AON PLC, 10-Q filed on 11/4/2011
Quarterly Report
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Revenue
 
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other
$ 2,708 
$ 1,786 
$ 8,255 
$ 5,560 
Fiduciary investment income
15 
15 
38 
43 
Total revenue
2,723 
1,801 
8,293 
5,603 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
1,634 
1,050 
4,843 
3,382 
Other general expenses
748 
488 
2,279 
1,417 
Total operating expenses
2,382 
1,538 
7,122 
4,799 
Operating income
341 
263 
1,171 
804 
Interest income
14 
Interest expense
(60)
(50)
(186)
(117)
Other income (expense)
(9)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
292 
208 
1,000 
699 
Income taxes
84 
61 
274 
182 
Income from continuing operations
208 
147 
726 
517 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
 
(38)
Income taxes
 
(12)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 
(26)
Net income
208 
147 
730 
491 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
10 
28 
16 
Net income attributable to Aon stockholders
198 
144 
702 
475 
Net income (loss) attributable to Aon stockholders
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
198 
144 
698 
501 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 
(26)
Net income attributable to Aon stockholders
$ 198 
$ 144 
$ 702 
$ 475 
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Aon stockholders
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)
$ 0.59 
$ 0.52 
$ 2.07 
$ 1.80 
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)
 
 
$ 0.01 
$ (0.09)
Net income (in dollars per share)
$ 0.59 
$ 0.52 
$ 2.08 
$ 1.71 
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Aon stockholders
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)
$ 0.59 
$ 0.51 
$ 2.04 
$ 1.78 
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)
 
 
$ 0.01 
$ (0.10)
Net income (in dollars per share)
$ 0.59 
$ 0.51 
$ 2.05 
$ 1.68 
Cash dividends per share paid on common stock (in dollars per share)
$ 0.15 
$ 0.15 
$ 0.45 
$ 0.45 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)
332.6 
278.7 
336.7 
277.6 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)
336.9 
282.2 
341.8 
281.9 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (USD $)
In Millions
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 295 
$ 346 
Short-term investments
607 
785 
Receivables, net
2,745 
2,701 
Fiduciary assets
10,315 
10,063 
Other current assets
538 
624 
Total Current Assets
14,500 
14,519 
Goodwill
8,835 
8,647 
Intangible assets, net
3,361 
3,611 
Fixed assets, net
773 
781 
Investments
254 
312 
Other non-current assets
1,022 
1,112 
TOTAL ASSETS
28,745 
28,982 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
Fiduciary liabilities
10,315 
10,063 
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
163 
492 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
1,611 
1,810 
Other current liabilities
676 
584 
Total Current Liabilities
12,765 
12,949 
Long-term debt
4,415 
4,014 
Pension and other post employment liabilities
1,543 
1,896 
Other non-current liabilities
1,743 
1,817 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
20,466 
20,676 
EQUITY
 
 
Common stock-$1 par value Authorized: 750 shares (issued: 2011 - 386.4; 2010 - 385.9)
386 
386 
Additional paid-in capital
3,975 
4,000 
Retained earnings
8,377 
7,861 
Treasury stock at cost (shares: 2011 - 63.1; 2010 - 53.6)
(2,605)
(2,079)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,900)
(1,917)
TOTAL AON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
8,233 
8,251 
Noncontrolling interests
46 
55 
TOTAL EQUITY
8,279 
8,306 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$ 28,745 
$ 28,982 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
 
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)
$ 1 
$ 1 
Common stock, Authorized shares
750 
750 
Common stock, issued shares
386.4 
385.9 
Treasury stock, shares
63.1 
53.6 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)
In Millions
Total
Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax
Noncontrolling Interests
Comprehensive Income
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010
$ 8,306 
$ 4,386 
$ 7,861 
$ (2,079)
$ (1,917)
$ 55 
 
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010
 
385.9 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
730 
 
702 
 
 
28 
730 
Shares issued - employee benefit plans
80 
80 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares issued - employee benefit plans (in shares)
 
0.5 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares purchased
(828)
 
 
(828)
 
 
 
Shares reissued - employee benefit plans
(36)
(302)
(36)
302 
 
 
 
Tax benefit - employee benefit plans
27 
27 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock compensation expense
179 
179 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends to stockholders
(150)
 
(150)
 
 
 
 
Change in net derivative gains/losses
(14)
 
 
 
(14)
 
(14)
Net foreign currency translation adjustments
(12)
 
 
 
(11)
(1)
(12)
Net post-retirement benefit obligation
42 
 
 
 
42 
 
42 
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests
(24)
(9)
 
 
 
(15)
 
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock
(21)
 
 
 
 
(21)
 
Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
746 
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011
$ 8,279 
$ 4,361 
$ 8,377 
$ (2,605)
$ (1,900)
$ 46 
 
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2011
 
386.4 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
Net income
$ 730 
$ 491 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
(Gain) loss from sales of businesses, net
(4)
40 
Depreciation of fixed assets
164 
93 
Amortization of intangible assets
273 
86 
Stock compensation expense
179 
166 
Deferred income taxes
13 
Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 
Change in funds held on behalf of clients
626 
466 
Receivables, net
(36)
(40)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(227)
(297)
Restructuring reserves
(68)
(54)
Current income taxes
172 
(14)
Pension and other post employment liabilities
(334)
(95)
Other assets and liabilities
(65)
(61)
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
1,413 
794 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
Sales of long term investments
103 
82 
Purchases of long term investments
(28)
(17)
Net sales (purchases) of short term investments - non-fiduciary
176 
(1,692)
Net purchases of short term investments - funds held on behalf of clients
(626)
(466)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
(102)
(90)
Proceeds from sale of businesses
10 
Capital expenditures
(151)
(115)
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(619)
(2,288)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
Purchase of treasury stock
(828)
(100)
Issuance of stock for employee benefit plans
165 
98 
Issuance of debt
1,572 
1,805 
Repayment of debt
(1,523)
(81)
Cash dividends to stockholders
(150)
(123)
Purchase of shares from noncontrolling interests
(24)
(6)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
(21)
(15)
CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(809)
1,578 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(36)
34 
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(51)
118 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
346 
217 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
295 
335 
Supplemental disclosures:
 
 
Interest paid
216 
104 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
$ 74 
$ 153 
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation

1.  Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and include all normal recurring adjustments that Aon Corporation (“Aon” or the “Company”) considers necessary to present fairly the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods presented.  The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Aon and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which Aon is considered to be the primary beneficiary.  The consolidated financial statements exclude special-purpose entities (“SPEs”) considered VIEs for which Aon is not the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted.  These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The presentation of certain amounts in the financial statements and related notes for prior periods has been changed to conform to the presentation in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The purchase of shares from noncontrolling interests and dividends paid to noncontrolling interests are now shown separately within financing activities. These amounts were shown in operating activities in the prior year’s presentation. The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of operating results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2011.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of reserves and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.  Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Aon adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate.  Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, and foreign currency movements have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions.  As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.  Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

Accounting Principles and Practices
Accounting Principles and Practices

2.  Accounting Principles and Practices

 

Changes in Accounting Principles

 

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued final guidance on goodwill impairment that gives an entity the option to perform a qualitative assessment that may eliminate the requirement to perform the annual two-step test. The current two-step test requires an entity to assess goodwill for impairment by quantitatively comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill (Step 1). If the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, Step 2 of the test must be performed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment, if any. The recently issued guidance gives an entity the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity concludes that this is the case, it must perform the two-step test. Otherwise, the two-step test is not required. The guidance is effective for Aon beginning in the first quarter 2012, with earlier adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance that updated principles related to the presentation of comprehensive income. The revised guidance will require companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements and eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The guidance, which must be applied retroactively, is effective for Aon beginning in the first quarter 2012, with earlier adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is expected to affect only the presentation of the consolidated financial statements, and will have no effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

 

On January 1, 2010, the Company adopted guidance requiring additional disclosures for fair value measurements.  The amended guidance required entities to disclose additional information for assets and liabilities that are transferred between levels of the fair value hierarchy.  This guidance also clarified existing guidance pertaining to the level of disaggregation at which fair value disclosures should be made and the requirements to disclose information about the valuation techniques and inputs used in estimating Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements.  The guidance also required entities to disclose information in the Level 3 rollforward about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis.  See Note 15 “Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments” for these disclosures.

 

In September 2009, the FASB issued guidance that updated principles related to revenue recognition when there are multiple-element arrangements.  This guidance related to the determination of when the individual deliverables included in a multiple-element arrangement may be treated as separate units of accounting and modified the manner in which the transaction consideration is allocated across the separately identifiable deliverables.  The guidance also expanded the disclosures required for multiple-element revenue arrangements.  The effective date for this guidance was January 1, 2011.  The Company early adopted this guidance in the fourth quarter 2010 and applied its requirements to all revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after January 1, 2010.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents

3.  Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash balances and all highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less.  Cash and cash equivalents included restricted balances of $183 million and $60 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  The increase in the restricted balances is primarily due to a requirement for the Company to hold approximately $123 million of operating funds in the U.K.

Other Income (Expense)
Other Income (Expense)

4.  Other Income (Expense)

 

Other income (expense) consists of the following (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Equity earnings (losses)

 

$

5

 

$

(1

)

$

9

 

$

5

 

Realized gain on sale of investments

 

1

 

 

10

 

1

 

Loss on disposal of businesses

 

 

(8

)

(1

)

(2

)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

(19

)

 

Other

 

1

 

 

2

 

(1

)

 

 

$

7

 

$

(9

)

$

1

 

$

3

 

Acquisitions and Dispositions
Acquisitions and Dispositions

5.  Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

Acquisitions

 

In the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of one company in the HR Solutions segment and two companies in the Risk Solutions segment, including Glenrand MIB Limited (“Glenrand”).  For the same period in 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of the JP Morgan Compensation and Benefit Strategies Division of JP Morgan Retirement Plan Services, LLC, which is included in the HR Solutions segment, as well as 13 other companies, which are included in the Risk Solutions segment.

 

The following table includes the aggregate consideration transferred and the preliminary value of intangible assets recorded as a result of the Company’s acquisitions.

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

(millions)

 

2011

 

2010

 

Consideration

 

$

100

 

$

87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

58

 

$

29

 

Other intangible assets

 

29

 

52

 

 

 

$

87

 

$

81

 

 

The results of operations of these acquisitions are included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from the dates they were acquired.  The results of operations of the Company would not have been materially different if these acquisitions had been reported from the beginning of the period.

 

Hewitt Associates, Inc.

 

On October 1, 2010, the Company completed its acquisition of Hewitt Associates, Inc. (“Hewitt”), one of the world’s leading human resource consulting and outsourcing companies.  Aon purchased all of the outstanding shares of Hewitt common stock in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $4.9 billion, of which the total amount of cash paid and the total number of shares of stock issued by Aon each represented approximately 50% of the aggregate consideration.

 

The Company incurred certain acquisition and integration costs associated with the transaction that were expensed as incurred.  In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company’s HR Solutions segment incurred $22 million and $42 million, respectively, of these Hewitt related costs that are recorded in Other general expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

The transaction has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires, among other things, that most assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date.

 

The following table summarizes the recording of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in millions):

 

 

 

Amounts

 

 

 

recorded as of

 

 

 

the acquisition

 

 

 

date

 

Working capital (1)

 

$

348

 

Property, equipment, and capitalized software

 

297

 

Identifiable intangible assets:

 

 

 

Customer relationships

 

1,800

 

Trademarks

 

890

 

Technology

 

215

 

Other non-current assets (2)

 

350

 

Long-term debt

 

346

 

Other non-current liabilities (3)

 

367

 

Net deferred tax liability (4)

 

1,034

 

Net assets acquired

 

2,153

 

Goodwill

 

2,779

 

Total consideration transferred

 

$

4,932

 

 

 

(1)  Includes cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, client receivables, other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities.

 

(2) Includes primarily deferred contract costs and long-term investments.

 

(3) Includes primarily unfavorable lease obligations and deferred contract revenues.

 

(4) As of the acquisition date, included in Other current assets ($31 million), Other non-current assets ($30 million), Other current liabilities ($7 million) and Other non-current liabilities ($1.1 billion) in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

 

The acquired customer relationships are being amortized over a weighted average life of 12 years.  The technology asset is being amortized over 7 years and trademarks were determined to have indefinite useful lives.

 

A single estimate of fair value results from a complex series of the Company’s judgments about future events and uncertainties and relies heavily on estimates and assumptions. The Company’s judgments used to determine the fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, can materially impact the Company’s results of operations.

 

Dispositions — Continuing Operations

 

In the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company completed the sale of two companies in the Risk Solutions segment.  A pretax loss of $1.8 million was recognized on these sales, which is included in Other income (expense) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Dispositions — Discontinued Operations

 

Income from discontinued operations of $4 million, which represents proceeds from the sale of businesses in prior periods, was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. A loss from discontinued operations of $26 million, related primarily to the settlement of legacy litigation, was incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

6.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Risk
Solutions

 

HR
Solutions

 

Total

 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

 

$

5,549

 

$

3,098

 

$

8,647

 

Goodwill related to current year acquisitions

 

54

 

4

 

58

 

Goodwill related to disposals

 

(2

)

 

(2

)

Goodwill related to prior year acquisitions

 

 

67

 

67

 

Transfers

 

(83

)

83

 

 

Foreign currency revaluation and other

 

11

 

54

 

65

 

Balance as of September 30, 2011

 

$

5,529

 

$

3,306

 

$

8,835

 

 

Other intangible assets by asset class are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

Intangible assets with indefinite lives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks

 

$

1,024

 

$

 

$

1,024

 

$

1,024

 

$

 

$

1,024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets with finite lives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks

 

4

 

1

 

3

 

3

 

 

3

 

Customer Related and Contract Based

 

2,608

 

543

 

2,065

 

2,605

 

344

 

2,261

 

Marketing, Technology and Other

 

607

 

338

 

269

 

606

 

283

 

323

 

 

 

$

4,243

 

$

882

 

$

3,361

 

$

4,238

 

$

627

 

$

3,611

 

 

Amortization expense on intangible assets with finite lives was $91 million and $273 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.  Amortization expense on intangible assets with finite lives was $30 million and $86 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

 

The estimated future amortization for intangible assets as of September 30, 2011 is as follows (in millions):

 

Remainder of 2011

 

$

88

 

2012

 

413

 

2013

 

383

 

2014

 

333

 

2015

 

287

 

Thereafter

 

833

 

 

 

$

2,337

 

Restructuring
Restructuring

7.  Restructuring

 

Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan

 

On October 14, 2010, Aon announced a global restructuring plan (“Aon Hewitt Plan”) in connection with the acquisition of Hewitt.  The Aon Hewitt Plan is intended to streamline operations across the combined Aon Hewitt organization and includes an estimated 1,500 to 1,800 job eliminations. The Company expects these restructuring activities and related expenses to affect continuing operations into 2013.  The Aon Hewitt Plan is expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $325 million through the end of the plan, consisting of approximately $180 million in employee termination costs and approximately $145 million in real estate realization costs.

 

From the inception of the Aon Hewitt Plan through September 30, 2011, approximately 1,030 jobs have been eliminated and total expenses of $132 million have been incurred.  The Company recorded $26 million and $80 million of restructuring and related charges in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.  All costs associated with the Aon Hewitt Plan are included in the HR Solutions segment.  Charges related to the restructuring are included in Compensation and benefits and Other general expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

The following summarizes restructuring and related costs by type that have been incurred and are estimated to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative related to the Aon Hewitt Plan (in millions):

 

 

 

2010

 

Third Quarter
2011

 

Nine
Months
2011

 

Total
Inception to
Date

 

Estimated Total
Cost for
Restructuring
Plan (1)

 

Workforce reduction

 

$

49

 

$

15

 

$

39

 

$

88

 

$

180

 

Lease consolidation

 

3

 

8

 

33

 

36

 

95

 

Asset impairments

 

 

3

 

7

 

7

 

47

 

Other costs associated with restructuring (2)

 

 

 

1

 

1

 

3

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

52

 

$

26

 

$

80

 

$

132

 

$

325

 

 

 

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

 

(2)        Other costs associated with restructuring initiatives, including moving costs and consulting and legal fees, are recognized when incurred.

 

Following the Hewitt acquisition and the associated increase in personnel and property portfolio, the Company continues to review the propriety of its existing leasehold restructuring accruals based on its current plans.  In the second quarter of 2011, the Company reoccupied some of its previously vacated leasehold space and therefore determined that certain amounts previously accrued for this space were no longer necessary.  The reversal of these accruals for each of the Company’s restructuring plans is discussed below.  In addition, the reoccupation of this space resulted in expenses that had previously been included as part of lease consolidation costs being reversed and included within Other general expenses.  The impact on each of the Company’s restructuring plans is discussed below.

 

Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan

 

The Company announced a global restructuring plan (“Aon Benfield Plan”) in conjunction with its acquisition of Benfield in 2008.  The Aon Benfield Plan is intended to integrate and streamline operations across the combined Aon Benfield organization.  The Aon Benfield Plan includes an estimated 875 job eliminations. Additionally, duplicate space and assets will be abandoned.  The Company originally estimated that the Aon Benfield Plan would result in cumulative costs totaling approximately $185 million over a three-year period, of which $104 million was recorded as part of the Benfield purchase price allocation and $81 million of which was expected to result in future charges to earnings. The Company currently estimates the Aon Benfield Plan will result in cumulative costs totaling approximately $160 million, of which $53 million was recorded as part of the purchase price allocation, $79 million has been recorded in earnings from inception to date, and an estimated additional $28 million will be recorded in future earnings. The Company expects to incur all remaining costs for the Aon Benfield Plan in the fourth quarter 2011.

 

The Company recorded $3 million of restructuring and related charges in the three months ended September 30, 2011, and a net restructuring benefit of $2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Included in this nine month net benefit is $18 million related to the reversal of accruals associated with reoccupying leasehold space. In addition, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, a benefit of $2 million and charges of $4 million, respectively, related to lease expenses were recorded as part of Other general expenses that were previously included as lease restructuring consolidation costs.

 

The Company recorded $5 million and $20 million of restructuring and related charges in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

 

As of September 30, 2011, approximately 715 jobs have been eliminated under the Aon Benfield Plan. Total payments of $119 million have been made under the Aon Benfield Plan, from inception to date.

 

All costs associated with the Aon Benfield Plan are included in the Risk Solutions segment.  Charges related to the restructuring are included in Compensation and benefits and Other general expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

The following summarizes the restructuring and related costs by type that have been incurred and are estimated to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative related to the Aon Benfield Plan (in millions):

 

 

 

Purchase
Price
Allocation

 

2009

 

2010

 

Third
Quarter
2011

 

Nine Months
2011

 

Total
Inception to
Date

 

Estimated
Total Cost for
Restructuring
Period (1)

 

Workforce reduction

 

$

32

 

$

38

 

$

15

 

$

3

 

$

14

 

$

99

 

$

125

 

Lease consolidation

 

20

 

14

 

7

 

(1

)

(17

)

24

 

26

 

Asset impairments

 

 

2

 

2

 

 

 

4

 

4

 

Other costs associated with restructuring (2)

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

1

 

1

 

5

 

5

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

53

 

$

55

 

$

26

 

$

3

 

$

(2

)

$

132

 

$

160

 

 

 

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

 

(2)        Other costs associated with restructuring initiatives, including moving costs and consulting and legal fees, are recognized when incurred.

 

2007 Restructuring Plan

 

In 2007, the Company announced a global restructuring plan intended to create a more streamlined organization and reduce future expense growth to better serve clients (“2007 Plan”).  The plan was completed in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the Company does not expect to incur any further expenses.  In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded a restructuring benefit of $3 million and $8 million, respectively, related to the reversal of accruals associated with reoccupied leasehold space.  In addition, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, $2 million and $5 million, respectively, of lease expenses were recorded as part of Other general expenses that were previously included as restructuring lease consolidation costs.

 

The Company recorded $3 million and $95 million of restructuring and related charges in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

 

The total cumulative pretax charges for the 2007 Plan are $740 million including costs related to workforce reduction, lease consolidation costs, asset impairments, as well as other expenses necessary to implement the restructuring.

 

As of September 30, 2011, the Company’s liabilities for its restructuring plans are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Aon
Hewitt
Plan

 

Aon
Benfield
Plan

 

2007
Plan

 

Other

 

Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2010

 

$

 

$

45

 

$

202

 

$

16

 

$

263

 

Assumed Hewitt restructuring liability (1)

 

43

 

 

 

 

43

 

Expensed

 

52

 

24

 

92

 

 

168

 

Cash payments

 

(8

)

(38

)

(178

)

(8

)

(232

)

Foreign exchange translation and other

 

1

 

(5

)

(3

)

2

 

(5

)

Balance at December 31, 2010

 

88

 

26

 

113

 

10

 

237

 

Expensed (2)

 

73

 

(2

)

(8

)

 

63

 

Cash payments

 

(70

)

(14

)

(45

)

(2

)

(131

)

Foreign exchange translation and other

 

1

 

(1

)

6

 

 

6

 

Balance at September 30, 2011

 

$

92

 

$

9

 

$

66

 

$

8

 

$

175

 

 

 

(1) The Company assumed a $43 million net real estate related restructuring liability in connection with the Hewitt acquisition.

(2) Includes impact of reoccupying previously vacated leased properties.

 

Aon’s restructuring liabilities are included in both Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Investments
Investments

8.  Investments

 

The Company earns income on cash balances and investments, as well as on premium trust balances that Aon maintains for premiums collected from insureds but not yet remitted to insurance companies, and funds held under the terms of certain outsourcing agreements to pay certain obligations on behalf of clients.  Premium trust balances and a corresponding liability are included in Fiduciary assets and Fiduciary liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

 

The Company’s interest-bearing assets and other investments are included in the following categories in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (in millions):

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

295

 

$

346

 

Short-term investments

 

607

 

785

 

Fiduciary assets

 

4,109

 

3,489

 

Investments

 

254

 

312

 

 

 

$

5,265

 

$

4,932

 

 

The Company’s investments are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Equity method investments

 

$

172

 

$

174

 

Other investments, at cost (1)

 

67

 

123

 

Fixed-maturity securities

 

15

 

15

 

 

 

$

254

 

$

312

 

 

 

(1)  The reduction in other investments is primarily due to sales and redemptions.

Debt
Debt

9.  Debt

 

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $100 million in commercial paper outstanding as compared to no commercial paper outstanding at September 30, 2010. The Company utilizes the proceeds from the commercial paper market from time to time in order to meet short term working capital needs.

 

On May 24, 2011 Aon entered into an underwriting agreement for the sale of $500 million of 3.125% unsecured Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Notes”).  On June 15, 2011, Aon entered into a Term Credit Agreement for unsecured term loan financing of $450 million (“2011 Term Loan Facility”) due on October 1, 2013.  The 2011 Term Loan Facility is a variable rate loan that is based on LIBOR plus a margin and at September 30, 2011, the effective annualized rate was approximately 1.56%.  The Company used the net proceeds from the Notes issuance and 2011 Term Loan Facility borrowings to repay all amounts outstanding under its $1.0 billion three-year credit agreement dated August 13, 2010 (“2010 Term Loan Facility”), which was entered into in connection with the acquisition of Hewitt.  The Company recorded a $19 million loss on the extinguishment of the 2010 Term Loan Facility as a result of the write-off of the related deferred financing costs, which is included in Other income (expense) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

On March 8, 2011, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Aon issued CAD 375 million ($363 million at September 30, 2011 exchange rates) of 4.76% senior unsecured debt securities, which are due in March 2018 and are guaranteed by the Company.  The Company used the net proceeds from this issuance to repay its CAD 375 million 5.05% debt securities upon their maturity on April 12, 2011.

Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity

10.  Stockholders’ Equity

 

Common Stock

 

In 2007, Aon’s Board of Directors increased the Company’s authorized share repurchase program to $4.6 billion.  In January 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which up to $2 billion of common stock may be repurchased (“2010 Share Repurchase Program”).  Repurchases under the 2010 Share Repurchase Program commenced in the first quarter 2011, upon conclusion of the prior program.  Shares may be repurchased through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, including structured repurchase programs, from time to time, based on prevailing market conditions, and will be funded from available capital.  Any repurchased shares will be available for employee stock plans and for other corporate purposes.

 

In the third quarter 2011, Aon repurchased 3.8 million shares at an average price per share of $45.61 for a total cost of $175 million.  In the first nine months of 2011, Aon repurchased 16.4 million shares at an average price per share of $50.39, for a total cost of $828 million.  In the third quarter 2010, Aon did not repurchase any shares.  In the first nine months of 2010, Aon repurchased 2.4 million shares for a total cost of $100 million.  Since the inception of its share repurchase program in 2005, Aon has repurchased a total of 128.3 million shares for an aggregate cost of $5.4 billion.  As of September 30, 2011, Aon was authorized to purchase up to $1.2 billion of additional shares under the 2010 Share Repurchase Program.

 

In the nine months ended September 30, 2011, Aon issued 0.5 million shares of common stock in relation to the exercise of options issued to former holders of Hewitt options as part of the Hewitt acquisition.  In addition, in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 Aon reissued 6.7 million shares of treasury stock for employee benefit programs and 0.2 million shares in connection with employee stock purchase plans.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2010, Aon reissued 6.8 million shares of treasury stock for employee benefit programs and 0.3 million shares in connection with employee stock purchase plans.

 

Participating Securities

 

Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are participating securities, as defined, and therefore, are included in computing basic and diluted earnings per share using the two class method.  Certain of Aon’s restricted stock awards allow the holder to receive a non-forfeitable dividend equivalent.

 

Income from continuing operations, income (loss) from discontinued operations and net income, attributable to participating securities, were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

3

 

$

3

 

$

11

 

$

11

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

(1

)

Net income

 

$

3

 

$

3

 

$

11

 

$

10

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Shares for basic earnings per share (1)

 

332.6

 

278.7

 

336.7

 

277.6

 

Common stock equivalents

 

4.3

 

3.5

 

5.1

 

4.3

 

Shares for diluted earnings per share

 

336.9

 

282.2

 

341.8

 

281.9

 

 

 

(1)  Includes 5.2 million and 5.8 million of participating securities for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and 5.5 million and 6.1 million of participating securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

Certain common stock equivalents, primarily related to stock options, were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been antidilutive.  The number of shares excluded from the calculation was 1.0 million and 5.1 million for the three month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The number of shares excluded from the calculation was 0.1 million and 5.0 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of related tax, are as follows (in millions): 

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net change in derivative (losses) gains

 

(9

)

2

 

(14

)

(24

)

Net foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(209

)

207

 

(12

)

(66

)

Net post-retirement benefit obligations

 

15

 

13

 

42

 

68

 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(203

)

222

 

16

 

(22

)

Less: other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

(1

)

5

 

(1

)

16

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Aon stockholders

 

$

(202

)

$

217

 

$

17

 

$

(38

)

 

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related tax, are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

September 30,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

Net derivative losses

 

$

(38

)

$

(24

)

Net foreign currency translation adjustments

 

157

 

168

 

Net post-retirement benefit obligations

 

(2,019

)

(2,061

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

$

(1,900

)

$

(1,917

)

Employee Benefits
Employee Benefits

11.   Employee Benefits

 

The following table provides the components of the net periodic benefit cost for Aon’s U.S. pension plans, along with the material international plans, which are located in the U.K., the Netherlands, and Canada (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

 

 

U.S.

 

International

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Service cost

 

$

 

$

 

$

5

 

$

3

 

Interest cost

 

31

 

32

 

67

 

61

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(30

)

(30

)

(73

)

(60

)

Amortization of net loss

 

8

 

7

 

14

 

14

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

9

 

$

9

 

$

13

 

$

18

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

U.S.

 

International

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Service cost

 

$

 

$

 

$

15

 

$

9

 

Interest cost

 

92

 

93

 

201

 

183

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(90

)

(89

)

(217

)

(177

)

Amortization of net loss

 

23

 

18

 

41

 

40

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

25

 

$

22

 

$

40

 

$

55

 

 

Based on current assumptions, in 2011, Aon plans to contribute $114 million and $365 million to its U.S. and material international defined benefit pension plans, respectively.  For the first nine months of 2011, contributions of $96 million have been made to the Company’s U.S. pension plans and $292 million have been made to its material international pension plans.

Stock Compensation Plans
Stock Compensation Plans

12.  Stock Compensation Plans

 

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in Compensation and benefits (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”)

 

$

31

 

$

29

 

$

108

 

$

99

 

Performance plans

 

24

 

10

 

59

 

51

 

Stock options

 

2

 

3

 

7

 

13

 

Employee stock purchase plans

 

2

 

1

 

5

 

3

 

Total stock-based compensation expense

 

$

59

 

$

43

 

$

179

 

$

166

 

 

Stock Awards

 

In the first nine months of 2011, the Company granted approximately 1.2 million shares in connection with the 2008 Leadership Performance Plan cycle, 0.3 million shares related to a 2006 performance plan, and restricted shares of approximately 3.3 million in connection with the Company’s incentive compensation plans.  In the first nine months of 2010, the Company granted approximately 1.7 million shares in connection with the completion of the 2007 Leadership Performance Plan cycle and restricted shares of approximately 3.3 million in connection with the Company’s incentive compensation plans.

 

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

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Shares

 

Fair
Value (1)

 

Shares

 

Fair
Value (1)

 

Non-vested at beginning of period

 

10,674

 

$

38

 

12,850

 

$

36

 

Granted

 

4,831

 

50

 

4,984

 

39

 

Vested

 

(4,850

)

42

 

(6,288

)

35

 

Forfeited

 

(410

)

39

 

(412

)

38

 

Non-vested at end of period

 

10,245

 

42

 

11,134

 

38

 

 

 

(1) Represents per share weighted average fair value of award at date of grant

 

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

 

 

 

As of September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Potential RSUs to be issued based on current performance levels

 

5,791

 

4,883

 

Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels

 

$

107

 

$

107

 

 

Stock Options

 

In connection with its incentive compensation plans, in the third quarter of 2011 the Company did not grant any options.  In the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, the Company granted 80,000 stock options at $53 per share and 143,000 stock options at $38 per share, respectively.

 

The weighted average assumptions, the weighted average expected life and estimated fair value of employee stock options are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average volatility

 

N/A

 

27.8

%

26.1

%

28.5

%

Expected dividend yield

 

N/A

 

1.6

%

1.3

%

1.6

%

Risk-free rate

 

N/A

 

2.2

%

2.2

%

3.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average expected life, in years

 

N/A

 

6.1

 

5.5

 

6.1

 

Weighted average estimated fair value per share

 

N/A

 

$

9.13

 

$

10.92

 

$

10.37

 

 

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

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at beginning of period

 

13,919

 

$

32

 

15,937

 

$

33

 

Granted

 

80

 

53

 

142

 

38

 

Exercised

 

(3,781

)

32

 

(2,382

)

30

 

Forfeited and expired

 

(300

)

37

 

(402

)

34

 

Outstanding at end of period

 

9,918

 

32

 

13,295

 

33

 

Exercisable at end of period

 

8,566

 

30

 

10,535

 

32

 

 

The weighted average remaining contractual life, in years, of outstanding options was 3.3 years and 3.6 years at September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on options with an exercise price less than the Company’s closing stock price of $41.98 as of September 30, 2011, which would have been received by the option holders had those option holders exercised their options as of that date.  At September 30, 2011, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding was $105 million, of which $101 million was exercisable.

 

Other information related to the Company’s stock options is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised

 

$

4

 

$

5

 

$

69

 

$

26

 

Cash received from the exercise of stock options

 

8

 

12

 

129

 

71

 

Tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options

 

 

 

12

 

4

 

 

Unamortized deferred compensation expense, which includes both options and awards, amounted to $294 million as of September 30, 2011, with a remaining weighted-average amortization period of approximately 2.0 years.

Derivatives and Hedging
Derivatives and Hedging

13.  Derivatives and Hedging

 

Aon is exposed to risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.  To manage the risk related to these exposures, Aon enters into various derivative transactions that reduce Aon’s market risks by creating offsetting exposures.  Aon does not enter into derivative transactions for trading or speculative purposes.

 

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

 

Aon and its subsidiaries are exposed to foreign exchange risk when they receive revenues, pay expenses, or enter into intercompany loans denominated in a currency that differs from their functional currency.  Aon uses foreign exchange derivatives, typically forward contracts, options and cross currency swaps, to reduce its overall exposure to the effects of currency fluctuations on cash flows.  Aon has hedged these exposures up to five years in the future.  Aon also uses foreign exchange derivatives, typically forward contracts and options, to hedge its net investments in foreign operations for up to two years in the future and to reduce the impact of currency fluctuations on the translation of the financial statements for foreign operations and to manage the Company’s global liquidity profile for one year in the future.

 

Interest Rate Risk Management

 

Aon holds variable-rate short-term brokerage and other operating deposits. Aon uses interest rate derivatives, typically swaps, to reduce its exposure to the effects of interest rate fluctuations on the forecasted interest receipts from these deposits for up to two years in the future.

 

Certain derivatives also give rise to credit risks from the possible non-performance by counterparties.  The credit risk is generally limited to the fair value of those contracts that are favorable to Aon.  Aon has limited its credit risk by using International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) master agreements, collateral and credit support arrangements, entering into non-exchange-traded derivatives with highly-rated major financial institutions and by using exchange-traded instruments.  Aon monitors the credit-worthiness of, and exposure to, its counterparties.  As of September 30, 2011, all net derivative positions were free of credit risk contingent features.  In addition, Aon did not receive or pledge collateral for any derivatives as of September 30, 2011.

 

The notional and fair values of derivative instruments are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Assets (1)

 

Derivative Liabilities (2)

 

 

 

Notional Amount

 

Fair Value

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

Sept. 30,
2011

 

Dec. 31,
2010

 

Sept. 30,
2011

 

Dec. 31,
2010

 

Sept. 30,
2011

 

Dec. 31,
2010

 

Derivatives accounted for as hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts

 

$

1,452

 

$

1,326

 

$

15

 

$

15

 

$

 

$

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

1,328

 

1,522

 

135

 

157

 

172

 

157

 

Total

 

2,780

 

2,848

 

150

 

172

 

172

 

157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

260

 

238

 

2

 

2

 

8

 

1

 

Total

 

$

3,040

 

$

3,086

 

$

152

 

$

174

 

$

180

 

$

158

 

 

 

(1) Included within Other assets

(2) Included within Other liabilities

 

The amounts of derivative gains (losses) recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Gain (Loss) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flow Hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

 

$

1

 

$

(12

)

$

(1

)

$

(10

)

Foreign exchange contracts (2)

 

(10

)

41

 

(31

)

(99

)

Total

 

(9

)

29

 

(32

)

(109

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Net Investment Hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

$

13

 

$

(131

)

$

(4

)

$

74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flow Hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

 

$

 

$

4

 

$

1

 

$

15

 

Foreign exchange contracts (2)

 

3

 

22

 

(12

)

(84

)

Total

 

3

 

26

 

(11

)

(69

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Net Investment Hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

(1) Included within Fiduciary investment income and Interest expense

(2) Included within Other general expenses and Interest expense

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivative (1)

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Related Hedged Item (2)

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivative (1)

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Related Hedged Item (2)

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Fair value hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

$

2

 

$

(2

)

$

(3

)

$

2

 

$

 

$

10

 

$

1

 

$

(9

)

 

 

(1) Relates to fixed rate debt

(2) Included in Interest expense

 

It is estimated that approximately $27 million of pretax losses currently included within Accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into earnings in the next twelve months.

 

The amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on the ineffective portion of derivatives for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was inconsequential.

 

In both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, Aon recorded a loss of $9 million, respectively, in Other general expenses for foreign exchange derivatives not designated or qualifying as hedges. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, Aon recorded a gain of $3 million and $7 million, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities

14.  Variable Interest Entities

 

Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities

 

Aon has an ownership interest in Juniperus Insurance Opportunity Fund Limited (“Juniperus”), which is an investment vehicle that invests in an actively managed and diversified portfolio of insurance risks.  Aon has concluded that Juniperus is a VIE.  However, Aon has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary as it lacks the power to direct the activities of Juniperus that most significantly impact economic performance, and therefore this entity is not consolidated.  The investment in Juniperus is accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

 

The Company’s potential loss at September 30, 2011 is limited to its investment in Juniperus of $60 million, which is recorded in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments

15.  Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments

 

Accounting standards establish a three tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

·                  Level 1 — observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets in active markets;

·                  Level 2 — inputs other than quoted prices for identical assets in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

·                  Level 3 — unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data which requires the use of valuation techniques and the development of assumptions.

 

The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:

 

Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities are carried at cost and amortized cost, respectively, as an approximation of fair value.  Based on market convention, the Company considers cost a practical and expedient measure of fair value.

 

Fixed maturity investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices or on estimated values if they are not actively traded.  In some cases where a market price is not available, the Company will make use of acceptable expedients (such as matrix pricing) to estimate fair value.

 

Derivatives are carried at fair value, based upon industry standard valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced pricing inputs, such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, or implied volatilities.

 

Debt is carried at outstanding principal balance, less any unamortized discount or premium.  Fair value is based on quoted market prices or estimates using discounted cash flow analyses based on current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 

The following tables present the categorization of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in

 

Significant

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

Active Markets

 

Other

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

Balance at

 

for Identical

 

Observable

 

Inputs

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

Assets (Level 1)

 

Inputs (Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities (1)

 

$

2,500

 

$

2,450

 

$

50

 

$

 

Other investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

Government bonds

 

3

 

 

3

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts

 

15

 

 

15

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

137

 

 

137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

180

 

 

180

 

 

 

 

(1)  Includes $2,450 million of money market funds and $50 million of highly liquid debt securities that are classified as fiduciary assets, short-term investments or cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position, depending on their nature and initial maturity.  See Note 8 “Investments” for additional information regarding the Company’s investments.

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in

 

Significant

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

Active Markets

 

Other

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

Balance at

 

for Identical

 

Observable

 

Inputs

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

 

Assets (Level 1)

 

Inputs (Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities (1)

 

$

2,618

 

$

2,591

 

$

27

 

$

 

Other investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

Government bonds

 

3

 

 

3

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts

 

15

 

 

15

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

159

 

 

159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

158

 

 

158

 

 

 

 

(1)  Includes $2,591 million of money market funds and $27 million of highly liquid debt securities that are classified as fiduciary assets, short-term investments or cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position, depending on their nature and initial maturity.  See Note 8 “Investments” for additional information regarding the Company’s investments.

 

The following table presents the changes in the Level 3 fair-value category (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Other Investments

 

Other Investments

 

Other Investments

 

Other Investments

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

12

 

$

21

 

$

12

 

$

100

 

Total gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income

 

 

1

 

 

 

Purchases

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

(10

)

 

(1

)

Transfers (1)

 

 

 

 

(87

)

Balance at end of period

 

$

12

 

$

12

 

$

12

 

$

12

 

 

 

(1) Transfers represent the removal of the investment in PEPS I preferred stock as a result of consolidating PEPS I on January 1, 2010.

 

There are no realized or unrealized gains or losses related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value using level three inputs included in income for either the three or six months ended September 30, 2011.

 

The following table discloses the Company’s financial instruments where the carrying amounts and fair values differ (in millions):

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

 

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Long-term debt

 

$

4,415

 

$

4,685

 

$

4,014

 

$

4,172

 

Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies

16.  Commitments and Contingencies

 

Legal

 

Aon and its subsidiaries are subject to numerous claims, tax assessments, lawsuits and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, which frequently include errors and omissions (“E&O”) claims.  The damages claimed in these matters are or may be substantial, including, in many instances, claims for punitive, treble or extraordinary damages.  Aon has historically purchased E&O insurance and other insurance to provide protection against certain losses that arise in such matters.  Aon has exhausted or materially depleted its coverage under some of the policies that protect the Company and, consequently, is self-insured or materially self-insured for some historical claims.  Accruals for these exposures, and related insurance receivables, when applicable, have been provided to the extent that losses are deemed probable and are reasonably estimable.  These accruals and receivables are adjusted from time to time as developments warrant.  Amounts related to settlement provisions are recorded in Other general expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

At the time of the 2004-05 investigation of the insurance industry by the Attorney General of New York and other regulators, purported classes of clients filed civil litigation against Aon and other companies under a variety of legal theories, including state tort, contract, fiduciary duty, antitrust and statutory theories and federal antitrust and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) theories.  The federal actions were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, and a state court collective action was filed in California.  In the New Jersey actions, the Court dismissed plaintiffs’ federal antitrust and RICO claims in separate orders in August and October 2007, respectively.  In August 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the dismissals of most, but not all, of the claims.  In March 2011, Aon entered into a Memorandum of Understanding documenting a settlement of the civil cases consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Under that agreement, Aon will pay $550,000 in exchange for dismissal of the class claims. This agreement remains subject to court approval. Several non-class claims brought by individual plaintiffs who opted out of the class action proceeding will remain pending, but the Company does not believe these present material exposure to the Company individually or in the aggregate.  The outcome of these lawsuits, and any losses or other payments that may result, cannot be predicted at this time.

 

Following inquiries from regulators, the Company commenced an internal review of its compliance with certain U.S. and non-U.S. anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”).  In January 2009, Aon Limited, Aon’s principal U.K. brokerage subsidiary, entered into a settlement agreement with the Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) to pay a £5.25 million fine arising from its failure to exercise reasonable care to establish and maintain effective systems and controls to counter the risks of bribery arising from the use of overseas firms and individuals who helped it win business.  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) continue to investigate these matters.  Aon is fully cooperating with these investigations and has agreed with the U.S. agencies to toll any applicable statute of limitations pending completion of the investigations.  Based on current information, the Company is unable to predict at this time when the SEC and DOJ matters will be concluded, or what regulatory or other outcomes may result.

 

A retail insurance brokerage subsidiary of Aon provides insurance brokerage services to Northrop Grumman Corporation (“Northrop”).  This Aon subsidiary placed Northrop’s excess property insurance program for the period covering 2005.  Northrop suffered a substantial loss in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina damaged Northrop’s facilities in the Gulf states.  Northrop’s excess insurance carrier, Factory Mutual Insurance Company (“Factory Mutual”), denied coverage for the claim pursuant to a flood exclusion.  Northrop sued Factory Mutual in the United States District Court for the Central District of California and later sought to add this Aon subsidiary as a defendant, asserting that if Northrop’s policy with Factory Mutual does not cover the losses suffered by Northrop stemming from Hurricane Katrina, then this Aon subsidiary will be responsible for Northrop’s losses.  On August 26, 2010, the court granted in large part Factory Mutual’s motion for partial summary judgment regarding the applicability of the flood exclusion and denied Northrop’s motion to add this Aon subsidiary as a defendant in the federal lawsuit.  On January 27, 2011, Northrop filed suit against this Aon subsidiary in state court in Los Angeles, California, pleading claims for negligence, breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation.  Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.  The outcome of this lawsuit, and the amount of any losses or other payments that may result, cannot be predicted at this time.

 

Another retail insurance brokerage subsidiary of Aon has been sued in Tennessee state court by a client, Opry Mills Mall Limited Partnership (“Opry Mills”), that sustained flood damage to its property in May 2010.  The lawsuit seeks $200 million from numerous insurers with whom this Aon subsidiary placed the client’s property insurance coverage.  The insurers contend that only $50 million in coverage is available for the loss because the flood event occurred on property in a high hazard flood zone.  Opry Mills is seeking full coverage from the insurers for the loss and has sued this Aon subsidiary in the alternative for the same $150 million difference on various theories of professional liability if the court determines there is not full coverage.  Aon believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.  The outcome of this lawsuit, and any losses or other payments that may result, cannot be predicted at this time.

 

From time to time, Aon’s clients may bring claims and take legal action pertaining to the performance of fiduciary responsibilities.  Whether client claims and legal action related to the Company’s performance of fiduciary responsibilities are founded or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are resolved in a manner unfavorable to the Company, they may adversely affect Aon’s financial results and materially impair the market perception of the Company and that of its products and services.

 

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

 

Guarantees and Indemnifications

 

Aon provides a variety of guarantees and indemnifications to its customers and others.  The maximum potential amount of future payments represents the notional amounts that could become payable under the guarantees and indemnifications if there were a total default by the guaranteed parties, without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provisions or other methods.  These amounts may bear no relationship to the expected future payments, if any, for these guarantees and indemnifications.  Any anticipated amounts payable which are deemed to be probable and estimable are accrued in Aon’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Aon had total letters of credit (“LOCs”) outstanding for approximately $76 million and $71 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  These letters of credit cover the beneficiaries related to Aon’s Canadian pension plan scheme, secure deductible retentions on Aon’s own workers compensation program, an Aon Hewitt sublease agreement for office space, and one of the U.S. pension plans.  Aon also has issued letters of credit to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at its international subsidiaries.  Amounts are accrued in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements to the extent the guarantees are probable and estimable.

 

Aon has certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies.  Costs associated with these guarantees, to the extent estimable and probable, are provided in Aon’s allowance for doubtful accounts.  The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $8 million at September 30, 2011.

 

Aon has provided commitments to fund certain limited partnerships in which it has an interest in the event that the general partners request funding.  Some of these commitments have specific expiration dates and the maximum potential funding under these commitments was $69 million at September 30, 2011.  In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company funded $1 million and $13 million, respectively, of these commitments.

 

Aon expects that, as prudent business interests dictate, additional guarantees and indemnifications may be issued from time to time.

Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions

17.  Related Party Transactions

 

During the first nine months of 2011, the Company, in the ordinary course of business, provided retail brokerage, consulting and financial advisory services to, and received wholesale brokerage services from, an entity that is controlled by one of the Company’s stockholders.  These transactions were negotiated on an arms-length basis and contain customary terms and conditions.  In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, commissions and fee revenue from these transactions was approximately $3 million and $5 million, respectively.  At September 30, 2011, an amount less than $0.1 million were due to the Company.

Segment Information
Segment Information

18.  Segment Information

 

Aon classifies its businesses into two operating segments:  Risk Solutions and HR Solutions.  Unallocated income and expenses, when combined with the operating segments and after the elimination of intersegment revenues and expenses, equal to the amounts in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Operating segments have been determined using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner in which Aon’s chief operating decision-maker uses financial information for the purposes of allocating resources and evaluating performance.  Aon evaluates performance based on stand-alone operating segment operating income and generally accounts for inter-segment revenue as if the revenue were from third parties and at what management believes are current market prices.

 

Risk Solutions acts as an advisor and insurance and reinsurance broker, helping clients manage their risks, via consultation, as well as negotiation and placement of insurance risk with insurance carriers through Aon’s global distribution network.

 

HR Solutions partners with organizations to solve their most complex benefits, talent and related financial challenges, and improve business performance by designing, implementing, communicating and administering a wide range of human capital, retirement, investment management, health care, compensation and talent management strategies.

 

Aon’s total revenue is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Risk Solutions

 

$

1,617

 

$

1,484

 

$

4,994

 

$

4,658

 

HR Solutions

 

1,112

 

321

 

3,319

 

960

 

Intersegment elimination

 

(6

)

(4

)

(20

)

(15

)

Total revenue

 

$

2,723

 

$

1,801

 

$

8,293

 

$

5,603

 

 

Commissions, fees and other revenues by product are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Retail brokerage

 

$

1,237

 

$

1,108

 

$

3,837

 

$

3,508

 

Reinsurance brokerage

 

365

 

361

 

1,119

 

1,108

 

Total Risk Solutions Segment

 

1,602

 

1,469

 

4,956

 

4,616

 

Consulting services

 

555

 

268

 

1,670

 

808

 

Outsourcing

 

561

 

53

 

1,667

 

151

 

Intrasegment

 

(4

)

 

(18

)

 

Total HR Solutions Segment

 

1,112

 

321

 

3,319

 

959

 

Intersegment

 

(6

)

(4

)

(20

)

(15

)

Total commissions, fees and other revenue

 

$

2,708

 

$

1,786

 

$

8,255

 

$

5,560

 

 

Fiduciary investment income by segment is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Risk Solutions

 

$

15

 

$

15

 

$

38

 

$

42

 

HR Solutions

 

 

 

 

1

 

Total fiduciary investment income

 

$

15

 

$

15

 

$

38

 

$

43

 

 

A reconciliation of segment operating income before tax to income from continuing operations before income taxes is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Risk Solutions

 

$

308

 

$

258

 

$

969

 

$

820

 

HR Solutions

 

77

 

54

 

315

 

148

 

Unallocated expenses

 

(44

)

(49

)

(113

)

(164

)

Operating income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

341

 

263

 

1,171

 

804

 

Interest income

 

4

 

4

 

14

 

9

 

Interest expense

 

(60

)

(50

)

(186

)

(117

)

Other (expense) income

 

7

 

(9

)

1

 

3

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

$

292

 

$

208

 

$

1,000

 

$

699

 

 

Unallocated expenses include administrative or other costs not attributable to the operating segments, such as corporate governance costs and the costs associated with corporate investments.  Interest income represents income earned primarily on operating cash balances and certain income producing securities.  Interest expense represents the cost of worldwide debt obligations.

 

Other income (expense) consists of equity earnings, realized gains or losses on the sale of investments, gains or losses on the disposal of businesses, and also includes the loss on extinguishment of debt.

Other Income (Expense) (Tables)
Other Income (expense)

 

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Equity earnings (losses)

 

$

5

 

$

(1

)

$

9

 

$

5

 

Realized gain on sale of investments

 

1

 

 

10

 

1

 

Loss on disposal of businesses

 

 

(8

)

(1

)

(2

)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

(19

)

 

Other

 

1

 

 

2

 

(1

)

 

 

$

7

 

$

(9

)

$

1

 

$

3

 

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

(millions)

 

2011

 

2010

 

Consideration

 

$

100

 

$

87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

58

 

$

29

 

Other intangible assets

 

29

 

52

 

 

 

$

87

 

$

81

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts

 

 

 

recorded as of

 

 

 

the acquisition

 

 

 

date

 

Working capital (1)

 

$

348

 

Property, equipment, and capitalized software

 

297

 

Identifiable intangible assets:

 

 

 

Customer relationships

 

1,800

 

Trademarks

 

890

 

Technology

 

215

 

Other non-current assets (2)

 

350

 

Long-term debt

 

346

 

Other non-current liabilities (3)

 

367

 

Net deferred tax liability (4)

 

1,034

 

Net assets acquired

 

2,153

 

Goodwill

 

2,779

 

Total consideration transferred

 

$

4,932

 

 

 

(1)  Includes cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, client receivables, other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities.

 

(2) Includes primarily deferred contract costs and long-term investments.

 

(3) Includes primarily unfavorable lease obligations and deferred contract revenues.

 

(4) As of the acquisition date, included in Other current assets ($31 million), Other non-current assets ($30 million), Other current liabilities ($7 million) and Other non-current liabilities ($1.1 billion) in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

 

 

 

 

Risk
Solutions

 

HR
Solutions

 

Total

 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

 

$

5,549

 

$

3,098

 

$

8,647

 

Goodwill related to current year acquisitions

 

54

 

4

 

58

 

Goodwill related to disposals

 

(2

)

 

(2

)

Goodwill related to prior year acquisitions

 

 

67

 

67

 

Transfers

 

(83

)

83

 

 

Foreign currency revaluation and other

 

11

 

54

 

65

 

Balance as of September 30, 2011

 

$

5,529

 

$

3,306

 

$

8,835

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

Intangible assets with indefinite lives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks

 

$

1,024

 

$

 

$

1,024

 

$

1,024

 

$

 

$

1,024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets with finite lives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks

 

4

 

1

 

3

 

3

 

 

3

 

Customer Related and Contract Based

 

2,608

 

543

 

2,065

 

2,605

 

344

 

2,261

 

Marketing, Technology and Other

 

607

 

338

 

269

 

606

 

283

 

323

 

 

 

$

4,243

 

$

882

 

$

3,361

 

$

4,238

 

$

627

 

$

3,611

 

The estimated future amortization for intangible assets as of September 30, 2011 is as follows (in millions):

 

Remainder of 2011

 

$

88

 

2012

 

413

 

2013

 

383

 

2014

 

333

 

2015

 

287

 

Thereafter

 

833

 

 

 

$

2,337

 

Restructuring (Tables)

 

 

 

 

2010

 

Third Quarter
2011

 

Nine
Months
2011

 

Total
Inception to
Date

 

Estimated Total
Cost for
Restructuring
Plan (1)

 

Workforce reduction

 

$

49

 

$

15

 

$

39

 

$

88

 

$

180

 

Lease consolidation

 

3

 

8

 

33

 

36

 

95

 

Asset impairments

 

 

3

 

7

 

7

 

47

 

Other costs associated with restructuring (2)

 

 

 

1

 

1

 

3

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

52

 

$

26

 

$

80

 

$

132

 

$

325

 

 

 

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

 

(2)        Other costs associated with restructuring initiatives, including moving costs and consulting and legal fees, are recognized when incurred.

 

 

 

 

Purchase
Price
Allocation

 

2009

 

2010

 

Third
Quarter
2011

 

Nine Months
2011

 

Total
Inception to
Date

 

Estimated
Total Cost for
Restructuring
Period (1)

 

Workforce reduction

 

$

32

 

$

38

 

$

15

 

$

3

 

$

14

 

$

99

 

$

125

 

Lease consolidation

 

20

 

14

 

7

 

(1

)

(17

)

24

 

26

 

Asset impairments

 

 

2

 

2

 

 

 

4

 

4

 

Other costs associated with restructuring (2)

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

1

 

1

 

5

 

5

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

53

 

$

55

 

$

26

 

$

3

 

$

(2

)

$

132

 

$

160

 

 

 

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

 

(2)        Other costs associated with restructuring initiatives, including moving costs and consulting and legal fees, are recognized when incurred.

 

 

 

 

Aon
Hewitt
Plan

 

Aon
Benfield
Plan

 

2007
Plan

 

Other

 

Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2010

 

$

 

$

45

 

$

202

 

$

16

 

$

263

 

Assumed Hewitt restructuring liability (1)

 

43

 

 

 

 

43

 

Expensed

 

52

 

24

 

92

 

 

168

 

Cash payments

 

(8

)

(38

)

(178

)

(8

)

(232

)

Foreign exchange translation and other

 

1

 

(5

)

(3

)

2

 

(5

)

Balance at December 31, 2010

 

88

 

26

 

113

 

10

 

237

 

Expensed (2)

 

73

 

(2

)

(8

)

 

63

 

Cash payments

 

(70

)

(14

)

(45

)

(2

)

(131

)

Foreign exchange translation and other

 

1

 

(1

)

6

 

 

6

 

Balance at September 30, 2011

 

$

92

 

$

9

 

$

66

 

$

8

 

$

175

 

 

 

(1) The Company assumed a $43 million net real estate related restructuring liability in connection with the Hewitt acquisition.

(2) Includes impact of reoccupying previously vacated leased properties.

Investments (Tables)

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

295

 

$

346

 

Short-term investments

 

607

 

785

 

Fiduciary assets

 

4,109

 

3,489

 

Investments

 

254

 

312

 

 

 

$

5,265

 

$

4,932

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Equity method investments

 

$

172

 

$

174

 

Other investments, at cost (1)

 

67

 

123

 

Fixed-maturity securities

 

15

 

15

 

 

 

$

254

 

$

312

 

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

 

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

3

 

$

3

 

$

11

 

$

11

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

(1

)

Net income

 

$

3

 

$

3

 

$

11

 

$

10

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Shares for basic earnings per share (1)

 

332.6

 

278.7

 

336.7

 

277.6

 

Common stock equivalents

 

4.3

 

3.5

 

5.1

 

4.3

 

Shares for diluted earnings per share

 

336.9

 

282.2

 

341.8

 

281.9

 

 

 

(1)  Includes 5.2 million and 5.8 million of participating securities for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and 5.5 million and 6.1 million of participating securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net change in derivative (losses) gains

 

(9

)

2

 

(14

)

(24

)

Net foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(209

)

207

 

(12

)

(66

)

Net post-retirement benefit obligations

 

15

 

13

 

42

 

68

 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(203

)

222

 

16

 

(22

)

Less: other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

(1

)

5

 

(1

)

16

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Aon stockholders

 

$

(202

)

$

217

 

$

17

 

$

(38

)

 

 

 

 

September 30,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

Net derivative losses

 

$

(38

)

$

(24

)

Net foreign currency translation adjustments

 

157

 

168

 

Net post-retirement benefit obligations

 

(2,019

)

(2,061

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

$

(1,900

)

$

(1,917

)

Employee Benefits (Tables)
Components of net periodic benefit cost for the pension plans

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

 

 

U.S.

 

International

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Service cost

 

$

 

$

 

$

5

 

$

3

 

Interest cost

 

31

 

32

 

67

 

61

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(30

)

(30

)

(73

)

(60

)

Amortization of net loss

 

8

 

7

 

14

 

14

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

9

 

$

9

 

$

13

 

$

18

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

U.S.

 

International

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Service cost

 

$

 

$

 

$

15

 

$

9

 

Interest cost

 

92

 

93

 

201

 

183

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(90

)

(89

)

(217

)

(177

)

Amortization of net loss

 

23

 

18

 

41

 

40

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

25

 

$

22

 

$

40

 

$

55

 

Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”)

 

$

31

 

$

29

 

$

108

 

$

99

 

Performance plans

 

24

 

10

 

59

 

51

 

Stock options

 

2

 

3

 

7

 

13

 

Employee stock purchase plans

 

2

 

1

 

5

 

3

 

Total stock-based compensation expense

 

$

59

 

$

43

 

$

179

 

$

166

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Shares

 

Fair
Value (1)

 

Shares

 

Fair
Value (1)

 

Non-vested at beginning of period

 

10,674

 

$

38

 

12,850

 

$

36

 

Granted

 

4,831

 

50

 

4,984

 

39

 

Vested

 

(4,850

)

42

 

(6,288

)

35

 

Forfeited

 

(410

)

39

 

(412

)

38

 

Non-vested at end of period

 

10,245

 

42

 

11,134

 

38

 

 

 

(1) Represents per share weighted average fair value of award at date of grant

 

 

 

 

As of September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Potential RSUs to be issued based on current performance levels

 

5,791

 

4,883

 

Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels

 

$

107

 

$

107

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average volatility

 

N/A

 

27.8

%

26.1

%

28.5

%

Expected dividend yield

 

N/A

 

1.6

%

1.3

%

1.6

%

Risk-free rate

 

N/A

 

2.2

%

2.2

%

3.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average expected life, in years

 

N/A

 

6.1

 

5.5

 

6.1

 

Weighted average estimated fair value per share

 

N/A

 

$

9.13

 

$

10.92

 

$

10.37

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at beginning of period

 

13,919

 

$

32

 

15,937

 

$

33

 

Granted

 

80

 

53

 

142

 

38

 

Exercised

 

(3,781

)

32

 

(2,382

)

30

 

Forfeited and expired

 

(300

)

37

 

(402

)

34

 

Outstanding at end of period

 

9,918

 

32

 

13,295

 

33

 

Exercisable at end of period

 

8,566

 

30

 

10,535

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised

 

$

4

 

$

5

 

$

69

 

$

26

 

Cash received from the exercise of stock options

 

8

 

12

 

129

 

71

 

Tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options

 

 

 

12

 

4

 

Derivatives and Hedging (Tables)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Assets (1)

 

Derivative Liabilities (2)

 

 

 

Notional Amount

 

Fair Value

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

Sept. 30,
2011

 

Dec. 31,
2010

 

Sept. 30,
2011

 

Dec. 31,
2010

 

Sept. 30,
2011

 

Dec. 31,
2010

 

Derivatives accounted for as hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts

 

$

1,452

 

$

1,326

 

$

15

 

$

15

 

$

 

$

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

1,328

 

1,522

 

135

 

157

 

172

 

157

 

Total

 

2,780

 

2,848

 

150

 

172

 

172

 

157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

260

 

238

 

2

 

2

 

8

 

1

 

Total

 

$

3,040

 

$

3,086

 

$

152

 

$

174

 

$

180

 

$

158

 

 

 

(1) Included within Other assets

(2) Included within Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Gain (Loss) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flow Hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

 

$

1

 

$

(12

)

$

(1

)

$

(10

)

Foreign exchange contracts (2)

 

(10

)

41

 

(31

)

(99

)

Total

 

(9

)

29

 

(32

)

(109

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Net Investment Hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

$

13

 

$

(131

)

$

(4

)

$

74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flow Hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts (1)

 

$

 

$

4

 

$

1

 

$

15

 

Foreign exchange contracts (2)

 

3

 

22

 

(12

)

(84

)

Total

 

3

 

26

 

(11

)

(69

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Net Investment Hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

(1) Included within Fiduciary investment income and Interest expense

(2) Included within Other general expenses and Interest expense

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivative (1)

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Related Hedged Item (2)

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivative (1)

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Related Hedged Item (2)

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Fair value hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

$

2

 

$

(2

)

$

(3

)

$

2

 

$

 

$

10

 

$

1

 

$

(9

)

 

 

(1) Relates to fixed rate debt

(2) Included in Interest expense

Fair Value and Financial Instruments (Tables)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in

 

Significant

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

Active Markets

 

Other

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

Balance at

 

for Identical

 

Observable

 

Inputs

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

Assets (Level 1)

 

Inputs (Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities (1)

 

$

2,500

 

$

2,450

 

$

50

 

$

 

Other investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

Government bonds

 

3

 

 

3

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts

 

15

 

 

15

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

137

 

 

137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

180

 

 

180

 

 

 

 

(1)  Includes $2,450 million of money market funds and $50 million of highly liquid debt securities that are classified as fiduciary assets, short-term investments or cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position, depending on their nature and initial maturity.  See Note 8 “Investments” for additional information regarding the Company’s investments.

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in

 

Significant

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

Active Markets

 

Other

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

Balance at

 

for Identical

 

Observable

 

Inputs

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

 

Assets (Level 1)

 

Inputs (Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities (1)

 

$

2,618

 

$

2,591

 

$

27

 

$

 

Other investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

Government bonds

 

3

 

 

3

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate contracts

 

15

 

 

15

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

159

 

 

159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

158

 

 

158

 

 

 

 

(1)  Includes $2,591 million of money market funds and $27 million of highly liquid debt securities that are classified as fiduciary assets, short-term investments or cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position, depending on their nature and initial maturity.  See Note 8 “Investments” for additional information regarding the Company’s investments.

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Other Investments

 

Other Investments

 

Other Investments

 

Other Investments

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

12

 

$

21

 

$

12

 

$

100

 

Total gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income

 

 

1

 

 

 

Purchases

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

(10

)

 

(1

)

Transfers (1)

 

 

 

 

(87

)

Balance at end of period

 

$

12

 

$

12

 

$

12

 

$

12

 

 

 

(1) Transfers represent the removal of the investment in PEPS I preferred stock as a result of consolidating PEPS I on January 1, 2010.

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

 

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Long-term debt

 

$

4,415

 

$

4,685

 

$

4,014

 

$

4,172

 

Segment Information (Tables)

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Risk Solutions

 

$

1,617

 

$

1,484

 

$

4,994

 

$

4,658

 

HR Solutions

 

1,112

 

321

 

3,319

 

960

 

Intersegment elimination

 

(6

)

(4

)

(20

)

(15

)

Total revenue

 

$

2,723

 

$

1,801

 

$

8,293

 

$

5,603

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Retail brokerage

 

$

1,237

 

$

1,108

 

$

3,837

 

$

3,508

 

Reinsurance brokerage

 

365

 

361

 

1,119

 

1,108

 

Total Risk Solutions Segment

 

1,602

 

1,469

 

4,956

 

4,616

 

Consulting services

 

555

 

268

 

1,670

 

808

 

Outsourcing

 

561

 

53

 

1,667

 

151

 

Intrasegment

 

(4

)

 

(18

)

 

Total HR Solutions Segment

 

1,112

 

321

 

3,319

 

959

 

Intersegment

 

(6

)

(4

)

(20

)

(15

)

Total commissions, fees and other revenue

 

$

2,708

 

$

1,786

 

$

8,255

 

$

5,560

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Risk Solutions

 

$

15

 

$

15

 

$

38

 

$

42

 

HR Solutions

 

 

 

 

1

 

Total fiduciary investment income

 

$

15

 

$

15

 

$

38

 

$

43

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Risk Solutions

 

$

308

 

$

258

 

$

969

 

$

820

 

HR Solutions

 

77

 

54

 

315

 

148

 

Unallocated expenses

 

(44

)

(49

)

(113

)

(164

)

Operating income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

341

 

263

 

1,171

 

804

 

Interest income

 

4

 

4

 

14

 

9

 

Interest expense

 

(60

)

(50

)

(186

)

(117

)

Other (expense) income

 

7

 

(9

)

1

 

3

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

$

292

 

$

208

 

$

1,000

 

$

699

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
year
month
segment
entity
plan
Dec. 31, 2010
Cash and Cash Equivalents.
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, maximum maturity period (in months)
 
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted
$ 183 
$ 60 
Restricted balances due to a requirement of the Financial Services Authority
$ 123 
 
Other Income (Expense) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Other Income (Expense)
 
 
 
 
Equity earnings (losses)
$ 5 
$ (1)
$ 9 
$ 5 
Realized gain on sale of investments
 
10 
Loss on disposal of businesses
 
(8)
(1)
(2)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 
(19)
 
Other
 
(1)
Other income
$ 7 
$ (9)
$ 1 
$ 3 
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
entity
2010
entity
Business Acquisition
 
 
Consideration
$ 100 
$ 87 
Intangible assets:
 
 
Goodwill
58 
29 
Other intangible assets
29 
52 
Intangible assets
$ 87 
$ 81 
HR Solutions
 
 
Business Acquisition
 
 
Number of companies acquired under business combination
 
Risk Solutions
 
 
Business Acquisition
 
 
Number of companies acquired under business combination
13 
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details 2) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Oct. 1, 2010
Hewitt Associates, Inc (Hewitt)
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Hewitt Associates, Inc (Hewitt)
HR Solutions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Hewitt Associates, Inc (Hewitt)
HR Solutions
Business Acquisition
 
 
 
 
 
Value of cash and stock consideration
$ 100 
$ 87 
$ 4,932 
 
 
Percentage of aggregate consideration to be paid in cash and in number of shares each
 
 
50.00% 
 
 
Acquisition, integration and financing cost recorded in Other General Expenses
 
 
 
$ 22 
$ 42 
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details 3) (USD $)
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Oct. 1, 2010
Hewitt Associates, Inc (Hewitt)
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Hewitt Associates, Inc (Hewitt)
Customer relationships
year
Oct. 1, 2010
Hewitt Associates, Inc (Hewitt)
Customer relationships
Oct. 1, 2010
Hewitt Associates, Inc (Hewitt)
Registered trademarks
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Hewitt Associates, Inc (Hewitt)
Technology
year
Oct. 1, 2010
Hewitt Associates, Inc (Hewitt)
Technology
Business acquisition, purchase price allocation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Working capital
 
 
$ 348,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, equipment, and capitalized software
 
 
297,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Identifiable intangible assets
 
 
 
 
1,800,000,000 
890,000,000 
 
215,000,000 
Other non-current assets
 
 
350,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
 
346,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Other non-current liabilities
 
 
367,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Net deferred tax liability
 
 
1,034,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets acquired
 
 
2,153,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
58,000,000 
29,000,000 
2,779,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Total consideration transferred
100,000,000 
87,000,000 
4,932,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Other current assets
 
 
31,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Net deferred tax liability included in other non-current assets
 
 
30,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Other current liabilities
 
 
7,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Net deferred tax liability included in other non-current liabilities
 
 
$ 1,100,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average useful life (in years)
 
 
 
12 
 
 
 
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details 4) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2010
2011
year
month
segment
entity
2010
Dispositions discontinued operations
 
 
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
$ 1 
$ 5 
$ (38)
Dispositions continuing operations
 
 
 
Number of divestitures
 
 
Aggregate pretax loss on disposition of continuing operations
 
$ 1.8 
 
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)
In Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment (in millions)
 
Balance at the beginning of the period
$ 8,647 
Goodwill related to current year acquisitions
58 
Goodwill related to disposals
(2)
Goodwill related to prior year acquisitions
67 
Foreign currency revaluation and other
65 
Balance at the end of the period
8,835 
Risk Solutions
 
Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment (in millions)
 
Balance at the beginning of the period
5,549 
Goodwill related to current year acquisitions
54 
Goodwill related to disposals
(2)
Transfers
(83)
Foreign currency revaluation and other
11 
Balance at the end of the period
5,529 
HR Solutions
 
Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment (in millions)
 
Balance at the beginning of the period
3,098 
Goodwill related to current year acquisitions
Goodwill related to prior year acquisitions
67 
Transfers
83 
Foreign currency revaluation and other
54 
Balance at the end of the period
$ 3,306 
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Trademarks
$ 1,024 
 
$ 1,024 
 
$ 1,024 
Intangible Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets with finite lives, gross
4,243 
 
4,243 
 
4,238 
Intangible assets with finite lives, accumulated amortization
882 
 
882 
 
627 
Other intangible assets, net
3,361 
 
3,361 
 
3,611 
Amortization expense on intangible assets
91 
30 
273 
86 
 
Estimated amortization for intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
Remainder of 2011
 
 
88 
 
 
2012
 
 
413 
 
 
2013
 
 
383 
 
 
2014
 
 
333 
 
 
2015
 
 
287 
 
 
Thereafter
 
 
833 
 
 
Estimated future amortization for intangible assets
 
 
2,337 
 
 
Registered trademarks
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets with finite lives, gross
 
 
Intangible assets with finite lives, accumulated amortization
 
 
 
Intangible assets with finite lives, net
 
 
Customer Related and Contract Based
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets with finite lives, gross
2,608 
 
2,608 
 
2,605 
Intangible assets with finite lives, accumulated amortization
543 
 
543 
 
344 
Intangible assets with finite lives, net
2,065 
 
2,065 
 
2,261 
Marketing Technology and Other
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets with finite lives, gross
607 
 
607 
 
606 
Intangible assets with finite lives, accumulated amortization
338 
 
338 
 
283 
Intangible assets with finite lives, net
$ 269 
 
$ 269 
 
$ 323 
Restructuring (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31,
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31,
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31,
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31,
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31,
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
Real estate lease realization
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
Workforce reduction
job
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
Workforce reduction
job
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
Workforce reduction
Oct. 14, 2010
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
Workforce reduction
job
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
Lease consolidation
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
Lease consolidation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
Lease consolidation
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
Asset impairments
2011
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
Asset impairments
2011
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
Other costs associated with restructuring
3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
2011
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
2010
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
2011
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
2010
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
2010
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
2009
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Workforce reduction
job
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Workforce reduction
job
2010
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Workforce reduction
2009
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Workforce reduction
Dec. 31, 2008
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Workforce reduction
job
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Lease consolidation
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Lease consolidation
2010
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Lease consolidation
2009
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Lease consolidation
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Asset impairments
2010
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Asset impairments
2009
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Asset impairments
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Other costs associated with restructuring
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Other costs associated with restructuring
2010
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Other costs associated with restructuring
2009
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Other costs associated with restructuring
2008
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
Original Estimate
year
2011
2007 Restructuring Plan
2010
2007 Restructuring Plan
2011
2007 Restructuring Plan
2010
2007 Restructuring Plan
Restructuring and Related Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of jobs expected to be eliminated under the plan, low end of the range
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,500 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of jobs expected to be eliminated under the plan, high end of the range
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,800 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of jobs eliminated to date under the plan
 
 
 
 
1,030 
1,030 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
715 
715 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of jobs expected to be eliminated under the plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
875 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring costs recorded in earnings to date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ 79 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated additional restructuring costs to be recorded in future earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
81 
 
 
 
 
Period over which the expected cost will be incurred (in years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase price allocation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
53 
 
 
 
 
32 
 
 
 
 
20 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reversal of restructuring liability accrued in prior periods
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lease expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring and related charges
26 
80 
52 
 
15 
39 
49 
 
33 
 
(2)
20 
26 
55 
14 
15 
38 
 
(1)
(17)
14 
 
 
 
 
95 
Restructuring charges total to date
 
132 
 
 
 
88 
 
 
 
36 
 
 
 
 
 
132 
 
 
 
 
99 
 
 
 
 
24 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
740 
 
Estimated Total Cost for Restructuring Period
 
325 
 
145 
 
180 
 
 
 
95 
 
 
47 
 
 
 
160 
 
 
 
 
125 
 
 
 
 
26 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
185 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges paid total to date
 
$ 132 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring (Details 2) (USD $)
In Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Restructuring Reserve
 
 
Beginning balance
$ 237 
$ 263 
Assumed Hewitt restructuring liability
 
43 
Expensed
63 
168 
Cash payments
(131)
(232)
Foreign exchange translation and other
(5)
Ending balance
175 
237 
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
 
 
Restructuring Reserve
 
 
Beginning balance
88 
 
Assumed Hewitt restructuring liability
 
43 
Expensed
73 
52 
Cash payments
(70)
(8)
Foreign exchange translation and other
Ending balance
92 
88 
Aon Benfield Restructuring Plan
 
 
Restructuring Reserve
 
 
Beginning balance
26 
45 
Expensed
(2)
24 
Cash payments
(14)
(38)
Foreign exchange translation and other
(1)
(5)
Ending balance
26 
2007 Restructuring Plan
 
 
Restructuring Reserve
 
 
Beginning balance
113 
202 
Expensed
(8)
92 
Cash payments
(45)
(178)
Foreign exchange translation and other
(3)
Ending balance
66 
113 
Other Restructuring Plan
 
 
Restructuring Reserve
 
 
Beginning balance
10 
16 
Cash payments
(2)
(8)
Foreign exchange translation and other
 
Ending balance
$ 8 
$ 10 
Investments (Details) (USD $)
In Millions
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Interest-bearing Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 295 
$ 346 
$ 335 
$ 217 
Short-term investments
607 
785 
 
 
Fiduciary assets
4,109 
3,489 
 
 
Investments
254 
312 
 
 
Total interest-bearing assets
5,265 
4,932 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
 
Equity method investments
172 
174 
 
 
Other investments, at cost
67 
123 
 
 
Fixed-maturity securities
15 
15 
 
 
Investments
$ 254 
$ 312 
 
 
Debt (Details)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2011
Commercial paper
USD ($)
May 24, 2011
3.125% Senior notes due 2016
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2011
Term Loan Facility due 2013
Jun. 15, 2011
Term Loan Facility due 2013
USD ($)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Term Loan Credit Facility
USD ($)
year
Sep. 30, 2011
4.76% CAD 375 senior unsecured debt securities due March 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 8, 2011
4.76% CAD 375 senior unsecured debt securities due March 2018
CAD ($)
1 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2011
5.05% CAD 375 debt securities due April 2011
CAD ($)
Apr. 12, 2011
5.05% CAD 375 debt securities due April 2011
Debt Instrument
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt face value
 
$ 100 
$ 500 
 
$ 450 
 
$ 363 
$ 375 
 
 
Interest rate on debt (as a percent)
 
 
3.125% 
 
 
 
 
4.76% 
 
5.05% 
Debt instrument base interest rate
 
 
 
LIBOR 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annualized interest rate including LIBOR (as a percent)
 
 
 
1.56% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term of credit facility (in years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt repayment
 
 
 
 
 
1,000 
 
 
375 
 
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt
$ (19)
 
 
 
 
$ 19 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
2010 Stock Repurchase Program
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
2010 Stock Repurchase Program
Jan. 31, 2010
2010 Stock Repurchase Program
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2010
2007 - Share Repurchase Program
Dec. 31, 2007
2007 - Share Repurchase Program
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Hewitt Associates, Inc (Hewitt)
Common Stock Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share repurchase authorization limit (in dollars)
 
 
 
 
$ 2,000,000,000 
 
$ 4,600,000,000 
 
Number of shares repurchased
 
 
3.8 
16.4 
 
2.4 
 
 
Average price per share of shares purchased under share repurchase program (in dollars per share)
 
 
$ 45.61 
$ 50.39 
 
 
 
 
Cost of shares repurchased (in dollars)
828,000,000 
 
175,000,000 
828,000,000 
 
100,000,000 
 
 
Cumulative number of shares purchased under share repurchase programs
128.3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative value of shares purchased under share repurchase programs (in dollars)
5,400,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional share repurchase authorization limit (in dollars)
 
 
$ 1,200,000,000 
$ 1,200,000,000 
 
 
 
 
Number of shares issued for options exercised as part of the Hewitt acquisition
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.5 
Number of treasury shares reissued for employee benefit plans
6.7 
6.8 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of treasury shares reissued for employee stock purchase plans
0.2 
0.3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Participating Securities
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$ 3 
$ 3 
$ 11 
$ 11 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
 
 
(1)
Net income
$ 3 
$ 3 
$ 11 
$ 10 
Shares for basic earnings per share
332.6 
278.7 
336.7 
277.6 
Common stock equivalents (in shares)
4.3 
3.5 
5.1 
4.3 
Shares for diluted earnings per share
336.9 
282.2 
341.8 
281.9 
Number of participating securities (in shares)
5.2 
5.8 
5.5 
6.1 
Number of shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share
1.0 
5.1 
0.1 
5.0 
Stockholders' Equity (Details 3) (USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Comprehensive income (loss), net of related tax:
 
 
 
 
Net change in derivative (losses) gains
$ (9)
$ 2 
$ (14)
$ (24)
Net foreign currency translation adjustments
(209)
207 
(12)
(66)
Net post-retirement benefit obligation
(15)
(13)
(42)
(68)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
(203)
222 
16 
(22)
Less: other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(1)
(1)
16 
Other Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Aon stockholders
$ (202)
$ 217 
$ 17 
$ (38)
Stockholders' Equity (Details 4) (USD $)
In Millions
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 
 
Net derivative losses
$ (38)
$ (24)
Net foreign currency exchange translation adjustments
157 
168 
Net post-retirement benefit obligations
(2,019)
(2,061)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
$ (1,900)
$ (1,917)
Employee Benefits (Details) (USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
U.S. Pension Plan
 
 
 
 
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
$ 31 
$ 32 
$ 92 
$ 93 
Expected return on plan assets
(30)
(30)
(90)
(89)
Amortization of net loss
23 
18 
Net periodic benefit cost
25 
22 
Estimate of contributions to defined benefit pension plans for the current fiscal year
114 
 
114 
 
Contributions made to defined benefit pension plans
 
 
96 
 
International Pension Plan
 
 
 
 
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
 
 
 
 
Service cost
15 
Interest cost
67 
61 
201 
183 
Expected return on plan assets
(73)
(60)
(217)
(177)
Amortization of net loss
14 
14 
41 
40 
Net periodic benefit cost
13 
18 
40 
55 
Estimate of contributions to defined benefit pension plans for the current fiscal year
365 
 
365 
 
Contributions made to defined benefit pension plans
 
 
$ 292 
 
Stock Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Stock Compensation Plans
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock units ("RSUs")
$ 31 
$ 29 
$ 108 
$ 99 
Performance plans
24 
10 
59 
51 
Stock options
13 
Employee stock purchase plans
Total stock compensation expense
59 
43 
179 
166 
Status of non-vested stock awards
 
 
 
 
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares)
 
 
10,674,000 
12,850,000 
Granted (in shares)
 
 
4,831,000 
4,984,000 
Vested (in shares)
 
 
(4,850,000)
(6,288,000)
Forfeited (in shares)
 
 
(410,000)
(412,000)
Non-vested at end of period (in shares)
10,245,000 
11,134,000 
10,245,000 
11,134,000 
Weighted Average Fair value
 
 
 
 
Non-vested at beginning of period (in dollars per share)
 
 
$ 38 
$ 36 
Granted (in dollars per share)
 
 
$ 50 
$ 39 
Vested (in dollars per share)
 
 
$ 42 
$ 35 
Forfeited (in dollars per share)
 
 
$ 39 
$ 38 
Non-vested at end of period (in dollars per share)
$ 42 
$ 38 
$ 42 
$ 38 
Potential RSUs to be issued based on current performance levels (in shares)
5,791,000 
4,883,000 
5,791,000 
4,883,000 
Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels
$ 107 
$ 107 
$ 107 
$ 107 
2008 Leadership Performance Plan ("LPP") cycle
 
 
 
 
Employee Stock Options and Stock Awards
 
 
 
 
Shares granted
 
 
1,200,000 
 
2007 Leadership Performance Plan ("LPP") cycle
 
 
 
 
Employee Stock Options and Stock Awards
 
 
 
 
Shares granted
 
 
 
1,700,000 
2006 performance plan
 
 
 
 
Employee Stock Options and Stock Awards
 
 
 
 
Shares granted
 
 
300,000 
 
Incentive compensation plans
 
 
 
 
Employee Stock Options and Stock Awards
 
 
 
 
Shares granted
 
 
3,300,000 
3,300,000 
Stock Compensation Plans (Details 2) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2010
year
2011
year
month
segment
entity
plan
2010
year
Stock Compensation Plans
 
 
 
Weighted average volatility (as a percent)
27.80% 
26.10% 
28.50% 
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)
1.60% 
1.30% 
1.60% 
Risk-free rate (as a percent)
2.20% 
2.20% 
3.00% 
Weighted average expected life (in years)
6.1 
5.5 
6.1 
Weighted average estimated fair value per share (in dollars per share)
$ 9.13 
$ 10.92 
$ 10.37 
Stock Options
 
 
 
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)
 
13,919 
15,937 
Granted (in shares)
 
80,000 
143,000 
Exercised (in shares)
 
(3,781)
(2,382)
Forfeited and expired (in shares)
 
(300)
(402)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)
13,295 
9,918 
13,295 
Exercisable (in shares)
10,535 
8,566 
10,535 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
 
 
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)
 
$ 32 
$ 33 
Granted (in dollars per share)
 
$ 53 
$ 38 
Exercised (in dollars per share)
$ 30 
$ 32 
$ 30 
Forfeited and expired (in dollars per share)
 
$ 37 
$ 34 
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)
$ 33 
$ 32 
$ 33 
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)
$ 32 
$ 30 
$ 32 
Weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding options (in years)
 
3.3 
3.6 
Stock Compensation Plans (Details 3) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
year
month
segment
entity
plan
2010
Stock Options
 
 
 
 
Closing stock price (in dollars per share)
$ 41.98 
 
$ 41.98 
 
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding
$ 105 
 
$ 105 
 
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options outstanding
101 
 
101 
 
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised
69 
26 
Cash received from the exercise of stock options
12 
129 
71 
Tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options
 
 
12 
Unamortized deferred compensation expense
$ 294 
 
$ 294 
 
Remaining weighted-average amortization period (in years)
 
 
 
Derivatives and Hedging (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
year
month
segment
entity
plan
Dec. 31, 2010
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
 
 
Foreign currency exposures, maximum hedging period (in years)
 
Net investments in foreign operations, maximum hedging period (in years)
 
Period to manage the currency exposure of global liquidity profile (in years)
 
Interest Rate Risk Management
 
 
Interest rate fluctuations, maximum hedging period (in years)
2Y 
 
Derivatives, Notional Amount
 
 
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedge derivatives
$ 1,452 
$ 1,326 
Notional amount of foreign exchange cash flow hedge derivatives
1,328 
1,522 
Notional amount of cash flow hedge derivatives
2,780 
2,848 
Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives not eligible for hedge accounting treatment
260 
238 
Notional amount of derivatives
3,040 
3,086 
Derivative Assets, Fair Value
 
 
Fair value of interest rate contracts accounted for as hedges, assets
15 
15 
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts accounted for as hedges, assets
135 
157 
Total fair value of derivative assets accounted for as hedges
150 
172 
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts not accounted for as hedges, assets
Total fair value of derivative assets
152 
174 
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value
 
 
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts accounted for as hedges, liabilities
172 
157 
Total fair value of derivative liabilities accounted for as hedges
172 
157 
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts not accounted for as hedges, liabilities
Total fair value of derivative liabilities
$ 180 
$ 158 
Derivatives and Hedging (Details 2) (USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI, Interest rate contracts cash flow hedges
$ 1 
$ (12)
$ (1)
$ (10)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI, Foreign exchange contracts cash flow hedges
(10)
41 
(31)
(99)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI, cash flow hedges
(9)
29 
(32)
(109)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative, Foreign exchange contracts net investment hedges
13 
(131)
(4)
74 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion), Interest rate contracts cash flow hedges
 
15 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion), Foreign exchange contracts cash flow hedges
22 
(12)
(84)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion), cash flow hedges
26 
(11)
(69)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative, foreign exchange contracts fair value hedges
(2)
 
10 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Related Hedged Item
(3)
(9)
Estimated pretax losses currently included within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss that will be reclassified to earnings in next twelve months
27 
 
27 
 
Gain (Loss) on foreign exchange derivatives not designated or qualifying as hedges
$ (9)
$ 3 
$ (9)
$ 7 
Variable Interest Entities (Details) (Juniperus Insurance Opportunity Fund Limited (Juniperus), USD $)
In Millions
Sep. 30, 2011
Juniperus Insurance Opportunity Fund Limited (Juniperus)
 
Variable Interest Entity
 
Maximum potential loss on investment in Variable Interest Entities
$ 60 
Fair Value and Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)
In Millions
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value |
Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities
$ 2,500 
$ 2,618 
Fair Value |
Money market funds
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities
2,450 
2,591 
Fair Value |
Highly liquid debt securities
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities
50 
27 
Fair Value |
Corporate bonds
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Other investments
12 
12 
Fair Value |
Government bonds.
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Other investments
Fair Value |
Interest rate contracts
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Derivatives
15 
15 
Fair Value |
Foreign exchange contracts
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Derivatives
137 
159 
Liabilities:
 
 
Derivatives
180 
158 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |
Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities
2,450 
2,591 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities
50 
27 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Government bonds.
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Other investments
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Interest rate contracts
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Derivatives
15 
15 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Foreign exchange contracts
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Derivatives
137 
159 
Liabilities:
 
 
Derivatives
180 
158 
Significant Unobservable (Level 3) Inputs |
Corporate bonds
 
 
Assets:
 
 
Other investments
$ 12 
$ 12 
Fair Value and Financial Instruments (Details 2) (Significant Unobservable (Level 3) Inputs, Other Investments, USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2010
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2010
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Significant Unobservable (Level 3) Inputs |
Other Investments
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value assets
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$ 21 
$ 100 
$ 12 
$ 12 
$ 12 
Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
Sales
(10)
(1)
 
 
 
Transfers
 
(87)
 
 
 
Balance at end of period
$ 12 
$ 12 
$ 12 
$ 12 
$ 12 
Fair Value and Financial Instruments (Details 3) (USD $)
In Millions
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
 
 
Long-term debt
$ 4,415 
$ 4,014 
Carrying Value
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
 
 
Long-term debt
4,415 
4,014 
Fair Value
 
 
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
 
 
Long-term debt
$ 4,685 
$ 4,172 
Commitments and Contingencies (Details)
1 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011
USD ($)
1 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2009
GBP (£)
Sep. 30, 2011
USD ($)
1 Months Ended
May 31, 2010
Opry Mills Mall Limited Partnership
USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Commitments to fund certain limited partnerships
USD ($)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Commitments to fund certain limited partnerships
USD ($)
Legal, Guarantees and Indemnifications
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agreed upon payment in exchange for dismissal of class claims
$ 550,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Settlement agreement with the FSA to pay fine (amount in GBP)
 
5,250,000 
 
 
 
 
Damages sought by Opry Mills Mall Limited Partnership
 
 
 
200,000,000 
 
 
Amount of coverage for damages contended by the insurers
 
 
 
50,000,000 
 
 
Difference amount of damages sought by the client
 
 
 
150,000,000 
 
 
Estimated exposure with respect to contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients
 
 
8,000,000 
 
 
 
Maximum potential funding under commitments
 
 
 
 
69,000,000 
69,000,000 
Commitments funded
 
 
 
 
$ 1,000,000 
$ 13,000,000 
Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Sep. 30, 2011
plan
Dec. 31, 2010
Commitments and Contingencies
 
 
Letters of credit outstanding
$ 76 
$ 71 
Number of US pension plans that are a LOC beneficiary
 
Related Party Transactions (Details) (Significant shareholder, USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Significant shareholder
 
 
Related party transactions
 
 
Commissions and fee revenue from transactions with related party
$ 3 
$ 5 
Amount due from related parties
$ 0.1 
$ 0.1 
Segment Information (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
year
month
segment
entity
2010
Segment Information
 
 
 
 
Number of reportable segments
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$ 2,723 
$ 1,801 
$ 8,293 
$ 5,603 
Commissions, fees and other revenues
2,708 
1,786 
8,255 
5,560 
Fiduciary investment income
15 
15 
38 
43 
Operating income from continuing operations before income taxes
341 
263 
1,171 
804 
Interest income
14 
Interest expense
(60)
(50)
(186)
(117)
Other income (expense)
(9)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
292 
208 
1,000 
699 
Risk Solutions
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information
 
 
 
 
Revenue
1,617 
1,484 
4,994 
4,658 
Commissions, fees and other revenues
1,602 
1,469 
4,956 
4,616 
Fiduciary investment income
15 
15 
38 
42 
Operating income from continuing operations before income taxes
308 
258 
969 
820 
Retail brokerage
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information
 
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other revenues
1,237 
1,108 
3,837 
3,508 
Reinsurance brokerage
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information
 
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other revenues
365 
361 
1,119 
1,108 
HR Solutions
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information
 
 
 
 
Revenue
1,112 
321 
3,319 
960 
Commissions, fees and other revenues
1,112 
321 
3,319 
959 
Fiduciary investment income
 
 
 
Operating income from continuing operations before income taxes
77 
54 
315 
148 
Consulting services
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information
 
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other revenues
555 
268 
1,670 
808 
Outsourcing
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information
 
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other revenues
561 
53 
1,667 
151 
Intrasegment
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information
 
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other revenues
(4)
 
(18)
 
Intersegment elimination
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information
 
 
 
 
Revenue
(6)
(4)
(20)
(15)
Commissions, fees and other revenues
(6)
(4)
(20)
(15)
Unallocated Expense
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information
 
 
 
 
Operating income from continuing operations before income taxes
$ (44)
$ (49)
$ (113)
$ (164)
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information
 
Entity Registrant Name
AON CORP 
Entity Central Index Key
0000315293 
Document Type
10-Q 
Document Period End Date
Sep. 30, 2011 
Amendment Flag
FALSE 
Current Fiscal Year End Date
--12-31 
Entity Current Reporting Status
Yes 
Entity Filer Category
Large Accelerated Filer 
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
323,289,389 
Document Fiscal Year Focus
2011 
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Q3