$12,1932%(4)%1%(1)%6%

(1)Currency impact represents the effect on prior year period results if they were translated at current period foreign exchange rates.

(2)Fiduciary investment income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $274 million, $76 million, and $8 million, respectively.

(3)Organic revenue growth includes the impact of certain intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures (including held for sale disposal groups, which had a 1% favorable impact on total organic revenue growth for the year-ended December 31, 2023), transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges.

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Adjusted Operating Margin

We use adjusted operating margin as a non-GAAP measure of core operating performance of the Company. Adjusted operating margin excludes the impact of certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses reflect our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to adjusted operating margin represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to reported operating margins is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended December 31
20232022
Revenue$13,376$12,479
Operating income$3,785$3,669
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets89113
Accelerating Aon United Program expenses (1)135
Legal settlements (2)19758
Transaction costs (3)17
Operating income - as adjusted$4,223$3,840
Operating margin28.3%29.4%
Operating margin - as adjusted31.6%30.8%

(1)Total charges related to the Program are expected to include technology-related costs to facilitate streamlining and simplifying operations, headcount reduction costs, and costs associated with asset impairments, including real estate consolidation costs.

(2)In the fourth quarter of 2023, Aon recognized actual and anticipated legal settlement expenses in connection with transactions for which capital was arranged by a third party, Vesttoo Ltd. primarily in the form of letters of credit from third party banks that are alleged to have been fraudulent. Certain actual or anticipated legal settlements expenses totaling $197 million have been recognized in the current period, where certain potentially meaningful amounts may be recoverable in future periods. Additionally, a $58 million charge was recognized in the second quarter of 2022 with certain other legal settlements reached in matters unrelated to Vesttoo.

(3)In the fourth quarter of 2023, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NFP. As part of the definitive agreement, certain transaction costs were incurred including advisory, legal, accounting, and other professional or consulting fees required to complete the acquisition.

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Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share

We use adjusted diluted earnings per share as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses are the best indicators of our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to adjusted diluted earnings per share represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to reported diluted earnings per share is as follows (in millions, except per share data and percentages):

Year Ended December 31, 2023
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$3,785$438$4,223
Interest income3131
Interest expense(484)(484)
Other income (expense) (1)(163)27(136)
Income before income taxes3,1694653,634
Income tax expense (2)541130671
Net income2,6283352,963
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests6464
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$2,564$335$2,899
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$12.51$1.63$14.14
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted205.0205.0
Effective tax rates (2)17.1%18.5%
Year Ended December 31, 2022
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$3,669$171$3,840
Interest income1818
Interest expense(406)(406)
Other income (expense) (3)(125)17045
Income before income taxes3,1563413,497
Income tax expense (2)51075585
Net income2,6462662,912
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests5757
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$2,589$266$2,855
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$12.14$1.25$13.39
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted213.2213.2
Effective tax rates (2)16.2%16.7%

(1)To further our pension de-risking strategy, we settled certain pension obligations in the Netherlands through the purchase of annuities, where certain pension assets were liquidated to purchase the annuities. A non-cash settlement charge totaling $27 million was recognized in the second quarter of 2023, which is excluded from Other income (expense) - as adjusted.

(2)Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with the anticipated sale of certain assets and liabilities classified as held for sale, certain pension and legal settlements, AAU Program expenses, and certain transaction costs and other charges related to the definitive agreement to acquire NFP, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate.

(3)To further its pension de-risking strategy the Company purchased an annuity for portions of its U.S. pension plans that will settle certain obligations. A non-cash settlement charge totaling $170 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2022, which is excluded from Other income (expense) - as adjusted.

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Free Cash Flows

We use free cash flow, defined as cash flow provided by operations minus capital expenditures, as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance and cash generating capabilities of our business operations. This supplemental information related to free cash flow represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes the supplemental information related to free cash flow is helpful to investors when evaluating our operating performance and liquidity results. The use of this non-GAAP measure does not imply or represent the residual cash flow for discretionary expenditures. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to cash flow provided by operations is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20232022
Cash provided by operating activities$3,435$3,219
Capital expenditures(252)(196)
Free cash flows$3,183$3,023

Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations

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

Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.17 on earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2023 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.33 on earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2022, if 2021 results were translated at 2022 rates.

Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.17 on adjusted earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2023 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.44 on adjusted earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2022, if 2021 results were translated at 2022 rates. These translations are performed for comparative and illustrative purposes only and do not impact the accounting policies or practices for amounts included in our Financial Statements.

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LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity

Executive Summary

We believe that our balance sheet and strong cash flow provide us with adequate liquidity. Our primary sources of liquidity in the near-term include cash flows provided by operations and available cash reserves; primary sources of liquidity in the long-term include cash flows provided by operations, debt capacity available under our credit facilities, and capital markets. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and investments, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases, pension obligations, shareholder dividends, and Accelerating Aon United Program cash charges. We believe that cash flows from operations, available credit facilities, available cash reserves, and the capital markets will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including cash requirements to close our acquisition of NFP, principal and interest payments on debt obligations, capital expenditures, pension contributions, and anticipated working capital requirements in the next twelve months and over the long-term.

Cash on our balance sheet includes funds available for general corporate purposes, as well as amounts restricted as to their use. Funds held on behalf of clients in a fiduciary capacity are segregated and shown together with uncollected insurance premiums and claims in Fiduciary assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, with a corresponding amount in Fiduciary liabilities.

In our capacity as an insurance broker or agent, we collect premiums from insureds and, after deducting our commission, remit the premiums to the respective insurance underwriters. We also collect claims or refunds from underwriters on behalf of insureds, which are then returned to the insureds. Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held by us in a fiduciary capacity. The levels of funds held on behalf of clients and liabilities can fluctuate significantly depending on when we collect the premiums, claims, and refunds, make payments to underwriters and insureds, and collect funds from clients and make payments on their behalf, and upon the impact of foreign currency movements. Funds held on behalf of clients, because of their nature, are generally invested in highly liquid securities with highly rated, credit-worthy financial institutions. Fiduciary assets include funds held on behalf of clients comprised of cash and cash equivalents of $6.9 billion and $6.4 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and fiduciary receivables of $9.4 billion and $9.5 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. While we earn investment income on the funds held in cash and money market funds, the funds cannot be used for general corporate purposes.

We maintain multi-currency cash pools with third-party banks in which various Aon entities participate. Individual Aon entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall global balance does not fall below zero. At December 31, 2023, non-U.S. cash balances of one or more entities may have been negative; however, the overall balance was positive.

The following table summarizes our Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments, and Fiduciary assets as of December 31, 2023 (in millions):

Statement of Financial Position Classification
Asset TypeCash and cash equivalentsShort-term investmentsFiduciary assetsTotal
Certificates of deposit, bank deposits, or time deposits$778$$4,066$4,844
Money market funds3692,8353,204
Cash, Short-term investments, and funds held on behalf of clients7783696,9018,048
Fiduciary receivables9,4069,406
Total$778$369$16,307$17,454

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Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients, including $43 million of cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients classified as held for sale, increased $646 million in 2023 compared to 2022. A summary of our cash flows provided by and used for operating, investing, and financing activities is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20232022
Cash provided by operating activities$3,435$3,219
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities$(188)$(449)
Cash used for financing activities$(2,865)$(1,790)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$264$(549)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$646$431

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 were $3.4 billion, an increase of $216 million compared to $3.2 billion of Cash flows provided by operating activities in the prior year. This amount represents Net income reported, generally adjusted for gains from sales of businesses, losses from sales of businesses, share-based compensation expense, depreciation expense, amortization and impairments, and other non-cash income and expenses, including pension settlement charges. Adjustments also include changes in working capital, that relate primarily to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities, collection of receivables, and payments for Accelerating Aon United Program expenses.

Pension Contributions

Pension contributions were $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $59 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2024, we expect to contribute approximately $68 million in cash to our pension plans, including contributions to non-U.S. pension plans, which are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Accelerating Aon United Program Expenses

In the third quarter of 2023, we initiated the Accelerating Aon United Program (the “Program”) with the purpose of streamlining our technology infrastructure, optimizing our leadership structure and resource alignment, and reducing the real estate footprint to align to our hybrid working strategy. The Program will include technology-related costs to facilitate streamlining and simplifying operations, headcount reduction costs, and costs associated with asset impairments, including real estate consolidation costs.

Program charges are recognized within Accelerating Aon United Program expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and consists of the following cost activities:

•Technology and other – includes costs associated with actions taken to rationalize applications, such as contract termination fees and other non-capitalizable costs associated with Program initiatives, which include professional service fees.

•Workforce optimization – includes costs associated with headcount reduction and other separation-related costs.

•Asset impairments – includes costs associated with impairment of assets, as they are identified, including ROU lease assets, leasehold improvements, and other capitalized assets no longer providing economic benefit.

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The changes in the Company’s liabilities for the Program as of December 31, 2023 are as follows (in millions):

Technology and otherWorkforce optimizationAsset impairmentsTotal
Liability Balance as of January 1, 2023$$$$
Charges1410318135
Cash payments(13)(13)
Foreign currency translation and other11
Non-cash charges(5)(18)(23)
Liability balance as of December 31, 2023$14$86$$100
Total costs incurred from inception to date$14$103$18$135

The Program is currently expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $1,000 million, consisting of approximately $900 million of cash charges and approximately $100 million of non-cash charges. The Program is estimated to generate annualized expense savings of approximately $350 million by the end of 2026, largely benefiting Compensation and benefits, Information technology, and Premises on the Consolidated Statements of Income. For the year ended December 31, 2023, total Program costs incurred were $135 million. The Company expects to continue to review the implementation of elements of the Program throughout the course of the Program and, therefore, there may be changes to expected timing, estimates of expected costs and related savings. We estimate that expense savings resulting from Program actions taken in 2023 will begin to be realized in 2024, predominately in Compensation and benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Investing Activities

Cash flows used for investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 were $188 million, a decrease of $261 million compared to $449 million of Cash flows used for investing activities in the prior year. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows used for investing activities are acquisition of businesses, purchases of short-term investments, capital expenditures, and payments for investments. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows provided by investing activities are sales of businesses, sales of short-term investments, and proceeds from investments. The gains and losses corresponding to cash flows provided by proceeds from investments and used for payments for investments are primarily recognized in Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments decreased $83 million to $369 million at December 31, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022. As disclosed in Note 15 “Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report, the majority of our investments carried at fair value are money market funds. These money market funds are held throughout the world with various financial institutions. We are not aware of any market liquidity issues that would materially impact the fair value of these investments.

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses

During 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of three businesses. Cash consideration, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients acquired, was $35 million, which includes $2 million related to acquisitions completed in 2022. During 2023, the Company completed the disposition of two businesses for a $5 million cash inflow, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients.

During 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of five businesses for consideration of $162 million, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients, and the disposition of three businesses for an $81 million cash inflow, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients.

Capital Expenditures

The Company’s additions to fixed assets including capitalized software, which amounted to $252 million in 2023 and $196 million in 2022, primarily related to the refurbishing and modernizing of office facilities, software development costs, and computer equipment purchases. In the current period, we continue to support certain technology projects to drive long-term growth and real estate projects to align with our Smart Working strategy.

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Financing Activities

Cash flows used for financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 were $2.9 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion compared to $1.8 billion of Cash flows used for financing activities in the prior year. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flow used for financing activities are repayments of debt, share repurchases, cash paid for employee taxes on withholding shares, dividends paid to shareholders, transactions with noncontrolling interests, and other financing activities, such as collection of or payments for deferred consideration in connection with prior year business acquisitions and divestitures. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flow provided by financing activities are issuances of debt, changes in net fiduciary liabilities, and proceeds from issuance of shares.

Share Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases, and was increased by $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014, June 2017, and November 2020, and by $7.5 billion in February 2022 for a total of $27.5 billion in repurchase authorizations.

The following table summarizes the Company’s Share Repurchase activity (in millions, except per share data):

Years Ended December 31
20232022
Shares repurchased8.411.1
Average price per share$321.52$289.76
Repurchase costs recorded to Accumulated deficit$2,700$3,203

At December 31, 2023, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the Repurchase Program was approximately $3.3 billion. Under the Repurchase Program, we have repurchased a total of 169.1 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $24.2 billion.

Borrowings

Total debt at December 31, 2023 was $11.2 billion, an increase of $0.4 billion compared to December 31, 2022.

In November 2023, Aon Global Limited’s $350 million 4.00% Senior Notes matured and were repaid in full.

In June 2023, Aon Global Limited’s $600 million 3.50% Senior Notes due June 2024 were classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as the date of maturity is in less than one year.

On February 28, 2023, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Aon Global Holdings plc, a public limited company formed under the laws of England and Wales, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, co-issued $750 million 5.35% Senior Notes due in February 2033. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.

In November 2022, Aon Corporation’s $500 million 2.20% Senior Notes matured and were repaid in full.

On September 12, 2022, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Aon Global Holdings plc, a public limited company formed under the laws of England and Wales, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, co-issued $500 million of 5.00% Senior Notes due September 2032. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.

On February 28, 2022, Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc co-issued $600 million of 2.85% Senior Notes due May 2027 and $900 million of 3.90% Senior Notes due February 2052. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.

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Aon Corporation has established a U.S. commercial paper program (the “U.S. Program”) and Aon Global Holdings plc has established a European multi-currency commercial paper program (the “European Program” and, together with the U.S. Program, the “Commercial Paper Programs”). On December 7, 2023, the Company entered into an agreement increasing the aggregate capacity under the U.S. Program by $250 million. Accordingly, commercial paper may be issued in aggregate principal amounts of up to approximately $1.3 billion under the U.S. Program and €625 million ($690 million at December 31, 2023 exchange rates) under the European Program, not to exceed the amount of our committed credit facilities, which was $2.0 billion at December 31, 2023. The aggregate capacity of the Commercial Paper Programs remain fully backed by our committed credit facilities. Commercial paper activity during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20232022
Total issuances (1)$4,835$12,301
Total repayments(4,862)(12,366)
Net issuances (repayments)$(27)$(65)

(1) The proceeds of the commercial paper issuances were used primarily for short-term working capital needs.

Other Liquidity Matters

Distributable Profits

We are required under Irish law to have available “distributable profits” to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable profits are created through the earnings of the Irish parent company and, among other methods, through intercompany dividends or a reduction in share capital approved by the High Court of Ireland. Distributable profits are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g. Accumulated deficit). As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had distributable profits in excess of $27.5 billion and $29.0 billion, respectively. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable profits for the foreseeable future.

Revolving Credit Facilities

We expect cash generated by operations for 2023 to be sufficient to service our debt and contractual obligations, finance capital expenditures, and continue to pay dividends to our shareholders. Although cash from operations is expected to be sufficient to service these activities, we have the ability to access the commercial paper markets or borrow under our credit facilities to accommodate any timing differences in cash flows. Additionally, under current market conditions, we believe that we could access capital markets to obtain debt financing for longer-term funding, if needed.

As of December 31, 2023, we had two primary committed credit facilities outstanding: our $1.0 billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in September 2027 and our $1.0 billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in October 2028. In aggregate, these two facilities provide $2.0 billion in available credit.

Each of these primary committed credit facilities includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including financial covenants that require us to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA, in each case, tested quarterly. At December 31, 2023, we did not have borrowings under either facility, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants and all other covenants contained therein during the rolling year ended December 31, 2023.

Subsequent Events

On February 16, 2024, we entered into a credit agreement in which lenders committed to provide a $2.0 billion unsecured term loan facility to Aon North America, Inc. Proceeds will be used to fund, in part, the acquisition of NFP, including the repayment of certain debt of NFP and portions of the related fees and expenses. The borrowings must be made in a single drawing on the closing date of the acquisition.

Shelf Registration Statement

On June 22, 2023, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC, registering the offer and sale from time to time of an indeterminate amount of, among other securities, debt securities, preference shares, class A ordinary shares and convertible securities. Our ability to access the market as a source of liquidity is dependent on investor demand, market conditions, and other factors.

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Rating Agency Ratings

The major rating agencies’ ratings of our debt at February 16, 2024 appear in the table below.

Ratings
Senior Long-term DebtCommercial PaperOutlook
Standard & Poor’sA-A-2Negative
Moody’s Investor ServicesBaa2P-2Stable
Fitch, Inc.BBB+F-2Negative

In the fourth quarter of 2023, S&P’s Global Ratings downgraded our 'A-’ outlook to Negative, as compared to a Stable outlook, Moody’s Investor Services downgraded our ‘Baa2’ outlook to Stable, as compared to a Positive outlook, and Fitch,Inc. downgraded our ‘BBB+’ outlook to Negative, as compared to a Stable outlook at October 27, 2023 as reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees

We have entered into a number of arrangements whereby our performance on certain obligations is guaranteed by a third party through the issuance of an LOC. We had total LOCs outstanding of approximately $86 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $74 million at December 31, 2022. These LOCs cover the beneficiaries related to certain of our U.S. and Canadian non-qualified pension plan schemes and secure deductible retentions for our own workers’ compensation program. We also have obtained LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at our international subsidiaries.

We have certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $194 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $173 million at December 31, 2022.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2023 are comprised of principal payments on debt, interest payments on debt, operating leases, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and purchase obligations.

Operating leases are primarily comprised of leased office space throughout the world. As leases expire, we do not anticipate difficulty in negotiating renewals or finding other satisfactory space if the premise becomes unavailable. In certain circumstances, we may have unused space and may seek to sublet such space to third parties, depending upon the demands for office space in the locations involved. Refer to Note 9 “Lease Commitments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information.

Pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations include estimates of our minimum funding requirements pursuant to the ERISA and other regulations, as well as minimum funding requirements agreed with the trustees of our U.K. pension plans. Additional amounts may be agreed to with, or required by, the U.K. pension plan trustees. Nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are based on estimated future benefit payments. We may make additional discretionary contributions. Refer to Note 12 “Employee Benefits” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information.

Purchase obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods and services that are enforceable and legally binding on us, and that specifies all significant terms, including the goods to be purchased or services to be rendered, the price at which the goods or services are to be rendered, and the timing of the transactions. Most of our purchase obligations are related to purchases of information technology services or other service contracts.

We had no other cash requirements from known contractual obligations and commitments that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

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Guarantee of Registered Securities

Newly issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation are guaranteed by Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Holdings plc, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Corporation Notes”):

Aon Corporation Notes
8.205% Junior Subordinated Notes due January 2027
4.50% Senior Notes due December 2028
3.75% Senior Notes due May 2029
2.80% Senior Notes due May 2030
6.25% Senior Notes due September 2040

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Holdings plc of the Aon Corporation Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of Aon Corporation. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Corporation Notes.

Newly issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Global Limited are guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Global Limited Notes”):

Aon Global Limited Notes
3.50% Senior Notes due June 2024
3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025
2.875% Senior Notes due May 2026
4.25% Senior Notes due December 2042
4.45% Senior Notes due May 2043
4.60% Senior Notes due June 2044
4.75% Senior Notes due May 2045

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation of the Aon Global Limited Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of Aon Global Limited. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Global Limited Notes.

Newly co-issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc (together, the “Co-Issuers”) are guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Limited and include the following (collectively, the “Co-Issued Notes”):

Co-Issued Notes - Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc
2.85% Senior Notes due May 2027
2.05% Senior Notes due August 2031
2.60% Senior Notes due December 2031
5.00% Senior Notes due September 2032
5.35% Senior Notes due February 2033
2.90% Senior Notes due August 2051
3.90% Senior Notes due February 2052

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, and Aon North America, Inc. of the Co-Issued Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the Co-Issuers. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Co-Issued Notes.

Aon Corporation, Aon North America, Inc., Aon Global Limited, and Aon Global Holdings plc are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Aon plc. Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon

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Corporation together comprise the revised “Obligor group”. The following tables set forth summarized financial information for the revised Obligor group, which reflects the financial results of Aon North America, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Adjustments are made to the tables to eliminate intercompany balances and transactions between the revised Obligor group. Intercompany balances and transactions between the revised Obligor group and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented as separate line items within the summarized financial information. These balances are presented on a net presentation basis, rather than a gross basis, as this better reflects the nature of the intercompany positions and presents the funding or funded position that is to be received or owed. No balances or transactions of non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented in the summarized financial information, including investments of the revised Obligor group in non-guarantor subsidiaries.

Summarized Statement of Income information for the Obligor group is as follows (in millions):

Obligor Group
Summarized Statement of Income Information
Year EndedDecember 31, 2023
Revenue$
Operating loss$(127)
Expense from non-guarantor subsidiaries before income taxes$(625)
Net loss$(1,285)
Net loss attributable to Aon shareholders$(1,285)

Summarized Statement of Financial Position information for the Obligor group is as follows (in millions):

Obligor Group
Summarized Statement of Financial Position Information
As ofDecember 31, 2023
Receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$1,431
Other current assets230
Total current assets$1,661
Non-current receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$10,873
Other non-current assets1,228
Total non-current assets$12,101
Payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$3,750
Other current liabilities4,987
Total current liabilities$8,737
Non-current payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$10,933
Other non-current liabilities11,447
Total non-current liabilities$22,380

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To prepare these financial statements, we make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect what we report as our assets and liabilities, what we disclose as contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.

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In accordance with our policies, we regularly evaluate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments, including, but not limited to, those concerning revenue recognition, pensions, goodwill and other intangible assets, contingencies, share-based payments, income taxes, and restructuring, and base our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on our historical experience and on factors we believe reasonable under the circumstances. The results involve judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. If our assumptions or conditions change, the actual results we report may differ from these estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments we use to prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when control of the promised services is transferred to the customer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements where control is transferred over time, an input or output method is applied that represents a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For arrangements that include variable consideration, we assesses whether any amounts should be constrained. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, we allocate consideration based on their relative fair values.

Costs incurred in obtaining a contract are capitalized and amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, considering anticipated renewals when applicable. Certain contract-related costs, including pre-placement brokerage costs, are capitalized as a cost to fulfill and are amortized on a systematic basis consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, which is generally less than one year.

Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded net of allowances for estimated policy cancellations, which are determined based on an evaluation of historical and current cancellation data. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced near the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period.

Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, Strategy and Technology Group, and capital markets. Revenue primarily includes reinsurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the inception of the reinsurance period for certain reinsurance brokerage, or more commonly for treaty reinsurance arrangements, over the term of the arrangement in installments based on deposit or minimum premiums.

Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, Talent, and Consumer Benefits Solutions. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. For brokerage commissions, revenue is predominantly recognized at the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using input or output methods to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various input or output measures, including units delivered or time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For Talent, revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time upon completion of the services. For arrangements recognized over time, revenue is based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation, including units delivered or time elapsed. Input and output measures utilized vary based on the arrangement but typically include reports provided or days elapsed. Revenue from Consumer Benefits Solutions arrangements are typically recognized upon successful enrollment of participants. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period. Payment terms for other services vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.

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Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting, pension administration and investments. Revenue recognized for these arrangements is predominantly recognized over the term of the arrangement using input or output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services. For consulting arrangements recognized over time, revenue will be recognized based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer, utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including units delivered or time elapsed. Fees paid by customers for consulting services are typically charged on an hourly, project or fixed-fee basis, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time incurred, days elapsed, or reports delivered. Revenue from time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements are recognized as services are performed using input or output measures to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including hours worked, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time and materials incurred. Revenue generated from our delegated investment business is generally earned as an agreed percentage based on AUM and, to a lesser extent, based on performance fees. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Payment terms vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.

Pensions

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans throughout the world. Our most significant plans are located in the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Canada, which are closed to new entrants. We have ceased crediting future benefits relating to salary and services for our U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plans to the extent statutorily permitted.

The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is reported in Compensation and benefits and all other components are reported in Other income (expense). We used a full-yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for our major pension and other postretirement benefit plans; this was obtained by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.

Recognition of Gains and Losses and Prior Service

Certain changes in the value of the obligation and in the value of plan assets, which may occur due to various factors such as changes in the discount rate and actuarial assumptions, actual demographic experience, and/or plan asset performance are not immediately recognized in net income. Such changes are recognized in Other comprehensive income and are amortized into net income as part of the net periodic benefit cost.

Unrecognized gains and losses that have been deferred in Other comprehensive income, as previously described, are amortized into expense as a component of periodic pension expense based on the average life expectancy of the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plan members. We amortize any prior service expense or credits that arise as a result of plan changes over a period consistent with the amortization of gains and losses.

As of December 31, 2023, our pension plans have deferred losses that have not yet been recognized through income in the Consolidated Financial Statements. We amortize unrecognized actuarial losses outside of a corridor, which is defined as 10% of the greater of market-related value of plan assets or PBO. To the extent not offset by future gains, incremental amortization as calculated above will continue to affect future pension expense similarly until fully amortized.

The following table discloses our accumulated other comprehensive loss, the number of years over which we are amortizing the loss, and the estimated 2024 amortization of loss by country (in millions, except amortization period):

U.K.U.S.Other
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$1,909$1,319$431
Amortization period6 to 24 years6 to 24 years11 to 33 years
Estimated 2024 amortization of loss$84$36$13

The U.S. had no unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2023. The unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2023 was $39 million, and $(5) million for the U.K. and other plans, respectively.

For the U.S. pension plans, we use a market-related valuation of assets approach to determine the expected return on assets, which is a component of net periodic benefit cost recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This approach recognizes 20% of any gains or losses in the current year’s value of market-related assets, with the remaining 80% spread over the next four years. As this approach recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets and therefore, our net periodic benefit cost will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded. As of December 31, 2023, the market-related value of assets was $1.8 billion. We do not use the market-related valuation approach to determine the funded status of the U.S. plans recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Instead, we record and present the

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funded status in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position based on the fair value of the plan assets. As of December 31, 2023, the fair value of plan assets was $1.5 billion. Our non-U.S. plans use fair value to determine expected return on assets.

Rate of Return on Plan Assets and Asset Allocation

The following table summarizes the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for future pension expense as of December 31, 2023:

U.K.U.S.Other
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses5.14%7.79%4.40 - 5.50%

In determining the expected rate of return for the plan assets, we analyze investment community forecasts and current market conditions to develop expected returns for each of the asset classes used by the plans. In particular, we surveyed multiple third-party financial institutions and consultants to obtain long-term expected returns on each asset class, considered historical performance data by asset class over long periods, and weighted the expected returns for each asset class by target asset allocations of the plans.

The U.S. pension plan asset allocation is based on approved allocations following adopted investment guidelines. The investment policy for U.K. and other non-U.S. pension plans is generally determined by the plans’ trustees. Because there are several pension plans maintained in the U.K. and other non-U.S. categories, our target allocation presents a range of the target allocation of each plan. Target allocations are subject to change.

Impact of Changing Economic Assumptions

Changes in the discount rate and expected return on assets can have a material impact on pension obligations and pension expense.

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our PBO at December 31, 2023 (in millions):

Increase (decrease) in projected benefit obligation (1)25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
IncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(94)$97
U.S. plans$(53)$55
Other plans$(40)$42

(1)Increases to the PBO reflect increases to our pension obligations, while decreases in the PBO are recoveries toward fully-funded status. A change in the discount rate has an inverse relationship to the PBO.

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our estimated 2024 pension expense (in millions):

25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(2)$2
U.S. plans$$(1)
Other plans$$

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our long-term rate of return on plan assets would have on our estimated 2024 pension expense (in millions):

25 BPS Change in Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(9)$9
U.S. plans$(4)$4
Other plans$(3)$3

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Estimated Future Contributions

We estimate cash contributions of approximately $68 million to our pension plans in 2024 as compared with cash contributions of $50 million in 2023.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair market value of the net assets acquired. We classify our intangible assets acquired as either customer-related and contract-based, technology, tradenames or other intangibles.

Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter. We test more frequently if there are indicators of impairment or whenever business circumstances suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. These indicators may include a sustained significant decline in our share price and market capitalization, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, or a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, among others.

We perform impairment reviews at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a “component”). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. An operating segment shall be deemed to be a reporting unit if all of its components are similar, if none of its components are a reporting unit, or if the segment comprises only a single component. We aggregate components of any operating segments that have similar economic characteristics into a single reporting unit.

When evaluating these assets for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the goodwill impairment test becomes a quantitative analysis. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value limited to the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

When determining the fair value of our reporting units, we use a DCF model based on our most current forecasts. We discount the related cash flow forecasts using the weighted average cost of capital method at the date of evaluation. Preparation of forecasts and selection of the discount rate for use in the DCF model involve significant judgments, and changes in these estimates could affect the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period. We also use market multiples which are obtained from quoted prices of comparable companies to corroborate our DCF model results. The combined estimated fair value of our reporting units from our DCF model often results in a premium over our market capitalization, commonly referred to as a control premium. We believe the implied control premium determined by our impairment analysis is reasonable based upon historic data of premiums paid on actual transactions within our industry.

We review intangible assets that are being amortized for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that an asset group’s carrying value may not be recoverable. If we are required to record impairment charges in the future, they could materially impact our results of operations.

Contingencies

We define a contingency as an existing condition that involves a degree of uncertainty as to a possible gain or loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Under U.S. GAAP, we are required to establish reserves for loss contingencies when the loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate its financial impact. We are required to assess the likelihood of material adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges or probability of losses. We determine the amount of reserves required, if any, for contingencies after carefully analyzing each individual item. The required reserves may change due to new developments in each issue. We do not recognize gain contingencies until all contingencies are resolved.

Share-Based Payments

Share-based compensation expense is measured based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the requisite service period for awards that we ultimately expect to vest. For purposes of measuring share-based compensation expense, we consider whether an adjustment to the observable market price is necessary to reflect material nonpublic information that is known to us at the time the award is granted. No adjustments were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, or 2021. We also estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on our actual experience to date and revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

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Restricted Share Units

RSUs are service-based awards for which we recognize the associated compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period where applicable.

Performance Share Awards

PSAs are performance-based awards for which vesting is dependent on the achievement of certain objectives. Such objectives may be made on a personal, group, or company level. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period.

Compensation expense is recognized over the performance period. The number of shares issued on the vesting date will vary depending on the actual performance objectives achieved, which are based on a fixed number of potential outcomes. We make assessments of future performance using subjective estimates, such as long-term plans. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions could have a material impact on the compensation expense recognized.

The largest plan is the LPP, which has a three-year performance period. As the percent of expected performance increases or decreases, the potential change in expense can go from 0% to 200% of the targeted total expense. The 2021 to 2023 performance period ended on December 31, 2023, the 2020 to 2022 performance period ended on December 31, 2022, and the 2019 to 2021 performance period ended on December 31, 2021. The LPP currently has two open performance periods: 2022 to 2024 and 2023 to 2025. A 10% upward adjustment in our estimated performance achievement percentage for both open performance periods would have increased our 2023 expense by approximately $8.7 million, while a 10% downward adjustment would have decreased our expense by approximately $8.7 million.

Income Taxes

We earn income in numerous countries and this income is subject to the laws of taxing jurisdictions within those countries.

The carrying values of deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the application of our income tax accounting policies and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates about future operating results and levels of taxable income, and judgments regarding the interpretation of the provisions of current accounting principles.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Considerations with respect to the realizability of deferred tax assets include the period of expiration of the deferred tax asset, historical earnings and projected future taxable income by jurisdiction as well as tax liabilities for the tax jurisdiction to which the tax asset relates. Significant management judgment is required in determining the assumptions and estimates related to the amount and timing of future taxable income. Valuation allowances are evaluated periodically and will be subject to change in each future reporting period as a result of changes in various factors.

We assess carryforwards and tax credits for realization as a reduction of future taxable income by using a “more likely than not” determination.

We base the carrying values of liabilities and assets for income taxes currently payable and receivable on management’s interpretation of applicable tax laws and incorporate management’s assumptions and judgments about using tax planning strategies in various taxing jurisdictions. Using different estimates, assumptions, and judgments in accounting for income taxes, especially those that deploy tax planning strategies, may result in materially different carrying values of income tax assets and liabilities and changes in our results of operations.

Accelerating Aon United Program

Restructuring charges related to the AAU Program are recognized within Accelerating Aon United Program expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and consists of the following cost activities:

Workforce reduction costs

Severance and related costs are generally determined based on amounts due under established severance plans. Typically, severance benefits are recognized when it is probable the benefit will be paid, and the amount is reasonably estimable. Most workforce reductions happen over a short span of time, so no discounting is necessary.

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Asset impairments for fixed assets

Asset impairments relate to fixed assets and are accounted for in the period when they become known by revising the useful life of fixed assets when there is a change in the estimated future benefits in or use of the asset, accordingly depreciation is accelerated to reflect the revised useful life.

Leases

For leased properties where we plan to permanently cease use of a space and have the intent and ability to sublease the property, we will test the ROU asset for impairment to determine if an impairment has occurred. The test for impairment will adjust the book value of the asset based on the net present value of the future cash flows expected from a sublease agreement using current market information for similar properties.

For properties where we plan to permanently cease use of a space and have no intent or ability to sublease the property, the amortization of the ROU asset will be accelerated and recognized on a straight-line basis from the decision date to the cease use date.

For the remaining lease term, we decrease the liability for payments and increase the liability for accretion of the discount. The discount reflects our incremental borrowing rate, which matches the lifetime of the liability. Significant changes in the discount rate selected or the estimations of sublease income could impact the amounts recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Other associated costs of exit and disposal activities

We recognize other costs associated with exit and disposal activities as they are incurred, including professional services fees, technology-related costs, and moving costs.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, including a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or future potential impact on our financial results, if determinable.

FY 2022 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001628280-23-004087.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2023-02-17. Report date: 2022-12-31.

Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF 2022 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Aon plc is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, health, and wealth solutions. Through our experience, global reach, and comprehensive analytics, we are better able to help clients meet rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and interconnected challenges. We are committed to accelerating innovation to address unmet and evolving client needs, so that our clients are better informed, better advised, and able to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. Management is focused on strengthening Aon and uniting the firm with one portfolio of capability enabled by data and analytics and one operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity, and efficiency.

Financial Results

The following is a summary of our 2022 financial results:

•Revenue increased $286 million, or 2%, to $12.5 billion in 2022 compared to 2021, reflecting 6% organic revenue growth and a 1% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income, partially offset by a 4% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation a 1% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures and other.

•Operating expenses decreased $1.3 billion, or 13%, to $8.8 billion in 2022 compared to 2021 due primarily to the $1.0 billion payment made in connection with terminating the combination with WTW (the “Termination Fee”) and certain transaction costs incurred related to the termination in the prior year (together, the “Transaction Costs”) and a $373 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth, investments in long-term growth, and a $58 million charge related to certain legal settlements reached.

•Operating margin increased to 29.4% in 2022 from 17.1% in 2021. The increase was driven by a decrease in operating expenses as listed above and organic revenue growth of 6%.

•Due to the factors set forth above, Net income was $2.6 billion in 2022, an increase of $1.3 billion, or 102%, from 2021.

•Diluted earnings per share increased 119% to $12.14 per share during the twelve months of 2022 compared to $5.55 per share for the prior year period.

•Cash flows provided by operating activities was $3.2 billion in 2022, an increase of $1.0 billion, or 48%, from $2.2 billion in 2021, primarily due to the Transaction Costs paid in the prior year period, and strong operating income growth, partially offset by higher incentive compensation payments made in the current year following strong performance in 2021.

We focus on four key metrics not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP that we communicate to shareholders: organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow. These non-GAAP metrics should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics for 2022:

•Organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Organic Revenue Growth,” was 6% in 2022, compared to 9% organic growth in the prior year.

•Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Operating Margin,” was 30.8% in 2022, compared to 30.1% in the prior year. The increase in adjusted operating margin primarily reflects 6% organic revenue growth and a higher fiduciary investment income, partially offset by increased expenses and investments in long-term growth.

•Adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share,” was $13.39 per share in 2022, an increase of $1.39 per share, or 12%, from $12.00 per share in 2021. The increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share primarily reflects strong operational performance and effective capital management, highlighted by $3.2 billion of share repurchase during 2022, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

•Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Free Cash Flow,” was $3.0 billion in 2022, an increase of $978 million, or 48%, from $2.0 billion in 2021, reflecting an increase in Cash flows from operations, partially offset by a $59 million increase in capital expenditures.

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ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE

For many companies, the management of ESG risks and opportunities has become increasingly important, and ESG-related challenges, such as extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, cyber events, regulatory changes, ongoing public health impacts, and the increased focus on workforce resilience in highly varied work environments continue to create volatility and uncertainty for our clients. Aon offers a wide range of risk assessment, consulting and advisory solutions, many of which are significant parts of our core business offerings, designed to address and manage ESG issues for clients, and to enable our clients to create more sustainable value. We view ESG risks as presenting an important opportunity for Aon to work together as one firm to address client needs and improve our impact on ESG matters.

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Summary of Results

Our consolidated results are as follow (in millions, except per share data):

Years Ended December 31
202220212020
Revenue
Total revenue$12,479$12,193$11,066
Expenses
Compensation and benefits6,4776,7385,905
Information technology509477444
Premises289327291
Depreciation of fixed assets151179167
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets113147246
Other general expense1,2712,2351,232
Total operating expenses8,81010,1038,285
Operating income3,6692,0902,781
Interest income18116
Interest expense(406)(322)(334)
Other income (expense)(125)15213
Income before income taxes3,1561,9312,466
Income tax expense510623448
Net income2,6461,3082,018
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests575349
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$2,589$1,255$1,969
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$12.14$5.55$8.45
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted213.2226.1233.1

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Consolidated Results for 2022 Compared to 2021

Revenue

Total revenue increased $286 million, or 2%, to $12.5 billion in 2022, compared to $12.2 billion in 2021. The increase was driven by 6% organic revenue growth and a 1% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income, partially offset by a 4% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and a 1% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures, and other.

Commercial Risk Solutions revenue increased $80 million, or 1%, to $6.7 billion in 2022, compared to $6.6 billion in 2021. Organic revenue growth was 6% in 2022, reflecting growth across every major geography, including double-digit growth in Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific, driven by strong net new business generation, retention, and management of the renewal book portfolio. U.S. retail brokerage was pressured primarily by Transaction Solutions, which declined due to lower external deal volume. Results also reflect strong growth globally in the affinity business across both consumer and business solutions, including growth in the travel and events practice and Digital Client Solutions. On average globally, exposures and pricing were modestly positive, resulting in modestly positive market impact.

Reinsurance Solutions revenue increased $193 million, or 10%, to $2.2 billion in 2022, compared to $2.0 billion in 2021. Organic revenue growth was 8% in 2022 driven by strong net new business generation in treaty, as well as solid growth in facultative placements and the Strategy and Technology Group. In addition, market impact was modestly positive on results.

Health Solutions revenue increased $70 million, or 3%, to $2.2 billion in 2022, compared to $2.2 billion in 2021. Organic revenue growth was 8% in 2022, reflecting growth globally in core health and benefits brokerage, driven by strong retention, net new business generation and management of the renewal book portfolio. Strength in health and benefits included growth in advisory work related to wellbeing and resilience. Results also reflect double-digit growth in Human Capital, driven by data and advisory solutions, and modest growth in Consumer Benefits Solutions.

Wealth Solutions revenue decreased $59 million, or 4%, to $1.4 billion in 2022, compared to $1.4 billion in 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a 5% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and a 2% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures, and other. This decrease was offset by organic revenue growth of 3% in 2022 driven by high demand and project related work related to pension risk transfer and ongoing impacts of regulatory changes. In Investments, a decrease in AUM-based delegated investment management revenue due to equity market and interest rate movements was partially offset by higher advisory demand and project-related work.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits decreased $261 million, or 4%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a $293 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation and a $245 million decrease in Transaction Costs, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth.

Information Technology

Information technology, which represents costs associated with supporting and maintaining our infrastructure, increased $32 million, or 7%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The increase was primarily driven by ongoing investments in Aon Business Services-enabled technology platforms and technology to drive long-term growth, partially offset by a $17 million decrease in Transaction Costs.

Premises

Premises, which represents the cost of occupying offices in various locations throughout the world, decreased $38 million, or 12%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a $22 million decrease in Transaction Costs and a $19 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Depreciation of Fixed Assets

Depreciation of fixed assets primarily relates to software, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, computer equipment, buildings, and automobiles. Depreciation of fixed assets decreased $28 million, or 16%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a $16 million decrease in Transaction Costs.

Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets

Amortization and impairment of intangibles primarily relates to finite-lived customer-related and contract-based, technology, and tradename assets. Amortization and impairment of intangibles decreased $34 million, or 23%, in 2022 compared to 2021.

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Other General Expenses

Other general expenses decreased $964 million, or 43%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a $1.1 billion decrease in Transaction Costs, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth, including travel and entertainment expense, and a $58 million charge from certain legal settlements reach in 2022.

Interest Income

Interest income represents income earned on operating cash balances and other income-producing investments. It does not include interest earned on Funds held on behalf of clients. Interest income was $18 million in 2022, an increase of $7 million, or 64%, from 2021.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, which represents the cost of our debt obligations, was $406 million in 2022, an increase of $84 million, or 26%, from 2021. The increase primarily reflects an increase in total debt.

Other Income (Expense)

Other expense was $125 million in 2022, which primarily reflects a non-cash pension settlement charge of $170 million incurred in the fourth quarter, compared to Other income of $152 million in 2021, primarily reflecting a gain from sale of businesses in the prior year period.

Income before Income Taxes

Income before income taxes was $3.2 billion in 2022, a 63% increase from $1.9 billion in 2021. The increase was primarily driven by $1.4 billion in Transaction Costs in the prior year period and strong operational performance.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate on net income was 16.2% in 2022 and 32.3% in 2021. The 2022 tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items, primarily the favorable impacts of share-based payments.

The 2021 tax rate was primarily driven by the impact of the Termination Fee, the U.K. statutory tax rate increase, and the tax benefit of share-based payments. The U.K. enacted legislation in the second quarter of 2021 which increases the corporate income tax rate from 19% to 25% with effect from April 1, 2023 and the Company remeasured its U.K. deferred tax assets and liabilities accordingly.

Net Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders increased to $2.6 billion, or $12.14 per diluted share, in 2022, compared to $1.3 billion, or $5.55 per diluted share, in 2021.

Consolidated Results for 2021 Compared to 2020

We have elected not to include a discussion of our consolidated results for 2021 compared to 2020 in this report in reliance upon Instruction 1 to Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K. This discussion can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the SEC on February 18, 2022.

Non-GAAP Metrics

In our discussion of consolidated results, we sometimes refer to certain non-GAAP supplemental information derived from consolidated financial information specifically related to organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted net income attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted net income per share, other income (expense), as adjusted, adjusted effective tax rate, free cash flow, and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating results. Management believes that these measures are important to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons and that this supplemental information is helpful to investors. Management also uses these measures to assess operating performance and performance for compensation. This non-GAAP supplemental information should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Organic Revenue Growth

We use supplemental information related to organic revenue growth to help us and our investors evaluate business growth from existing operations. Organic revenue growth is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact of certain intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges. This supplemental information related to organic revenue growth represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements. Industry peers provide similar supplemental information about their revenue performance, although they may not make identical adjustments. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported Total revenue is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended
Dec 31, 2022Dec 31, 2021% ChangeLess: Currency Impact (1)Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & OtherOrganic Revenue Growth (3)
Commercial Risk Solutions$6,715$6,6351%(4)%1%(2)%6%
Reinsurance Solutions2,1901,99710(3)148
Health Solutions2,2242,1543(3)(2)8
Wealth Solutions1,3671,426(4)(5)(2)3
Elimination(17)(19)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total revenue$12,479$12,1932%(4)%1%(1)%6%
Years Ended
Dec 31, 2021Dec 31, 2020% ChangeLess: Currency Impact (1)Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & OtherOrganic Revenue Growth (3)
Commercial Risk Solutions$6,635$5,86113%2%%%11%
Reinsurance Solutions1,9971,8141028
Health Solutions2,1542,06742(8)10
Wealth Solutions1,4261,3416312
Elimination(19)(17)NANANANANA
Total revenue$12,193$11,06610%2%%(1)%9%

(1)Currency impact is determined by translating last year’s revenue at this year’s foreign exchange rates.

(2)Fiduciary investment income for the years ended December 31, 2022 2021, and 2020 was $76 million, $8 million, and $27 million, respectively.

(3)Organic revenue growth includes the impact of certain intercompany activity, changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges.

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Adjusted Operating Margin

We use adjusted operating margin as a non-GAAP measure of core operating performance of the Company. Adjusted operating margin excludes the impact of certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses reflect our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to adjusted operating margin represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to reported operating margins is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended December 31
20222021
Revenue$12,479$12,193
Operating income - as reported$3,669$2,090
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets113147
Transaction costs and other charges related to the combination and resulting termination (1)1,436
Legal settlements (2)$58$
Operating income - as adjusted3,8403,673
Operating margin - as reported29.4%17.1%
Operating margin - as adjusted30.8%30.1%

(1)As part of the terminated combination with WTW, certain transaction costs were incurred by the Company through the third quarter of 2021. These costs included advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees related to the combination, including planned divestitures, some of which were terminated, as well as certain compensation expenses and expenses related to further steps on our Aon United operating model as a result of the termination. Additionally, this includes the $1 billion Termination Fee paid in connection with the termination of the combination.

(2)In connection with certain legal settlements reached, a $58 million charge was recognized in the second quarter of 2022.

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Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share

We use adjusted diluted earnings per share as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses are the best indicators of our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to adjusted diluted earnings per share represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to reported diluted earnings per share is as follows (in millions, except per share data and percentages):

Year Ended December 31, 2022
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$3,669$171$3,840
Interest income1818
Interest expense(406)(406)
Other income (expense) (1)(125)17045
Income before income taxes3,1563413,497
Income tax expense (2)51075585
Net income2,6462662,912
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests5757
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$2,589$266$2,855
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$12.14$1.25$13.39
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted213.2213.2
Effective tax rates (2)16.2%16.7%
Year Ended December 31, 2021
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$2,090$1,583$3,673
Interest income1111
Interest expense(322)(322)
Other income (expense) (3)152(124)28
Income before income taxes1,9311,4593,390
Income tax expense (2)623623
Net income1,3081,4592,767
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests5353
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,255$1,459$2,714
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.55$6.45$12.00
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted226.1226.1
Effective tax rates (2)32.3%18.4%

(1)To further its pension de-risking strategy the Company purchased an annuity for portions of its U.S. pension plans that will settle certain obligations. A non-cash settlement charge totaling $170 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2022 which is excluded from Adjusted Other income (expense).

(2)Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with certain transaction costs and other charges related to the combination and resulting termination, as well as certain legal and pension settlements, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate. In addition, income tax expense for the year ended December 30, 2021 excludes the impact of remeasuring the net deferred tax liabilities in the U.K. as a result of the corporate income tax rate increase enacted in the second quarter of 2021.

(3)Adjusted Other income (expense) excludes gains from dispositions of $124 million, for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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Free Cash Flow

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

Years Ended December 31
20222021
Cash provided by operating activities$3,219$2,182
Capital expenditures(196)(137)
Free cash flow$3,023$2,045

Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations

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

Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.33 on earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2022 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had a favorable impact of $0.17 on earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2021, if 2020 results were translated at 2021 rates.

Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.44 on adjusted earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2022 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had a favorable impact of $0.23 on adjusted earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2021, if 2020 results were translated at 2021 rates. These translations are performed for comparative and illustrative purposes only and do not impact the accounting policies or practices for amounts included in our Financial Statements.

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity

Executive Summary

We believe that our balance sheet and strong cash flow provide us with adequate liquidity. Our primary sources of liquidity in the near-term include cash flows provided by operations and available cash reserves; primary sources of liquidity in the long-term include cash flows provided by operations, debt capacity available under our credit facilities, and capital markets. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and investments, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases, pension obligations, and shareholder dividends. We believe that cash flows from operations, available credit facilities, available cash reserves, and the capital markets will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including principal and interest payments on debt obligations, capital expenditures, pension contributions, and anticipated working capital requirements in the next twelve months and over the long-term.

Cash on our balance sheet includes funds available for general corporate purposes, as well as amounts restricted as to their use. Funds held on behalf of clients in a fiduciary capacity are segregated and shown together with uncollected insurance premiums and claims in Fiduciary assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, with a corresponding amount in Fiduciary liabilities.

In our capacity as an insurance broker or agent, we collect premiums from insureds and, after deducting our commission, remit the premiums to the respective insurance underwriters. We also collect claims or refunds from underwriters on behalf of insureds, which are then returned to the insureds. Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held by us in a fiduciary capacity. The levels of funds held on behalf of clients and liabilities can fluctuate significantly depending on when we collect the premiums, claims, and refunds, make payments to underwriters and insureds, and collect funds from clients and make

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payments on their behalf, and upon the impact of foreign currency movements. Funds held on behalf of clients, because of their nature, are generally invested in very liquid securities with highly rated, credit-worthy financial institutions. Fiduciary assets include funds held on behalf of clients comprised of cash and cash equivalents of $6.4 billion and $6.1 billion at December 31, 2022 and 2021, and fiduciary receivables of $9.5 billion and $8.3 billion at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. While we earn investment income on the funds held in cash and money market funds, the funds cannot be used for general corporate purposes.

We maintain multi-currency cash pools with third-party banks in which various Aon entities participate. Individual Aon entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall global balance does not fall below zero. At December 31, 2022, non-U.S. cash balances of one or more entities may have been negative; however, the overall balance was positive.

The following table summarizes our Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments, and Fiduciary assets as of December 31, 2022 (in millions):

Statement of Financial Position Classification
Asset TypeCash and cash equivalentsShort-term investmentsFiduciary assetsTotal
Certificates of deposit, bank deposits, or time deposits$690$$3,515$4,205
Money market funds4522,8713,323
Cash, Short-term investments, and funds held on behalf of clients6904526,3867,528
Fiduciary receivables9,5149,514
Total$690$452$15,900$17,042

Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients increased $431 million in 2022 compared to 2021. A summary of our cash flows provided by and used for operating, investing, and financing activities is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20222021
Cash provided by operating activities$3,219$2,182
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities$(449)$49
Cash used for financing activities$(1,790)$(1,924)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$(549)$(235)

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $1,037 million, or 48%, from the prior year to $3,219 million. This amount represents Net income reported, generally adjusted for the following primary drivers including gains from sales of businesses, losses from sales of businesses, share-based compensation expense, depreciation expense, amortization and impairments, and other non-cash income and expenses, including pension settlement charges. Adjustments also include changes in working capital that relate primarily to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities and collection of receivables.

Pension Contributions

Pension contributions were $59 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $87 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. In 2023, we expect to contribute approximately $61 million in cash to our pension plans, including contributions to non-U.S. pension plans, which are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Investing Activities

Cash flows used for investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022 were $449 million, a decrease of $498 million compared to prior year. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows used for investing activities are acquisition of businesses, purchases of short-term investments, capital expenditures, and payments for investments. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows provided by investing activities are sales of businesses, sales of short-term investments, and proceeds from investments. The gains and losses corresponding to cash flows provided by proceeds from investments and used for payments for investments are primarily recognized in Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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Short-term Investments

Short-term investments increased $160 million at December 31, 2022 as compared to December 31, 2021. As disclosed in Note 14 “Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report, the majority of our investments carried at fair value are money market funds. These money market funds are held throughout the world with various financial institutions. We are not aware of any market liquidity issues that would materially impact the fair value of these investments.

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses

During 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of five businesses for consideration of $162 million, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients, and the disposition of three businesses for a $81 million cash inflow, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients.

During 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of two businesses for consideration of $14 million, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients, and the disposition of six business for a $218 million cash inflow, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients.

Capital Expenditures

The Company’s additions to fixed assets, including capitalized software, which amounted to $196 million in 2022 and $137 million in 2021, primarily related to refurbishing and modernizing of office facilities, software development costs, and computer equipment purchases.

Financing Activities

Cash flows used for financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022 was $1,790 million, a decrease of $134 million compared to prior year. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flow used for financing activities are repayments of debt, share repurchases, dividends paid to shareholders, cash paid for employee taxes on withholding shares, transactions with noncontrolling interests, and other financing activities, such as collection of or payments for deferred consideration in connection with prior year business acquisitions and divestitures. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flow provided by financing activities are issuances of debt, changes in net fiduciary liabilities, and proceeds from issuance of shares.

Share Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases, and was increased by $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014, June 2017, and November 2020, and by $7.5 billion in February 2022 for a total of $27.5 billion in repurchase authorizations.

The following table summarizes the Company’s Share Repurchase activity (in millions, except per share data):

Years Ended December 31
20222021
Shares repurchased11.112.4
Average price per share$289.76$286.82
Repurchase costs recorded to accumulated deficit$3,203$3,543

At December 31, 2022, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the Repurchase Program was approximately $6.0 billion. Under the Repurchase Program, we have repurchased a total of 160.7 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $21.5 billion.

Borrowings

Total debt at December 31, 2022 was $10.8 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion compared to December 31, 2021.

In November 2022, Aon Global Limited’s $350 million 4.00% Senior Notes due November 2023 were classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as the date of maturity is in less than one year as of December 31, 2022.

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In November 2022, Aon Corporation’s $500 million 2.20% Senior Notes matured and were repaid in full. In November 2021, the Company’s $500 million 2.20% Senior Notes due November 2022 were classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as the date of maturity is in less than one year as of December 31, 2021.

On September 12, 2022, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Aon Global Holdings plc, a public limited company formed under the laws of England and Wales, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, co-issued $500 million of 5.00% Senior Notes due September 2032. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.

On February 28, 2022, Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc co-issued $600 million of 2.85% Senior Notes due May 2027 and $900 million of 3.90% Senior Notes due February 2052. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.

On December 2, 2021, Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc co-issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.60% Senior Notes due December 2031. We intend to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes.

On August 23, 2021, Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc co-issued $400 million of 2.05% Senior Notes due August 2031 and $600 million of 2.90% Senior Notes due August 2051. We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.

On January 13, 2021, Aon Global Limited issued an irrevocable notice of redemption to holders of its 2.80% Senior Notes for the redemption of all $400 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of the notes, which were set to mature in March 2021. The redemption date was on February 16, 2021 and resulted in an insignificant loss due to extinguishment.

Aon Corporation has established a U.S. commercial paper program (the “U.S. Program”) and Aon Global Holdings plc has established a European multi-currency commercial paper program (the “European Program” and, together with the U.S. Program, the “Commercial Paper Programs”). Commercial paper may be issued in aggregate principal amounts of up to $1 billion under the U.S. Program and €625 million under the European Program, not to exceed the amount of our committed credit facilities, which was approximately $1.8 billion at December 31, 2022. The aggregate capacity of the Commercial Paper Program remains fully backed by our committed credit facilities. Commercial paper activity during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20222021 (2)
Total issuances (1)$12,301$4,478
Total repayments(12,366)(3,807)
Net issuances (repayments)$(65)$671

(1) The proceeds of the commercial paper issuances were used primarily for short-term working capital needs.

(2) Proceeds from commercial paper issued by Aon Corporation under the U.S. Program, where the aggregate principal was raised on July 26, 2021, were used to pay approximately $400 million of the Termination Fee on July 27, 2021.

Other Liquidity Matters

Distributable Profits

We are required under Irish law to have available “distributable profits” to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable profits are created through the earnings of the Irish parent company and, among other methods, through intercompany dividends or a reduction in share capital approved by the High Court of Ireland. Distributable profits are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g. Accumulated deficit). As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had distributable profits in excess of $29.0 billion and $32.7 billion, respectively. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable profits for the foreseeable future.

Credit Facilities

We expect cash generated by operations for 2022 to be sufficient to service our debt and contractual obligations, finance capital expenditures, and continue to pay dividends to our shareholders. Although cash from operations is expected to be sufficient to service these activities, we have the ability to access the commercial paper markets or borrow under our credit facilities to accommodate any timing differences in cash flows. Additionally, under current market conditions, we believe that we could access capital markets to obtain debt financing for longer-term funding, if needed.

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As of December 31, 2022, we had two primary committed credit facilities outstanding: our $1.0 billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in September 2026 and our $750 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in October 2024. In aggregate, these two facilities provide approximately $1.8 billion in available credit.

Each of these primary committed credit facilities includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including financial covenants that require us to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA, tested quarterly. At December 31, 2022, we did not have borrowings under either facility, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants and all other covenants contained therein during the rolling year ended December 31, 2022.

Shelf Registration Statement

On May 12, 2020, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC, registering the offer and sale from time to time of an indeterminate amount of, among other securities, debt securities, preference shares, class A ordinary shares and convertible securities. Our ability to access the market as a source of liquidity is dependent on investor demand, market conditions, and other factors.

Rating Agency Ratings

The major rating agencies’ ratings of our debt at February 17, 2023 appear in the table below.

Ratings
Senior Long-term DebtCommercial PaperOutlook
Standard & Poor’sA-A-2Stable
Moody’s Investor ServicesBaa2P-2Stable
Fitch, Inc.BBB+F-2Stable

Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees

We have entered into a number of arrangements whereby our performance on certain obligations is guaranteed by a third party through the issuance of a LOC. We had total LOCs outstanding of approximately $74 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $75 million at December 31, 2021. These LOCs cover the beneficiaries related to certain of our U.S. and Canadian non-qualified pension plan schemes and secure deductible retentions for our own workers’ compensation program. We also have obtained LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at our international subsidiaries.

We have certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $173 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $153 million at December 31, 2021.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2022 are comprised of principal payments on debt, interest payments on debt, operating leases, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and purchase obligations.

Operating leases are primarily comprised of leased office space throughout the world. As leases expire, we do not anticipate difficulty in negotiating renewals or finding other satisfactory space if the premise becomes unavailable. In certain circumstances, we may have unused space and may seek to sublet such space to third parties, depending upon the demands for office space in the locations involved. Refer to Note 8 “Lease Commitments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information.

Pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations include estimates of our minimum funding requirements pursuant to the ERISA and other regulations, as well as minimum funding requirements agreed with the trustees of our U.K. pension plans. Additional amounts may be agreed to with, or required by, the U.K. pension plan trustees. Nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are based on estimated future benefit payments. We may make additional discretionary contributions. Refer to Note 11 “Employee Benefits” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information.

Purchase obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods and services that are enforceable and legally binding on us, and that specifies all significant terms, including the goods to be purchased or services to be rendered, the price at which the goods or services are to be rendered, and the timing of the transactions. Most of our purchase obligations are related to purchases of information technology services or other service contracts.

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We had no other cash requirements from known contractual obligations and commitments that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Guarantee of Registered Securities

In connection with the Ireland Reorganization, Aon plc and Aon Global Holdings plc, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, entered into various agreements pursuant to which they agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon Corporation arising under issued and outstanding debt securities, which were previously guaranteed solely by Aon Global Limited and the obligations of Aon Global Limited arising under issued and outstanding debt securities, which were previously guaranteed solely by Aon Corporation. Those agreements include: (1) Second Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, and Aon Global Holdings plc and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”) (amending and restating the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); (2) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated December 12, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited plc and the Trustee); (3) Second Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated May 20, 2015, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); (4) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated November 13, 2015, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); and (5) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated December 3, 2018, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee).

After the Ireland Reorganization, newly issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation are guaranteed by Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, and Aon Global Holdings plc, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Corporation Notes”):

Aon Corporation Notes
8.205% Junior Subordinated Notes due January 2027
4.50% Senior Notes due December 2028
3.75% Senior Notes due May 2029
2.80% Senior Notes due May 2030
6.25% Senior Notes due September 2040

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, and Aon Global Holdings plc of the Aon Corporation Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the company. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Corporation Notes.

After the Ireland Reorganization, newly issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Global Limited are guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Global Limited Notes”):

Aon Global Limited Notes
4.00% Senior Notes due November 2023
3.50% Senior Notes due June 2024
3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025
2.875% Senior Notes due May 2026
4.25% Senior Notes due December 2042
4.45% Senior Notes due May 2043
4.60% Senior Notes due June 2044
4.75% Senior Notes due May 2045

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation of the Aon Global Limited Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future

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unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the company. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Global Limited Notes.

Newly co-issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc (together, the “Co-Issuers”) are guaranteed by Aon plc and Aon Global Limited and include the following (collectively, the “Co-Issued Notes”):

Co-Issued Notes - Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc
2.85% Senior Notes due May 2027
2.05% Senior Notes due August 2031
2.60% Senior Notes due December 2031
5.00% Senior Notes due September 2032
2.90% Senior Notes due August 2051
3.90% Senior Notes due February 2052

All guarantees of Aon plc and Aon Global Limited of the Co-Issued Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the Co-Issuers. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Co-Issued Notes.

Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, and Aon Global Holdings plc are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Aon plc. Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation together comprise the “Obligor group”. The following tables set forth summarized financial information for the Obligor group.

Adjustments are made to the tables to eliminate intercompany balances and transactions between the Obligor group. Intercompany balances and transactions between the Obligor group and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented as separate line items within the summarized financial information. These balances are presented on a net presentation basis, rather than a gross basis, as this better reflects the nature of the intercompany positions and presents the funding or funded position that is to be received or owed. No balances or transactions of non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented in the summarized financial information, including investments of the Obligor group in non-guarantor subsidiaries.

Summarized Statement of Income information for the Obligor group is as follows (in millions):

Obligor Group
Summarized Statement of Income Information
Year EndedDecember 31, 2022
Revenue$
Operating loss$(102)
Expense from non-guarantor subsidiaries before income taxes$(656)
Net loss$(1,069)
Net loss attributable to Aon shareholders$(1,069)

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Summarized Statement of Financial Position information for the Obligor group is as follows (in millions):

Obligor Group
Summarized Statement of Financial Position Information
As ofDecember 31, 2022
Receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$1,300
Other current assets317
Total current assets$1,617
Non-current receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$483
Other non-current assets1,060
Total non-current assets$1,543
Payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$16,172
Other current liabilities5,880
Total current liabilities$22,052
Non-current payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$2,343
Other non-current liabilities11,226
Total non-current liabilities$13,569

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To prepare these financial statements, we make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect what we report as our assets and liabilities, what we disclose as contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.

In accordance with our policies, we regularly evaluate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments, including, but not limited to, those concerning revenue recognition, pensions, goodwill and other intangible assets, contingencies, share-based payments, and income taxes, and base our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on our historical experience and on factors we believe reasonable under the circumstances. The results involve judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. If our assumptions or conditions change, the actual results we report may differ from these estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments we use to prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when control of the promised services is transferred to the customer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements where control is transferred over time, an input or output method is applied that represents a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For arrangements that include variable consideration, the Company assesses whether any amounts should be constrained. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates consideration based on their relative fair values.

Costs incurred by the Company in obtaining a contract are capitalized and amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, considering anticipated renewals when applicable. Certain contract related costs, including pre-placement brokerage costs, are capitalized as a cost to fulfill and are amortized on a systematic basis consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, which is generally less than one year.

Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services

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to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded net of allowances for estimated policy cancellations, which are determined based on an evaluation of historical and current cancellation data. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced near the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period.

Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, Strategy and Technology Group, and capital markets. Revenue primarily includes reinsurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the inception of the reinsurance period for certain reinsurance brokerage, or more commonly for treaty reinsurance arrangements, over the term of the arrangement in installments based on deposit or minimum premiums.

Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, Human Capital, and Consumer Benefits Solutions. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. For brokerage commissions, revenue is predominantly recognized at the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services using input or output measures, including units delivered or time elapsed, to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For Human Capital, revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time upon completion of the services. For arrangements recognized over time, revenue is based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation, including units delivered or time elapsed. Input and output measures utilized vary based on the arrangement but typically include reports provided or days elapsed. Revenue from Consumer Benefits Solutions arrangements are typically recognized upon successful enrollment of participants. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period. Payment terms for other services vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.

Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting, pension administration and investments. Revenue recognized for these arrangements is predominantly recognized over the term of the arrangement using input or output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For consulting arrangements recognized over time, revenue will be recognized based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer, utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including units delivered or time elapsed. Fees paid by customers for consulting services are typically charged on an hourly, project or fixed-fee basis, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time incurred, days elapsed, or reports delivered. Revenue from time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements are recognized as services are performed using input or output measures to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including hours worked, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time and materials incurred. Revenue generated from our delegated investment business is generally earned as an agreed percentage based on AUM and, to a lesser extent, based on performance fees. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Payment terms vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.

Pensions

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans throughout the world. Our most significant plans are located in the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Canada, which are closed to new entrants. We have ceased crediting future benefits relating to salary and services for our U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plans to the extent statutorily permitted.

The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is reported in Compensation and benefits and all other components are reported in Other income (expense). We used a full-yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for our major pension and other postretirement benefit plans; this was obtained by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.

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Recognition of Gains and Losses and Prior Service

Certain changes in the value of the obligation and in the value of plan assets, which may occur due to various factors such as changes in the discount rate and actuarial assumptions, actual demographic experience, and/or plan asset performance are not immediately recognized in net income. Such changes are recognized in Other comprehensive income and are amortized into net income as part of the net periodic benefit cost.

Unrecognized gains and losses that have been deferred in Other comprehensive income, as previously described, are amortized into expense as a component of periodic pension expense based on the average life expectancy of the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plan members. We amortize any prior service expense or credits that arise as a result of plan changes over a period consistent with the amortization of gains and losses.

As of December 31, 2022, our pension plans have deferred losses that have not yet been recognized through income in the Consolidated Financial Statements. We amortize unrecognized actuarial losses outside of a corridor, which is defined as 10% of the greater of market-related value of plan assets or PBO. To the extent not offset by future gains, incremental amortization as calculated above will continue to affect future pension expense similarly until fully amortized.

The following table discloses our accumulated other comprehensive loss, the number of years over which we are amortizing the loss, and the estimated 2023 amortization of loss by country (in millions, except amortization period):

U.K.U.S.Other
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$1,761$1,305$437
Amortization period7 to 25 years6 to 23 years11 to 34 years
Estimated 2023 amortization of loss$74$34$13

The U.S. had no unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2022. The unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2022 was $35 million, and $(6) million for the U.K. and other plans, respectively.

For the U.S. pension plans, we use a market-related valuation of assets approach to determine the expected return on assets, which is a component of net periodic benefit cost recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This approach recognizes 20% of any gains or losses in the current year’s value of market-related assets, with the remaining 80% spread over the next four years. As this approach recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets and therefore, our net periodic benefit cost will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded. As of December 31, 2022, the market-related value of assets was $1.8 billion. We do not use the market-related valuation approach to determine the funded status of the U.S. plans recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Instead, we record and present the funded status in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position based on the fair value of the plan assets. As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of plan assets was $1.5 billion. Our non-U.S. plans use fair value to determine expected return on assets.

Rate of Return on Plan Assets and Asset Allocation

The following table summarizes the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for future pension expense as of December 31, 2022:

U.K.U.S.Other
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses5.34%6.82%4.20 - 4.85%

In determining the expected rate of return for the plan assets, we analyze investment community forecasts and current market conditions to develop expected returns for each of the asset classes used by the plans. In particular, we surveyed multiple third-party financial institutions and consultants to obtain long-term expected returns on each asset class, considered historical performance data by asset class over long periods, and weighted the expected returns for each asset class by target asset allocations of the plans.

The U.S. pension plan asset allocation is based on approved allocations following adopted investment guidelines. The investment policy for U.K. and other non-U.S. pension plans is generally determined by the plans’ trustees. Because there are several pension plans maintained in the U.K. and other non-U.S. categories, our target allocation presents a range of the target allocation of each plan. Target allocations are subject to change.

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Impact of Changing Economic Assumptions

Changes in the discount rate and expected return on assets can have a material impact on pension obligations and pension expense.

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our PBO at December 31, 2022 (in millions):

Increase (decrease) in projected benefit obligation (1)25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
IncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(95)$(98)
U.S. plans$(53)$56
Other plans$(39)$41

(1)Increases to the PBO reflect increases to our pension obligations, while decreases in the PBO are recoveries toward fully-funded status. A change in the discount rate has an inverse relationship to the PBO.

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our estimated 2023 pension expense (in millions):

25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(3)$3
U.S. plans$$
Other plans$$

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our long-term rate of return on plan assets would have on our estimated 2023 pension expense (in millions):

25 BPS Change in Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(9)$9
U.S. plans$(4)$4
Other plans$(3)$3

Estimated Future Contributions

We estimate cash contributions of approximately $61 million to our pension plans in 2023 as compared with cash contributions of $59 million in 2022.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair market value of the net assets acquired. We classify our intangible assets acquired as either customer-related and contract-based, technology, tradenames or other intangibles.

Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter. We test more frequently if there are indicators of impairment or whenever business circumstances suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. These indicators may include a sustained significant decline in our share price and market capitalization, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, or a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, among others.

We perform impairment reviews at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a “component”). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. An operating segment shall be deemed to be a reporting unit if all of its components are similar, if none of its components are a reporting unit, or if the segment comprises only a single component. We aggregate components of any operating segments that have similar economic characteristics into a single reporting unit.

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When evaluating these assets for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the goodwill impairment test becomes a quantitative analysis. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value limited to the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

When determining the fair value of our reporting units, we use a DCF model based on our most current forecasts. We discount the related cash flow forecasts using the weighted average cost of capital method at the date of evaluation. Preparation of forecasts and selection of the discount rate for use in the DCF model involve significant judgments, and changes in these estimates could affect the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period. We also use market multiples which are obtained from quoted prices of comparable companies to corroborate our DCF model results. The combined estimated fair value of our reporting units from our DCF model often results in a premium over our market capitalization, commonly referred to as a control premium. We believe the implied control premium determined by our impairment analysis is reasonable based upon historic data of premiums paid on actual transactions within our industry.

We review intangible assets that are being amortized for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that an asset group’s carrying value may not be recoverable. If we are required to record impairment charges in the future, they could materially impact our results of operations.

Contingencies

We define a contingency as an existing condition that involves a degree of uncertainty as to a possible gain or loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Under U.S. GAAP, we are required to establish reserves for loss contingencies when the loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate its financial impact. We are required to assess the likelihood of material adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges or probability of losses. We determine the amount of reserves required, if any, for contingencies after carefully analyzing each individual item. The required reserves may change due to new developments in each issue. We do not recognize gain contingencies until all contingencies are resolved.

Share-Based Payments

Share-based compensation expense is measured based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the requisite service period for awards that we ultimately expect to vest. For purposes of measuring share-based compensation expense, we consider whether an adjustment to the observable market price is necessary to reflect material nonpublic information that is known to us at the time the award is granted. No adjustments were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, or 2020. We also estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on our actual experience to date and revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Restricted Share Units

RSUs are service-based awards for which we recognize the associated compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period where applicable.

Performance Share Awards

PSAs are performance-based awards for which vesting is dependent on the achievement of certain objectives. Such objectives may be made on a personal, group or company level. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period.

Compensation expense is recognized over the performance period. The number of shares issued on the vesting date will vary depending on the actual performance objectives achieved, which are based on a fixed number of potential outcomes. We make assessments of future performance using subjective estimates, such as long-term plans. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions could have a material impact on the compensation expense recognized.

The largest plan is the LPP, which has a three-year performance period. As the percent of expected performance increases or decreases, the potential change in expense can go from 0% to 200% of the targeted total expense. The 2020 to 2022 performance period ended on December 31, 2022, the 2019 to 2021 performance period ended on December 31, 2021, and the 2018 to 2020 performance period ended on December 31, 2020. The LPP currently has two open performance periods: 2021 to

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2023 and 2022 to 2024. A 10% upward adjustment in our estimated performance achievement percentage for both open performance periods would have increased our 2022 expense by approximately $2.6 million, while a 10% downward adjustment would have decreased our expense by approximately $7.7 million.

Income Taxes

We earn income in numerous countries and this income is subject to the laws of taxing jurisdictions within those countries.

The carrying values of deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the application of our income tax accounting policies and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates about future operating results and levels of taxable income, and judgments regarding the interpretation of the provisions of current accounting principles.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Considerations with respect to the realizability of deferred tax assets include the period of expiration of the deferred tax asset, historical earnings and projected future taxable income by jurisdiction as well as tax liabilities for the tax jurisdiction to which the tax asset relates. Significant management judgment is required in determining the assumptions and estimates related to the amount and timing of future taxable income. Valuation allowances are evaluated periodically and will be subject to change in each future reporting period as a result of changes in various factors.

We assess carryforwards and tax credits for realization as a reduction of future taxable income by using a “more likely than not” determination.

We base the carrying values of liabilities and assets for income taxes currently payable and receivable on management’s interpretation of applicable tax laws and incorporate management’s assumptions and judgments about using tax planning strategies in various taxing jurisdictions. Using different estimates, assumptions, and judgments in accounting for income taxes, especially those that deploy tax planning strategies, may result in materially different carrying values of income tax assets and liabilities and changes in our results of operations.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, including a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or future potential impact on our financial results, if determinable.

FY 2021 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001628280-22-003180.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2022-02-18. Report date: 2021-12-31.

Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Aon plc is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, health, and wealth solutions. Through our experience, global reach, and comprehensive analytics, we are better able to help clients meet rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and interconnected challenges. We are committed to accelerating innovation to address unmet and evolving client needs, so that our clients are better informed, better advised, and able to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. Management is focused on strengthening Aon and uniting the firm with one portfolio of capability enabled by data and analytics and one operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity, and efficiency.

Financial Results

The following is a summary of our 2021 financial results:

•Revenue increased $1.1 billion, or 10%, to $12.2 billion in 2021 compared to 2020, reflecting 9% organic revenue growth and a 2% favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a 1% unfavorable impact from divestitures, net of acquisitions.

•Operating expenses increased $1.8 billion, or 22%, to $10.1 billion in 2021 compared to 2020 due primarily to a $1.3 billion increase in charges related to terminating the combination with WTW and related costs, increased expenses associated with 9% organic revenue growth, and a $195 million unfavorable impact from translating prior year period results at current period foreign exchange rates (“foreign currency translation”), partially offset by a $72 million decrease in amortization related to certain tradenames that were fully amortized in the second quarter of 2020 and a $58 million decrease in expenses related to divestitures, net of acquisitions.

•Operating margin decreased to 17.1% in 2021 from 25.1% in 2020. The decrease was driven by an increase in operating expenses as listed above, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 9%.

•Due to the factors set forth above, Net income was $1.3 billion in 2021, a decrease of $0.7 billion, or 35%, from 2020.

•Diluted earnings per share decreased 34% to $5.55 per share during the twelve months of 2021 compared to $8.45 per share for the prior year period.

•Cash flows provided by operating activities was $2.2 billion in 2021, a decrease of $0.6 billion, or 22%, from $2.8 billion in 2020, primarily due to the $1 billion termination fee payment and additional payments related to terminating the combination with WTW, partially offset by strong revenue growth.

We focus on four key metrics not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP that we communicate to shareholders: organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow. These non-GAAP metrics should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics for 2021:

•Organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Organic Revenue Growth,” was 9% in 2021, compared to 1% organic growth in the prior year.

•Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Operating Margin,” was 30.1% in 2021, compared to 28.5% in the prior year. The increase in adjusted operating margin primarily reflects 9% organic revenue growth and a favorable impact from foreign currency translation of $63 million.

•Adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share,” was $12.00 per share in 2021, an increase of $2.19 per share, or 22%, from $9.81 per share in 2020. The increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share primarily reflects strong operational performance and effective capital management, highlighted by $3.5 billion of share repurchase during 2021, and a favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

•Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Free Cash Flow,” was $2.0 billion in 2021, a decrease of $597 million, or 23%, from $2.6 billion in 2020, reflecting a decrease in cash flows from operations, partially offset by a $4 million decrease in capital expenditures.

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BUSINESS OVERVIEW

In the third quarter of 2021, we announced a realignment of our principal service lines to the following: Commercial Risk Solutions, Reinsurance Solutions, Health Solutions, and Wealth Solutions. Realignment to these four solution lines results in the following changes in the presentation of our principal service line reporting:

•Data & Analytic Services’ revenue and organic revenue results, which were previously reported as a separate principal service line and include Affinity, Aon Inpoint, CoverWallet, and ReView, are included within Commercial Risk Solutions.

•Human Capital, which was previously reported within Retirement Solutions, is included within Health Solutions’ revenue and organic revenue results.

•Wealth Solutions includes revenue and organic revenue results for all businesses previously reported within Retirement Solutions, excluding Human Capital.

The changes in the solution line structure affects only the manner in which our revenue and organic revenue results for our principal service lines were previously reported and have no impact our previously reported Consolidated Financial Statements, results of operations, or total organic revenue growth. We continue to operate as one segment that includes all of our operations. See the “Principal Products and Services” section in Part I, Item 1 of this report for information on each of the four principal service lines.

TERMINATION OF BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT

On March 9, 2020, we and WTW entered into a Business Combination Agreement with respect to a combination of the parties (the “Combination”). The parties’ respective shareholders approved the Combination on August 26, 2020.

On June 16, 2021, the DOJ filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against the Company and WTW in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to enjoin the Combination. On July 26, 2021, the Company and WTW mutually agreed to terminate the Business Combination Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”). Pursuant to the Termination Agreement, the Business Combination Agreement was terminated and a termination fee of $1 billion (the “Termination Fee”) was paid to WTW. Following the termination, the lawsuit by the DOJ was dismissed.

Aon Corporation, a subsidiary of Aon plc, paid the Termination Fee to WTW on July 27, 2021, reflecting that U.S. business services provided by Aon Corporation and its subsidiaries were the primary focus of the DOJ’s challenge to our proposed combination. The Termination Fee was paid to defend the existing U.S. business of Aon Corporation and to avoid additional remedy divestitures of critical Aon Corporation business segments in the U.S. and the continuing delay and uncertainty in completing the combination.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The outbreak of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, was declared by the World Health Organization to be a pandemic and has impacted almost all countries, in varying degrees, creating significant public health concerns, and significant volatility, uncertainty, and economic disruption in every region in which we operate. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted, and may continue to result, in significant economic disruption and volatility, although in recent months progress has been made in the development and distribution of vaccines, contributing to overall improved economic conditions globally, despite recent developments as a result of the Delta and Omicron variants. We continue to closely monitor the situation and its impacts on our business, liquidity, and capital planning initiatives. We continue to be fully operational and to reoccupy certain offices in phases, where deemed appropriate and in compliance with governmental restrictions considering the impact on health and safety of our colleagues, their families, and our clients, and we have restricted or minimized access to offices where appropriate to support the health and safety of our colleagues. We continue to deploy business continuity protocols to facilitate remote working capabilities to ensure the health and safety of our colleagues and to comply with public health and travel guidelines and restrictions.

As the situation continues to evolve, the scale and duration of disruption cannot be predicted, and it is not possible to quantify or estimate the full impact that COVID-19 will have on our business. While we continue to focus on managing our cash flow to meet liquidity needs, our results of operations, particularly with respect to our more discretionary revenues, may be adversely affected. However, for the year ended December 31, 2021, the impacts of COVID-19 on our business results have lessened and we have seen overall strength across the firm. We continue to monitor the situation closely.

The impacts of the pandemic on our business operations and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 are further described in the sections entitled “Review of Consolidated Results” and “Liquidity and Financial Condition” contained in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

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ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE

For many companies, the management of ESG risks and opportunities has become increasingly important. Aon offers a wide range of consulting and advisory solutions designed to address and manage ESG issues for clients. We view ESG risks as presenting an important opportunity to help clients and improve our impact on ESG matters.

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Summary of Results

Our consolidated results are as follow (in millions, except per share data):

Years Ended December 31
202120202019
Revenue
Total revenue$12,193$11,066$11,013
Expenses
Compensation and benefits6,7385,9056,054
Information technology477444494
Premises327291339
Depreciation of fixed assets179167172
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets147246392
Other general expense2,2351,2321,393
Total operating expenses10,1038,2858,844
Operating income2,0902,7812,169
Interest income1168
Interest expense(322)(334)(307)
Other income15213
Income before income taxes1,9312,4661,870
Income tax expense623448297
Net income1,3082,0181,573
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests534941
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,255$1,969$1,532
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.55$8.45$6.37
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted226.1233.1240.6

Consolidated Results for 2021 Compared to 2020

Revenue

Total revenue increased $1.1 billion, or 10%, to $12.2 billion in 2021, compared to $11.1 billion in 2020. The increase was driven by 9% organic revenue growth and a 2% favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a 1% unfavorable impact from divestitures, net of acquisitions.

Commercial Risk Solutions revenue increased $774 million, or 13%, to $6.6 billion in 2021, compared to $5.9 billion in 2020. Organic revenue growth was 11% in 2021, reflecting growth across every major geography, driven by strong new business generation, retention, and management of the renewal book portfolio. Strength in retail brokerage was highlighted by double-digit growth in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia. Results also reflect growth in the more discretionary portions of the business, including double-digit growth in transaction solutions and project-related work. On average globally, exposures and pricing were both modestly positive, which resulted in a modestly positive market impact overall.

Reinsurance Solutions revenue increased $183 million, or 10%, to $2.0 billion in 2021, compared to $1.8 billion in 2020. Organic revenue growth was 8% in 2021 driven by strong net new business generation in treaty, as well as solid growth in facultative placements and double-digit growth in capital markets transactions. In addition, market impact was modestly positive on results.

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Health Solutions revenue increased $87 million, or 4%, to $2.2 billion in 2021, compared to $2.1 billion in 2020. Organic revenue growth was 10% in 2021 driven by double-digit growth in human capital due to growth in both rewards and assessments solutions. In health and benefits brokerage, solid growth globally in the core was driven by strong retention and management of the renewal book portfolio, as well as growth in the more discretionary portions of the business, including double-digit growth in voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions and project-related work.

Wealth Solutions revenue increased $85 million, or 6%, to $1.4 billion in 2021, compared to $1.3 billion in 2020. Organic revenue growth was 2% in 2021 driven by growth in investments, including solid growth in delegated investment management, as well as growth in retirement, primarily from higher utilization rates and project-related work.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits increased $833 million, or 14%, in 2021 compared to 2020. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in expense associated with 9% organic revenue growth, a $245 million increase in charges related to terminating the combination with WTW and related costs, and a $151 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a $17 million decrease in expenses related to divestitures, net of acquisitions.

Information Technology

Information technology, which represents costs associated with supporting and maintaining our infrastructure, increased $33 million, or 7%, in 2021 compared to 2020. The increase was primarily driven by a $17 million increase in charges related to terminating the combination with WTW and related costs, an increase in expense associated with 9% organic revenue growth, investments in long-term growth, and a $5 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Premises

Premises, which represents the cost of occupying offices in various locations throughout the world, increased $36 million, or 12%, in 2021 compared to 2020. The increase was primarily driven by a $22 million increase in charges related to terminating the combination with WTW and related costs and a $10 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Depreciation of Fixed Assets

Depreciation of fixed assets primarily relates to software, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, computer equipment, buildings, and automobiles. Depreciation of fixed assets increased $12 million, or 7%, in 2021 compared to 2020. The increase was primarily driven by a $16 million increase in charges related to terminating the combination with WTW and related costs.

Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets

Amortization and impairment of intangibles primarily relates to finite-lived tradenames and customer-related, contract-based, and technology assets. Amortization and impairment of intangibles decreased $99 million, or 40%, in 2021 compared to 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by a $72 million decrease from certain tradenames that were fully amortized in the second quarter of 2020.

Other General Expenses

Other general expenses increased $1.0 billion, or 81%, in 2021 compared to 2020. The increase was primarily driven by a $1.0 billion increase in charges related to terminating the combination with WTW and related costs, a $21 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, and an increase in expense associated with 9% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a $37 million decrease in expenses related to divestitures, net of acquisitions.

Interest Income

Interest income represents income earned on operating cash balances and other income-producing investments. It does not include interest earned on Funds held on behalf of clients. Interest income was $11 million in 2021, an increase of $5 million, or 83%, from 2020.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, which represents the cost of our debt obligations, was $322 million in 2021, a decrease of $12 million, or 4%, from 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by lower average outstanding term debt.

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Other Income

Other income was $152 million in 2021, compared to $13 million in 2020. Other income in 2021 primarily includes $142 million of gains from the disposal of business, compared to $25 million in 2020.

Income before Income Taxes

Due to factors described above, income before income taxes was $1.9 billion in 2021, a 22% decrease from $2.5 billion in 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by a $1.0 billion increase in charges related to terminating the combination with WTW and related costs, as previously described.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate on net income was 32.3% in 2021 and 18.2% in 2020. The primary drivers of the 2021 tax rate were the impact of the Termination Fee, the U.K. statutory tax rate increase, and the tax benefit of share-based payments. The U.K. enacted legislation in the second quarter of 2021 which increases the corporate income tax rate from 19% to 25% with effect from April 1, 2023 and the Company remeasured its U.K. deferred tax assets and liabilities accordingly.

The 2020 tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income, as well as certain discrete items, primarily the favorable impacts of share-based payments and the release of a valuation allowance.

Net Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders decreased to $1.3 billion, or $5.55 per diluted share, in 2021, compared to $2.0 billion, or $8.45 per diluted share, in 2020.

Consolidated Results for 2020 Compared to 2019

We have elected not to include a discussion of our consolidated results for 2020 compared to 2019 in this report in reliance upon Instruction 1 to Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K. This discussion can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was filed with the SEC on February 19, 2021.

Non-GAAP Metrics

In our discussion of consolidated results, we sometimes refer to certain non-GAAP supplemental information derived from consolidated financial information specifically related to organic revenue growth (decline), adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, free cash flow, and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating results. Management believes that these measures are important to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons and that this supplemental information is helpful to investors. Management also uses these measures to assess operating performance and performance for compensation. This non-GAAP supplemental information should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Organic Revenue Growth (Decline)

We use supplemental information related to organic revenue growth (decline) to help us and our investors evaluate business growth from existing operations. Organic revenue growth (decline) is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact of intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges. This supplemental information related to organic revenue growth (decline) represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements. Industry peers provide similar supplemental information about their revenue performance, although they may not make identical adjustments. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported Total revenue is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended
Dec 31, 2021Dec 31, 2020% ChangeLess: Currency Impact (1)Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & OtherOrganic Revenue Growth (3)
Commercial Risk Solutions$6,635$5,86113%2%%%11%
Reinsurance Solutions1,9971,8141028
Health Solutions2,1542,06742(8)10
Wealth Solutions1,4261,3416312
Elimination(19)(17)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total revenue$12,193$11,06610%2%%(1)%9%
Years Ended
Dec 31, 2020Dec 31, 2019% ChangeLess: Currency Impact (1)Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & OtherOrganic Revenue Growth (Decline) (3)
Commercial Risk Solutions$5,861$5,857%%%(1)%1%
Reinsurance Solutions1,8141,6868(1)(1)10
Health Solutions2,0672,104(2)(1)1(2)
Wealth Solutions1,3411,380(3)(2)(1)
Elimination(17)(14)NANANANANA
Total revenue$11,066$11,013%%%(1)%1%

(1)Currency impact is determined by translating last year’s revenue at this year’s foreign exchange rates.

(2)Fiduciary investment income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $8 million and $27 million, respectively.

(3)Organic revenue growth (decline) includes the impact of intercompany activity, changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges.

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Adjusted Operating Margin

We use adjusted operating margin as a non-GAAP measure of core operating performance of the Company. Adjusted operating margin excludes the impact of certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses reflect our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to adjusted operating margin represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements.

A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to reported operating margins is as follows (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended December 31
20212020
Revenue$12,193$11,066
Operating income - as reported$2,090$2,781
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets147246
Transaction costs and other charges related to the combination and resulting termination (1)1,436123
Operating income - as adjusted$3,673$3,150
Operating margin - as reported17.1%25.1%
Operating margin - as adjusted30.1%28.5%

(1)As part of the terminated combination with WTW, certain transaction costs have been incurred by us in 2021. These costs may include advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees related to the combination, including planned divestitures that have been terminated, as well as certain compensation expenses and expenses related to further steps on our Aon United operating model as a result of the termination. Additionally, this includes the $1 billion Termination Fee paid in connection with the termination of the combination.

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share

We use adjusted diluted earnings per share as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the items identified above, along with pension settlements and related income taxes, because management does not believe these expenses are representative of our core earnings. This supplemental information related to adjusted diluted earnings per share represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to reported diluted earnings per share is as follows (in millions, except per share data and percentages):

Year Ended December 31, 2021
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$2,090$1,583$3,673
Interest income1111
Interest expense(322)(322)
Other income (1)152(124)28
Income before income taxes1,9311,4593,390
Income tax expense (2)623623
Net income1,3081,4592,767
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests5353
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,255$1,459$2,714
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.55$6.45$12.00
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted226.1226.1
Effective tax rates (2)32.3%18.4%

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Year Ended December 31, 2020
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$2,781$369$3,150
Interest income66
Interest expense(334)(334)
Other income (3)1313
Income before income taxes2,4663692,835
Income tax expense (2)44851499
Net income2,0183182,336
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests4949
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,969$318$2,287
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$8.45$1.36$9.81
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted233.1233.1
Effective tax rates (2)18.2%17.6%

(1)Adjusted Other income excludes gains from dispositions of $124 million, for the year ended December 31, 2021.

(2)Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with accelerated tradename amortization, impairment charges, certain gains from dispositions, and certain transaction costs and other charges related to the combination and resulting termination, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate. In addition, income tax expense for the year ended December 30, 2021 excludes the impact of remeasuring the net deferred tax liabilities in the U.K. as a result of the corporate income tax rate increase enacted in the second quarter of 2021.

(3)There was $1 million of income for the year ended December 31, 2020, including the related tax effect, from discontinued operations recognized in Net Income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Free Cash Flow

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

Years Ended December 31
20212020
Cash provided by operating activities$2,182$2,783
Capital expenditures(137)(141)
Free cash flow$2,045$2,642

Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations

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

Currency fluctuations had a favorable impact of $0.17 on earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2021 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.03 on earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2020, if 2019 results were translated at 2020 rates.

Currency fluctuations had a favorable impact of $0.23 on adjusted earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2021 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.04 on adjusted earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2020, if 2019

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results were translated at 2020 rates. These translations are performed for comparative and illustrative purposes only and do not impact the accounting policies or practices for amounts included in our Financial Statements.

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity

Executive Summary

We believe that our balance sheet and strong cash flow provide us with adequate liquidity. Our primary sources of liquidity in the near-term include cash flows provided by operations and available cash reserves; primary sources of liquidity in the long-term include cash flows provided by operations, debt capacity available under our credit facilities and capital markets. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and investments, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases, pension obligations, and shareholder dividends. We believe that cash flows from operations, available credit facilities, available cash reserves, and the capital markets will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including principal and interest payments on debt obligations, capital expenditures, pension contributions, and anticipated working capital requirements in the next twelve months and over the long-term. Although there continues to be uncertainties around future economic conditions due to COVID-19, we have largely returned to normal levels of liquidity and will continue to monitor our needs as economic conditions change.

In the third quarter of 2021, the Combination with WTW was terminated and on July 27, 2021, we paid the Termination Fee of $1 billion. Refer to “Termination of Business Combination Agreement” within Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further information. The Termination Fee, along with other payments made in the third and fourth quarters related to terminating the combination with WTW, are reflected as an outflow to operating activities.

Cash on our balance sheet includes funds available for general corporate purposes, as well as amounts restricted as to their use. Funds held on behalf of clients in a fiduciary capacity are segregated and shown together with uncollected insurance premiums and claims in Fiduciary assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, with a corresponding amount in Fiduciary liabilities.

In our capacity as an insurance broker or agent, we collect premiums from insureds and, after deducting our commission, remit the premiums to the respective insurance underwriters. We also collect claims or refunds from underwriters on behalf of insureds, which are then returned to the insureds. Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held by us in a fiduciary capacity. The levels of funds held on behalf of clients and liabilities can fluctuate significantly depending on when we collect the premiums, claims, and refunds, make payments to underwriters and insureds, and collect funds from clients and make payments on their behalf, and upon the impact of foreign currency movements. Funds held on behalf of clients, because of their nature, are generally invested in very liquid securities with highly rated, credit-worthy financial institutions. Fiduciary assets include funds held on behalf of clients comprised of cash and cash equivalents of $6.1 billion and $5.7 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and fiduciary receivables of $8.3 billion and $8.1 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. While we earn investment income on the funds held in cash and money market funds, the funds cannot be used for general corporate purposes.

We maintain multi-currency cash pools with third-party banks in which various Aon entities participate. Individual Aon entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall global balance does not fall below zero. At December 31, 2021, non-U.S. cash balances of one or more entities may have been negative; however, the overall balance was positive.

The following table summarizes our Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments, and Fiduciary assets as of December 31, 2021 (in millions):

Statement of Financial Position Classification
Asset TypeCash and cash equivalentsShort-term investmentsFiduciary assetsTotal
Certificates of deposit, bank deposits, or time deposits$544$$3,475$4,019
Money market funds2922,6262,918
Cash, Short-term investments, and Funds held on behalf of clients5442926,1016,937
Fiduciary receivables8,2858,285
Total$544$292$14,386$15,222

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Cash and cash equivalents and Funds held on behalf of clients increased $72 million in 2021 compared to 2020. A summary of our cash flows provided by and used for operating, investing, and financing activities is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20212020 (1)(As Revised)
Cash provided by operating activities$2,182$2,783
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities$49$(679)
Cash used for financing activities$(1,924)$(1,772)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$(235)$297

(1) Certain amounts on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as presented in our financial statements previously filed in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K have been restated. Refer to Note 1 “Basis of Presentation” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased $601 million, or 22%, from the prior year to $2,182 million. This amount represents net income reported, as adjusted for gains or losses on sales of businesses, share-based compensation expense, depreciation expense, amortization and impairments, and other non-cash income and expenses, as well as changes in working capital that relate primarily to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities and the collection of receivables.

Pension Contributions

Pension contributions were $87 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to $120 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. In 2022, we expect to contribute approximately $74 million in cash to our pension plans, including contributions to non-U.S. pension plans, which are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Investing Activities

Cash flows provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 were $49 million, an increase of $728 million compared to prior year. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows provided by investing activities are sales of businesses, sales of short-term investments, and proceeds from investments. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows used for investing activities are acquisition of businesses, purchases of short-term investments, capital expenditures, and payments for investments. The gains and losses corresponding to cash flows provided by proceeds from investments and used for payments for investments are primarily recognized in Other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments decreased $16 million at December 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020. As disclosed in Note 14 “Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report, the majority of our investments carried at fair value are money market funds. These money market funds are held throughout the world with various financial institutions. We are not aware of any market liquidity issues that would materially impact the fair value of these investments.

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses

During 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of two businesses for consideration of $14 million, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients, and the disposition of six businesses for a $218 million cash inflow, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients.

During 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of six businesses for consideration of $368 million, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients, and the disposition of one business for a $30 million cash inflow, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients.

Capital Expenditures

The Company’s additions to fixed assets, including capitalized software, which amounted to $137 million in 2021 and $141 million in 2020, primarily related to the refurbishing and modernizing of office facilities, software development costs, and computer equipment purchases.

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Financing Activities

Cash flows used for financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 was $1,924 million, an increase of $152 million compared to prior year. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows used for financing activities are issuances of debt, net of repayments, share repurchases, change in net fiduciary liabilities, dividends paid to shareholders, issuances of shares for employee benefit plans, transactions with noncontrolling interests, and other financing activities, such as collection of or payments for deferred consideration in connection with prior-year business acquisitions and divestitures.

Share Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases, and was increased by $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014, June 2017, and November 2020, and by $7.5 billion in authorized repurchases in February 2022 for a total of $27.5 billion in repurchase authorizations.

The following table summarizes the Company’s Share Repurchase activity (in millions, except per share data):

Years Ended December 31
20212020
Shares repurchased12.48.5
Average price per share$286.82$206.28
Costs recorded to retained earnings
Total repurchase cost$3,543$1,761
Additional associated costs2
Total costs recorded to retained earnings$3,543$1,763

At December 31, 2021, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the Repurchase Program was approximately $1.7 billion. Under the Repurchase Program, we have repurchased a total of 149.6 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $18.3 billion.

Borrowings

Total debt at December 31, 2021 was $9.4 billion, an increase of $1.7 billion compared to December 31, 2020. Commercial paper activity during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows (in millions):

Years Ended December 31
20212020
Total issuances (1)$4,478$3,162
Total repayments(3,807)(3,275)
Net issuances (repayments)$671$(113)

(1) The proceeds of the commercial paper issuances were used primarily for short-term working capital needs.

Commercial paper may be issued in aggregate principal amounts of up to $1 billion under the U.S. Program and €625 million under the European Program, not to exceed the amount of our committed credit facilities, which was $1.75 billion at December 31, 2021. The aggregate capacity of the U.S. Program was increased in the fourth quarter of 2021 from $900 million to $1 billion. The aggregate capacity of the Commercial Paper Program remains fully backed by our committed credit facilities.

Proceeds from commercial paper issued by Aon Corporation under the U.S. Program, where the aggregate principal was raised on July 26, 2021, were used to pay approximately $400 million of the Termination Fee on July 27, 2021.

On December 2, 2021, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Aon Global Holdings plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, co-issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.60% Senior Notes set to mature on December 2, 2031. We intend to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes.

In November 2021, the Company’s $500 million 2.20% Senior Notes due November 2022 were classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as the date of maturity is in less than one year as of December 31, 2021.

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On August 23, 2021, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Aon Global Holdings plc, a public limited company formed under the laws of England and Wales, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, co-issued $400 million of 2.05% Senior Notes due August 2031 and $600 million of 2.90% Senior Notes due August 2051. We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.

On January 13, 2021, Aon Global Limited, a limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales and a wholly owned subsidiary of Aon plc, issued an irrevocable notice of redemption to holders of its 2.80% Senior Notes for the redemption of all $400 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of the notes, which were set to mature in March 2021 and classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt as of December 31, 2020. The redemption date was on February 16, 2021 and resulted in an insignificant loss due to extinguishment.

On May 29, 2020, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued an irrevocable notice of redemption to holders of its 5.00% Senior Notes, which were set to mature on September 30, 2020, for the redemption of all $600 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of the notes. The redemption date was on June 30, 2020 and resulted in a loss of $7 million due to extinguishment.

On May 12, 2020, Aon Corporation issued $1 billion 2.80% Senior Notes due May 2030. Aon Corporation used a portion of the net proceeds on June 30, 2020 to repay its outstanding 5.00% Senior Notes, which were set to mature on September 30, 2020. We used the remainder to repay other borrowings and for general corporate purposes.

Other Liquidity Matters

Distributable Profits

We are required under Irish law to have available “distributable profits” to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable profits are created through the earnings of the Irish parent company and, among other methods, through intercompany dividends or a reduction in share capital approved by the High Court of Ireland. Distributable profits are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g. retained earnings). On July 16, 2021, we received approval from the High Court of Ireland to complete a reduction in share premium to create distributable profits of $34.0 billion to support the payment of possible future dividends or future share repurchases, if and to the extent declared by the directors in compliance with their duties under Irish law. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had distributable profits in excess of $32.7 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable profits for the foreseeable future.

Credit Facilities

We expect cash generated by operations for 2021 to be sufficient to service our debt and contractual obligations, finance capital expenditures, and continue to pay dividends to our shareholders. Although cash from operations is expected to be sufficient to service these activities, we have the ability to access the commercial paper markets or borrow under our credit facilities to accommodate any timing differences in cash flows. Additionally, under current market conditions, we believe that we could access capital markets to obtain debt financing for longer-term funding, if needed.

As of December 31, 2021, we had two primary committed credit facilities outstanding: our $1.0 billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in September 2026 and our $750 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in October 2023. In aggregate, these two facilities provide $1.75 billion in available credit. The $1.0 billion credit facility was entered into on September 28, 2021 and replaced the $900 million credit facility, which was scheduled to mature on February 2, 2022.

Each of these primary committed credit facilities includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including financial covenants that require us to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA, tested quarterly. At December 31, 2021, we did not have borrowings under either facility, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants and all other covenants contained therein during the rolling year ended December 31, 2021.

Shelf Registration Statement

On May 12, 2020, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC, registering the offer and sale from time to time of an indeterminate amount of, among other securities, debt securities, preference shares, Class A Ordinary Shares and convertible securities. Our ability to access the market as a source of liquidity is dependent on investor demand, market conditions, and other factors.

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Rating Agency Ratings

The major rating agencies’ ratings of our debt at February 18, 2022 appear in the table below.

Ratings
Senior Long-term DebtCommercial PaperOutlook
Standard & Poor’sA-A-2Stable
Moody’s Investor ServicesBaa2P-2Stable
Fitch, Inc.BBB+F-2Stable

Guarantees in Connection with the Sale of the Divested Business

In connection with the sale of the Divested Business, we guaranteed future operating lease commitments related to certain facilities assumed by the Buyer. We are obligated to perform under the guarantees if the Divested Business defaults on the leases at any time during the remainder of the lease agreements, which expire on various dates through 2025. As of December 31, 2021, the undiscounted maximum potential future payments under the lease guarantee were $40 million, with an estimated fair value of $5 million. No cash payments were made in connection to the lease commitments during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Additionally, we are subject to performance guarantee requirements under certain client arrangements that were assumed by the Buyer. Should the Divested Business fail to perform as required by the terms of the arrangements, we would be required to fulfill the remaining contract terms, which expire on various dates through 2023. As of December 31, 2021, the undiscounted maximum potential future payments under the performance guarantees were $52 million, with an estimated fair value of less than $1 million. No cash payments were made in connection to the performance guarantees during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees

We have entered into a number of arrangements whereby our performance on certain obligations is guaranteed by a third party through the issuance of an LOC. We had total LOCs outstanding of approximately $75 million at December 31, 2021, compared to $79 million at December 31, 2020. These LOCs cover the beneficiaries related to certain of our U.S. and Canadian non-qualified pension plan schemes and secure deductible retentions for our own workers’ compensation program. We also have obtained LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at our international subsidiaries.

We have certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $153 million at December 31, 2021, compared to $113 million at December 31, 2020.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2021 are comprised of principal payments on debt, interest payments on debt, operating leases, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and purchase obligations.

Operating leases are primarily comprised of leased office space throughout the world. As leases expire, we do not anticipate difficulty in negotiating renewals or finding other satisfactory space if the premise becomes unavailable. In certain circumstances, we may have unused space and may seek to sublet such space to third parties, depending upon the demands for office space in the locations involved. Refer to Note 8 “Lease Commitments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information.

Pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations include estimates of our minimum funding requirements pursuant to the ERISA and other regulations, as well as minimum funding requirements agreed with the trustees of our U.K. pension plans. Additional amounts may be agreed to with, or required by, the U.K. pension plan trustees. Nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are based on estimated future benefit payments. We may make additional discretionary contributions. Refer to Note 11 “Employee Benefits” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information.

Purchase obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods and services that are enforceable and legally binding on us, and that specifies all significant terms, including the goods to be purchased or services to be rendered, the price at which the goods or services are to be rendered, and the timing of the transactions. Most of our purchase obligations are related to purchases of information technology services or other service contracts.

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We had no other cash requirements from known contractual obligations and commitments that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Guarantee of Registered Securities

In connection with the Reorganization, on April 1, 2020 Aon plc and Aon Global Holdings plc, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, entered into various agreements pursuant to which they agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon Corporation arising under issued and outstanding debt securities, which were previously guaranteed solely by Aon Global Limited and the obligations of Aon Global Limited arising under issued and outstanding debt securities, which were previously guaranteed solely by Aon Corporation. Those agreements include: (1) Second Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, and Aon Global Holdings plc and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”) (amending and restating the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); (2) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated December 12, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited plc and the Trustee); (3) Second Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated May 20, 2015, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); (4) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated November 13, 2015, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); and (5) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated December 3, 2018, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee).

After the Reorganization, newly issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation are guaranteed by Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, and Aon Global Holdings plc, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Corporation Notes”):

Aon Corporation Notes
2.20% Senior Notes due November 2022
8.205% Junior Subordinated Notes due January 2027
4.50% Senior Notes due December 2028
3.75% Senior Notes due May 2029
2.80% Senior Notes due 2030
6.25% Senior Notes due September 2040

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, and Aon Global Holdings plc of the Aon Corporation Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the company. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Corporation Notes.

After the Reorganization, newly issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Global Limited are guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Global Limited Notes”):

Aon Global Limited Notes
4.00% Senior Notes due November 2023
3.50% Senior Notes due June 2024
3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025
2.875% Senior Notes due May 2026
4.25% Senior Notes due December 2042
4.45% Senior Notes due May 2043
4.60% Senior Notes due June 2044
4.75% Senior Notes due May 2045

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation of the Aon Global Limited Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future

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unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the company. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Global Limited Notes.

Newly co-issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc (together, the “Co-Issuers”) are guaranteed by Aon plc and Aon Global Limited and include the following (collectively, the “Co-Issued Notes”):

Co-Issued Notes - Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc
2.05% Senior Notes due August 2031
2.60% Senior Notes due December 2031
2.90% Senior Notes due August 2051

All guarantees of Aon plc and Aon Global Limited of the Co-Issued Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the Co-Issuers. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Co-Issued Notes.

Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, and Aon Global Holdings plc are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Aon plc. Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation together comprise the “Obligor group”. The following tables set forth summarized financial information for the Obligor group.

Adjustments are made to the tables to eliminate intercompany balances and transactions between the Obligor group. Intercompany balances and transactions between the Obligor group and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented as separate line items within the summarized financial information. These balances are presented on a net presentation basis, rather than a gross basis, as this better reflects the nature of the intercompany positions and presents the funding or funded position that is to be received or owed. No balances or transactions of non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented in the summarized financial information, including investments of the Obligor group in non-guarantor subsidiaries. Summarized Statement of Income information for the Obligor group is as follows (in millions):

Obligor Group
Summarized Statement of Income Information
Year EndedDecember 31, 2021
Revenue$
Operating loss$(1,156)
Expense from non-guarantor subsidiaries before income taxes$(778)
Net loss$(2,120)
Net loss attributable to Aon shareholders$(2,120)

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Summarized Statement of Financial Position information for the Obligor group is as follows (in millions):

Obligor Group
Summarized Statement of Financial Position Information
As ofDecember 31, 2021
Receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$1,646
Other current assets57
Total current assets$1,703
Non-current receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$498
Other non-current assets882
Total non-current assets$1,380
Payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$13,509
Other current liabilities2,013
Total current liabilities$15,522
Non-current payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$7,139
Other non-current liabilities9,512
Total non-current liabilities$16,651

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To prepare these financial statements, we make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect what we report as our assets and liabilities, what we disclose as contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.

In accordance with our policies, we regularly evaluate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments, including, but not limited to, those concerning revenue recognition, pensions, goodwill and other intangible assets, contingencies, share-based payments, and income taxes, and base our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on our historical experience and on factors we believe reasonable under the circumstances. The results involve judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. If our assumptions or conditions change, the actual results we report may differ from these estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments we use to prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when control of the promised services is transferred to the customer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements where control is transferred over time, an input or output method is applied that represents a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For arrangements that include variable consideration, the Company assesses whether any amounts should be constrained. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates consideration based on their relative fair values.

Costs incurred by the Company in obtaining a contract are capitalized and amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, considering anticipated renewals when applicable. Certain contract related costs, including pre-placement brokerage costs, are capitalized as a cost to fulfill and are amortized on a systematic basis consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, which is generally less than one year.

Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services

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to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units transferred and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded net of allowances for estimated policy cancellations, which are determined based on an evaluation of historical and current cancellation data. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced near the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period.

Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, and capital markets. Revenue primarily includes reinsurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the inception of the reinsurance period for certain reinsurance brokerage, or more commonly, over the term of the arrangement in installments based on deposit or minimum premiums for most treaty reinsurance arrangements.

Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, Human Capital, and voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. For brokerage commissions, revenue is predominantly recognized at the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services using input or output measures, including units delivered or time elapsed, to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For Human Capital, revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time upon completion of the services. For arrangements recognized over time, revenue is based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation, including units delivered or time elapsed. Input and output measures utilized vary based on the arrangement but typically include reports provided or days elapsed. Revenue from voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions arrangements are typically recognized upon successful enrollment of participants. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period. Payment terms for other services vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.

Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting, pension administration and investments. Revenue recognized for these arrangements is predominantly recognized over the term of the arrangement using input or output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For consulting arrangements recognized over time, revenue will be recognized based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer, utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including units delivered or time elapsed. Fees paid by customers for consulting services are typically charged on an hourly, project or fixed-fee basis, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time incurred, days elapsed, or reports delivered. Revenue from time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements are recognized as services are performed using input or output measures to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including hours worked, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time and materials incurred. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Payment terms vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.

Pensions

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans throughout the world. Our most significant plans are located in the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Canada, which are closed to new entrants. We have ceased crediting future benefits relating to salary and services for our U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plans to the extent statutorily permitted.

The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is reported in Compensation and benefits and all other components are reported in Other income. We used a full-yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for our major pension and other postretirement benefit plans; this was obtained by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.

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Recognition of Gains and Losses and Prior Service

Certain changes in the value of the obligation and in the value of plan assets, which may occur due to various factors such as changes in the discount rate and actuarial assumptions, actual demographic experience, and/or plan asset performance are not immediately recognized in net income. Such changes are recognized in Other comprehensive income and are amortized into net income as part of the net periodic benefit cost.

Unrecognized gains and losses that have been deferred in Other comprehensive income, as previously described, are amortized into expense as a component of periodic pension expense based on the average life expectancy of the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plan members. We amortize any prior service expense or credits that arise as a result of plan changes over a period consistent with the amortization of gains and losses.

As of December 31, 2021, our pension plans have deferred losses that have not yet been recognized through income in the Consolidated Financial Statements. We amortize unrecognized actuarial losses outside of a corridor, which is defined as 10% of the greater of market-related value of plan assets or PBO. To the extent not offset by future gains, incremental amortization as calculated above will continue to affect future pension expense similarly until fully amortized.

The following table discloses our accumulated other comprehensive loss, the number of years over which we are amortizing the loss, and the estimated 2022 amortization of loss by country (in millions, except amortization period):

U.K.U.S.Other
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$1,255$1,551$483
Amortization period7 - 266 - 2311 - 35
Estimated 2022 amortization of loss$34$67$14

The U.S. had no unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2021. The unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2021 was $40 million, and $(6) million for the U.K. and other plans, respectively.

For the U.S. pension plans, we use a market-related valuation of assets approach to determine the expected return on assets, which is a component of net periodic benefit cost recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This approach recognizes 20% of any gains or losses in the current year’s value of market-related assets, with the remaining 80% spread over the next four years. As this approach recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets and therefore, our net periodic benefit cost will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded. As of December 31, 2021, the market-related value of assets was $2.2 billion. We do not use the market-related valuation approach to determine the funded status of the U.S. plans recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Instead, we record and present the funded status in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position based on the fair value of the plan assets. As of December 31, 2021, the fair value of plan assets was $2.4 billion. Our non-U.S. plans use fair value to determine expected return on assets.

Rate of Return on Plan Assets and Asset Allocation

The following table summarizes the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for future pension expense as of December 31, 2021:

U.K.U.S.Other
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses2.34%2.03 - 5.28%1.80 - 3.15%

In determining the expected rate of return for the plan assets, we analyze investment community forecasts and current market conditions to develop expected returns for each of the asset classes used by the plans. In particular, we surveyed multiple third-party financial institutions and consultants to obtain long-term expected returns on each asset class, considered historical performance data by asset class over long periods, and weighted the expected returns for each asset class by target asset allocations of the plans.

The U.S. pension plan asset allocation is based on approved allocations following adopted investment guidelines. The investment policy for U.K. and other non-U.S. pension plans is generally determined by the plans’ trustees. Because there are several pension plans maintained in the U.K. and other non-U.S. categories, our target allocation presents a range of the target allocation of each plan. Target allocations are subject to change.

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Impact of Changing Economic Assumptions

Changes in the discount rate and expected return on assets can have a material impact on pension obligations and pension expense.

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our PBO at December 31, 2021 (in millions):

Increase (decrease) in projected benefit obligation (1)25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
IncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(201)$219
U.S. plans$(89)$93
Other plans$(64)$69

(1)Increases to the PBO reflect increases to our pension obligations, while decreases in the PBO are recoveries toward fully-funded status. A change in the discount rate has an inverse relationship to the PBO.

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our estimated 2022 pension expense (in millions):

25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(1)$1
U.S. plans$2$(2)
Other plans$1$(1)

Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our long-term rate of return on plan assets would have on our estimated 2022 pension expense (in millions):

25 BPS Change in Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(15)$15
U.S. plans$(5)$5
Other plans$(4)$4

The net unfunded pension balance has continued to improve in 2021, reflecting continued progress in reducing the funded status at risk. As a result, the potential impact of a hypothetical adverse change in discount rates and return seeking asset exposures would have a less significant impact as compared to prior years. A hypothetical discount rates decrease of 1% and return seeking assets decline of 10% would have resulted in expected balance sheet deterioration at 2021 of approximately $235 million, as compared to approximately $410 million in 2019, an improvement of approximately $175 million. This is largely due to greater amounts of liability matching assets and de-risking actions.

Estimated Future Contributions

We estimate cash contributions of approximately $74 million to our pension plans in 2022 as compared with cash contributions of $87 million in 2021.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of the net assets acquired. We classify our intangible assets acquired as either tradenames, customer-related and contract-based, or technology and other.

Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter. We test more frequently if there are indicators of impairment or whenever business circumstances suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. These indicators may include a sustained significant decline in our share price and market capitalization, a decline in our expected future cash flows, or a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, among others.

We perform impairment reviews at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a “component”). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component

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constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. An operating segment shall be deemed to be a reporting unit if all of its components are similar, if none of its components are a reporting unit, or if the segment comprises only a single component.

When evaluating these assets for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the goodwill impairment test becomes a quantitative analysis. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value limited to the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

In determining the fair value of our reporting units, we use a DCF model based on our most current forecasts. We discount the related cash flow forecasts using the weighted average cost of capital method at the date of evaluation. Preparation of forecasts and selection of the discount rate for use in the DCF model involve significant judgments, and changes in these estimates could affect the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period. We also use market multiples which are obtained from quoted prices of comparable companies to corroborate our DCF model results. The combined estimated fair value of our reporting units from our DCF model often results in a premium over our market capitalization, commonly referred to as a control premium. We believe the implied control premium determined by our impairment analysis is reasonable based upon historic data of premiums paid on actual transactions within our industry.

We review intangible assets that are being amortized for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If we are required to record impairment charges in the future, they could materially impact our results of operations.

Contingencies

We define a contingency as an existing condition that involves a degree of uncertainty as to a possible gain or loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Under U.S. GAAP, we are required to establish reserves for loss contingencies when the loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate its financial impact. We are required to assess the likelihood of material adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges or probability of losses. We determine the amount of reserves required, if any, for contingencies after carefully analyzing each individual item. The required reserves may change due to new developments in each issue. We do not recognize gain contingencies until the contingency is resolved and amounts due are probable of collection.

Share-Based Payments

Share-based compensation expense is measured based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the requisite service period for awards that we ultimately expect to vest. For purposes of measuring share-based compensation expense, we consider whether an adjustment to the observable market price is necessary to reflect material nonpublic information that is known to us at the time the award is granted. No adjustments were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, or 2019. We also estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on our actual experience to date and revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Restricted Share Units

RSUs are service-based awards for which we recognize the associated compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period where applicable.

Performance Share Awards

PSAs are performance-based awards for which vesting is dependent on the achievement of certain objectives. Such objectives may be made on a personal, group or company level. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period.

Compensation expense is recognized over the performance period. The number of shares issued on the vesting date will vary depending on the actual performance objectives achieved, which are based on a fixed number of potential outcomes. We make assessments of future performance using subjective estimates, such as long-term plans. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions could have a material impact on the compensation expense recognized.

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The largest plan is the LPP, which has a three-year performance period. As the percent of expected performance increases or decreases, the potential change in expense can go from 0% to 200% of the targeted total expense. The 2019 to 2021 performance period ended on December 31, 2021, the 2018 to 2020 performance period ended on December 31, 2020, and the 2017 to 2019 performance period ended on December 31, 2019. The LPP currently has two open performance periods: 2020 to 2022 and 2021 to 2023. A 10% upward adjustment in our estimated performance achievement percentage for both open performance periods would not have increased our 2021 expense, while a 10% downward adjustment would have decreased our expense by approximately $7.6 million.

Income Taxes

We earn income in numerous countries and this income is subject to the laws of taxing jurisdictions within those countries.

The carrying values of deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the application of our income tax accounting policies and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates about future operating results and levels of taxable income, and judgments regarding the interpretation of the provisions of current accounting principles.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Considerations with respect to the realizability of deferred tax assets include the period of expiration of the deferred tax asset, historical earnings and projected future taxable income by jurisdiction as well as tax liabilities for the tax jurisdiction to which the tax asset relates. Significant management judgment is required in determining the assumptions and estimates related to the amount and timing of future taxable income. Valuation allowances are evaluated periodically and will be subject to change in each future reporting period as a result of changes in various factors.

We assess carryforwards and tax credits for realization as a reduction of future taxable income by using a “more likely than not” determination.

We base the carrying values of liabilities and assets for income taxes currently payable and receivable on management’s interpretation of applicable tax laws and incorporate management’s assumptions and judgments about using tax planning strategies in various taxing jurisdictions. Using different estimates, assumptions, and judgments in accounting for income taxes, especially those that deploy tax planning strategies, may result in materially different carrying values of income tax assets and liabilities and changes in our results of operations.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, including a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or future potential impact on our financial results, if determinable.