UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDEDDecember 31, 20172021
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 1-7933

Aon plc
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
ENGLAND AND WALES
 (StateIRELAND
98-1539969
(State or Other Jurisdictionother jurisdiction of
Incorporation
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or Organization)organization)
98-1030901
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Metropolitan Building, James Joyce Street, Dublin 1, Ireland              D01 K0Y8
     (Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)
+353 1 266 6000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange
on which registered
122 LEADENHALL STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND
 (Address of principal executive offices)
EC3V 4AN
 (Zip Code)
+44 20 7623 5500
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassName of Each Exchange
on Which Registered
Class A Ordinary Shares, $0.01 nominal valueAONNew York Stock Exchange
Guarantees of Aon plc’s 4.00% Senior Notes due 2023AON23New York Stock Exchange
Guarantees of Aon plc’s 3.50% Senior Notes due 2024AON24New York Stock Exchange
Guarantees of Aon plc’s 3.875% Senior Notes due 2025AON25New York Stock Exchange
Guarantees of Aon plc’s 2.875% Senior Notes due 2026AON26New York Stock Exchange
Guarantees of Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc’s 2.05% Senior Notes due 2031AON31New York Stock Exchange
Guarantees of Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc’s 2.60% Senior Notes due 2031AON31ANew York Stock Exchange
Guarantees of Aon plc’s 4.25% Senior Notes due 2042AON42New York Stock Exchange
Guarantees of Aon plc’s 4.45% Senior Notes due 2043AON43New York Stock Exchange
Guarantees of Aon plc’s 4.60% Senior Notes due 2044AON44New York Stock Exchange
Guarantees of Aon plc’s 4.75% Senior Notes due 2045AON45New York Stock Exchange
Guarantees of Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc’s 2.90% Senior Notes due 2051AON51New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES ý NO oYes  No 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. YES o NO ýYes  No 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES ý NO oYes No 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES ý NO o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. oYes No 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerý
Accelerated filero
Non-accelerated filero
Smaller reporting companyo
Emerging growth companyo
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company.)
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO ýYes  No 
As of June 30, 2017,2021, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s Class A Ordinary Shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $34,061,029,792$53,867,751,208 based on the closing sales price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange — Composite Transaction Listing.
Number of the registrant’s Class A Ordinary Shares of Aon plc, $0.01 nominal value, outstanding as of February 16, 2018: 246,180,510.17, 2022: 213,944,460.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of Aon plc’s Proxy Statementthe registrant’s proxy statement for the 2018its 2022 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 22, 2018 are incorporated by reference in this Form 10-Kreport in response to Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.
14.






Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains certain statements related to future results, or states our intentions, beliefs, and expectations or predictions for the future, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent management’s expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “probably,” “potential,” “looking forward,” “continue,” and other similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like “could,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “will,” and “would.” You can also identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. For example, we may use forward-looking statements when addressing topics such as: market and industry conditions, including competitive and pricing trends; changes in our business strategies and methods of generating revenue; the development and performance of our services and products; changes in the composition or level of our revenues; our cost structure and the outcome of cost-saving or restructuring initiatives; the outcome of contingencies; dividend policy; the expected impact of acquisitions, dispositions, and other significant transactions or the termination thereof; pension obligations; cash flow and liquidity; expected effective tax rate; potential changes in laws or future actions by regulators; and the impact of changes in accounting rules. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results depending on a variety of factors. Potential factors, which may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), that could impact results include:
changes in the competitive environment or damage to our reputation;
fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates that could impact our financial condition or results;
changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets;
changes in the funded status of our various defined benefit pension plans and the impact of any increased pension funding resulting from those changes;
the level of our debt and the terms thereof reducing our flexibility or increasing borrowing costs;
rating agency actions that could limit our access to capital and our competitive position;
our global tax rate being subject to a variety of different factors, which could create volatility in that tax rate;
changes in our accounting estimates and assumptions on our financial statements;
limits on our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or otherwise make payments to us;
the impact of legal proceedings and other contingencies, including those arising from acquisition or disposition transactions, errors and omissions and other claims against us;
the impact of, and potential challenges in complying with, laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate, particularly given the global nature of operations and the possibility of differing or conflicting laws and regulations, or the application or interpretation thereof, across such jurisdictions;
the impact of any regulatory investigations brought in Ireland, the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”), the United States (the “U.S.”). and other countries;
failure to protect intellectual property rights or allegations that we have infringed on the intellectual property rights of others;
general economic and political conditions in the countries in which we do business around the world, including the withdrawal of the U.K. from the European Union (the “E.U.”);
the failure to retain, attract and develop experienced and qualified personnel;
international risks associated with our global operations;
the effects of natural or man-made disasters, including the effects of the COVID-19 and other health pandemics and the impacts of climate change;

3


the potential for a system or network disruption or breach to result in operational interruption or improper disclosure of confidential, personal, or proprietary data, and resulting damage to our reputation;
our ability to develop and implement new technology;
the actions taken by third parties that perform aspects of our business operations and client services;
the extent to which we are exposed to certain risks, including lawsuits, related to our actions we may take in being responsible for making decisions on behalf of clients in our investment consulting business or in other advisory services that we currently provide, or will provide in the future;
our ability to continue, and the costs and risks associated with, growing, developing and integrating acquired business, and entering into new lines of business or products;
our ability to secure regulatory approval and complete transactions, and the costs and risks associated with the failure to consummate proposed transactions;
changes in commercial property and casualty markets, commercial premium rates or methods of compensation;
our ability to implement initiatives intended to yield cost savings and the ability to achieve those cost savings; and
the effects of Irish law on our operating flexibility and the enforcement of judgments against us.
Any or all of our forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate, and there are no guarantees about our performance. The factors identified above are not exhaustive. Aon and its subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks may emerge frequently. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. We are under no (and expressly disclaim any) obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statement that we may make from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Further information about factors that could materially affect Aon, including our results of operations and financial condition, is contained in the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of this report.
4


Table of Contents



5




The below definitions apply throughout this report unless the context requires otherwise:
TermDefinition
ABOAccumulated Benefit Obligation
AGIAllianz Global Investors U.S. LLC
ASCAccounting Standards Codification
BPSBasis Points
CCCChristchurch City Council
CODMChief Operating Decision Maker
CPIConsumer Price Index
DCFDiscounted Cash Flow
DOJDepartment of Justice
E&OErrors and Omissions
EBITDAEarnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization
ERISAEmployee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
ESGEnvironmental, Social, Corporate Governance
E.U.European Union
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FCAFinancial Conduct Authority
FINRAFinancial Industry Regulatory Authority
FitchFitch, Inc.
GAAPGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles
GILTIGlobal Intangible Low-Tax Income
HSR ActHart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
I&DInclusion and Diversity
LOCLetter of Credit
LPPLeadership Performance Plan
MDIMarket Derived Income
NEBCNational Employee Benefits Committee
NYSENew York Stock Exchange
OECDOrganization for Economic Co-operation and Development
PBOProjected Benefit Obligation
PCAOBPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board
PSAPerformance Share Awards
REITReal Estate Investment Trusts
ROURight-of-use
RPGICRetirement Plan Governance and Investment Committee
RSURestricted Share Units
S&PStandard & Poor’s
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
U.K.United Kingdom
U.S.United States
VIEVariable Interest Entity
WTWWillis Towers Watson Public Limited Company
6


PART I
Item 1.    Business
OVERVIEW
Aon plc (which may be referred to as “Aon,” “the Company,the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, health, and wealth solutions. Through our experience, global reach, and comprehensive analytics, we are better able to help clients meet rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and interconnected challenges. We are committed to accelerating innovation to address unmet and evolving client needs, so that provides adviceour clients are better informed, better advised, and solutionsable to clientsmake better decisions to protect and grow their business. Management is focused on risk, retirement,strengthening Aon and health, delivering distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions that are under-pinneduniting the firm with one portfolio of capability enabled by industry-leading data and analytics. Our strategy isanalytics and one operating model to be the preeminent professional service firm in the world, focused on riskdeliver additional insight, connectivity, and people.efficiency.
Our clients are globally diversifiedin over 120 countries and include all market segments (individuals through personal lines, mid-market companies, and large global companies) and almost every industry in the economy in over 120 countries and sovereignties.industry. This diversification of our customer base helps provide us stability in different economic scenarios that could affect specific industries, customer segments, or geographies.
We have continued to focus our portfolio on higher margin,higher-margin, capital-light professional services businesses that have high recurring revenue streams and strong cash flow generation. Aon endeavorsWe endeavor to make capital allocation decisions based upon return on invested capital (“ROIC”).capital.
On February 9, 2017, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement with Tempo Acquisition, LLC (the “Purchase Agreement”) to sell its benefits administration and business process outsourcing business (the “Divested Business”) to an entity formed and controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. (the “Buyer”) and certain designated purchasers that are direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Buyer. On May 1, 2017, the Buyer purchased all of the outstanding equity interests of the Divested Business, plus certain related assets and liabilities, for a purchase price of $4.3 billion in cash paid at closing, subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement, and deferred consideration of up to $500 million.
BUSINESS SEGMENTInformation Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
BeginningThis report contains certain statements related to future results, or states our intentions, beliefs, and expectations or predictions for the future, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the first quarterPrivate Securities Litigation Reform Act of 20171995. Forward-looking statements represent management’s expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “probably,” “potential,” “looking forward,” “continue,” and followingother similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like “could,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “will,” and “would.” You can also identify forward-looking statements by the salefact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. For example, we may use forward-looking statements when addressing topics such as: market and industry conditions, including competitive and pricing trends; changes in our business strategies and methods of generating revenue; the development and performance of our Divested Business,services and products; changes in the Company ledcomposition or level of our revenues; our cost structure and the outcome of cost-saving or restructuring initiatives; the outcome of contingencies; dividend policy; the expected impact of acquisitions, dispositions, and other significant transactions or the termination thereof; pension obligations; cash flow and liquidity; expected effective tax rate; potential changes in laws or future actions by regulators; and the impact of changes in accounting rules. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results depending on a setvariety of factors. Potential factors, which may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), that could impact results include:
changes in the competitive environment or damage to our reputation;
fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates that could impact our financial condition or results;
changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets;
changes in the funded status of our various defined benefit pension plans and the impact of any increased pension funding resulting from those changes;
the level of our debt and the terms thereof reducing our flexibility or increasing borrowing costs;
rating agency actions that could limit our access to capital and our competitive position;
our global tax rate being subject to a variety of different factors, which could create volatility in that tax rate;
changes in our accounting estimates and assumptions on our financial statements;
limits on our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or otherwise make payments to us;
the impact of legal proceedings and other contingencies, including those arising from acquisition or disposition transactions, errors and omissions and other claims against us;
the impact of, and potential challenges in complying with, laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate, particularly given the global nature of operations and the possibility of differing or conflicting laws and regulations, or the application or interpretation thereof, across such jurisdictions;
the impact of any regulatory investigations brought in Ireland, the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”), the United States (the “U.S.”). and other countries;
failure to protect intellectual property rights or allegations that we have infringed on the intellectual property rights of others;
general economic and political conditions in the countries in which we do business around the world, including the withdrawal of the U.K. from the European Union (the “E.U.”);
the failure to retain, attract and develop experienced and qualified personnel;
international risks associated with our global operations;
the effects of natural or man-made disasters, including the effects of the COVID-19 and other health pandemics and the impacts of climate change;

3


the potential for a system or network disruption or breach to result in operational interruption or improper disclosure of confidential, personal, or proprietary data, and resulting damage to our reputation;
our ability to develop and implement new technology;
the actions taken by third parties that perform aspects of our business operations and client services;
the extent to which we are exposed to certain risks, including lawsuits, related to our actions we may take in being responsible for making decisions on behalf of clients in our investment consulting business or in other advisory services that we currently provide, or will provide in the future;
our ability to continue, and the costs and risks associated with, growing, developing and integrating acquired business, and entering into new lines of business or products;
our ability to secure regulatory approval and complete transactions, and the costs and risks associated with the failure to consummate proposed transactions;
changes in commercial property and casualty markets, commercial premium rates or methods of compensation;
our ability to implement initiatives designedintended to strengthenyield cost savings and the ability to achieve those cost savings; and
the effects of Irish law on our operating flexibility and the enforcement of judgments against us.
Any or all of our forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate, and there are no guarantees about our performance. The factors identified above are not exhaustive. Aon and uniteits subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks may emerge frequently. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. We are under no (and expressly disclaim any) obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statement that we may make from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Further information about factors that could materially affect Aon, including our results of operations and financial condition, is contained in the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of this report.
4


Table of Contents
Aon plc Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity

5


The below definitions apply throughout this report unless the context requires otherwise:
TermDefinition
ABOAccumulated Benefit Obligation
AGIAllianz Global Investors U.S. LLC
ASCAccounting Standards Codification
BPSBasis Points
CCCChristchurch City Council
CODMChief Operating Decision Maker
CPIConsumer Price Index
DCFDiscounted Cash Flow
DOJDepartment of Justice
E&OErrors and Omissions
EBITDAEarnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization
ERISAEmployee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
ESGEnvironmental, Social, Corporate Governance
E.U.European Union
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FCAFinancial Conduct Authority
FINRAFinancial Industry Regulatory Authority
FitchFitch, Inc.
GAAPGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles
GILTIGlobal Intangible Low-Tax Income
HSR ActHart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
I&DInclusion and Diversity
LOCLetter of Credit
LPPLeadership Performance Plan
MDIMarket Derived Income
NEBCNational Employee Benefits Committee
NYSENew York Stock Exchange
OECDOrganization for Economic Co-operation and Development
PBOProjected Benefit Obligation
PCAOBPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board
PSAPerformance Share Awards
REITReal Estate Investment Trusts
ROURight-of-use
RPGICRetirement Plan Governance and Investment Committee
RSURestricted Share Units
S&PStandard & Poor’s
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
U.K.United Kingdom
U.S.United States
VIEVariable Interest Entity
WTWWillis Towers Watson Public Limited Company
6


PART I
Item 1.    Business
OVERVIEW
Aon plc (which may be referred to as “Aon,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, health, and wealth solutions. Through our experience, global reach, and comprehensive analytics, we are better able to help clients meet rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and interconnected challenges. We are committed to accelerating innovation to address unmet and evolving client needs, so that our clients are better informed, better advised, and able to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. Management is focused on strengthening Aon and uniting the firm with one portfolio of capability enabled by proprietary data and analytics and one operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity, and efficiency. These initiatives reinforce Aon’s ROIC decision-making process and emphasis on free cash flow. The Company is now operating as one segment that includes all of Aon’s continuing operations, which, as a global professional services firm, provides advice and solutions to clients focused on risk, retirement, and health through five principal products and service revenue lines: Commercial Risk Solutions, Reinsurance Solutions, Retirement Solutions, Health Solutions, and Data & Analytic Services. Collectively, these products and service revenue lines make up our one segment: Aon United.
In 2017, our consolidated total revenue was $9,998 million. This includes $4,169 million in Commercial Risk Solutions, $1,429 million in Reinsurance Solutions, $1,755 million in Retirement Solutions, $1,515 million in Health Solutions, and $1,140 million in Data & Analytic Services, before intercompany eliminations.
Principal Products and Services
Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, cyber solutions, global risk consulting, and captives.  In retail brokerage, our team of expert risk advisors applies a client-focused approach to commercial risk products and services that leverage Aon’s global network of resources, industry-leading data and analytics, and specialized expertise.  Cyber solutions is one of the industry’s premier resources in cyber risk management. Our strategic focus extends to identify and protect critical digital assets supported by best-in-class transactional capabilities, enhanced coverage expertise, deep carrier relationships, and incident response expertise.  Global risk consulting is a world leading provider of risk consulting services supporting clients to better understand and manage their risk profile through identifying and quantifying the risks they face. We assist clients with the selection and implementation of the appropriate risk transfer, risk retention, and risk mitigation solutions, and ensure the continuity of their operations through claims consulting.  Captives is a leading global captive insurance solutions provider that manages over 1,100 insurance entities worldwide including captives, protected segregated and incorporated cell facilities, as well as entities that support Insurance Link Securities and specialist insurance and reinsurance companies.
Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty and facultative reinsurance brokerage and capital markets.  Treaty reinsurance brokerage addresses underwriting and capital objectives on a portfolio level, allowing our clients to more effectively manage the combination of premium growth, return on capital, and rating agency interests. This includes the development of more competitive, innovative, and efficient risk transfer options.  Facultative reinsurance brokerage empowers clients to better understand, manage, and transfer risk through innovative facultative solutions and provides the most efficient access to the global facultative markets.  Capital markets is a global investment bank with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, strategic advice, restructuring, recapitalization services, and insurance-linked securities.  We work with insurers, reinsurers, investment firms, banks, and


corporations to manage complex commercial issues through the provision of corporate finance advisory services, capital markets solutions, and innovative risk management products.
Retirement Solutions includes core retirement, investment consulting, and talent, rewards and performance. Retirement consulting specializes in providing organizations across the globe with strategic design consulting on their retirement programs, actuarial services, and risk management, including pension de-risking, governance, integrated pension administration, and legal and compliance consulting. Investment consulting provides public and private companies and other institutions with advice on developing and maintaining investment programs across a broad range of plan types, including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, endowments, and foundations.  Our delegated investment solutions offer ongoing management of investment programs and fiduciary responsibilities either in a partial or full discretionary model for multiple asset owners. It partners with clients to deliver our scale and experience to help them effectively manage their investments, risk, and governance and potentially lower costs. Talent, rewards, and performance delivers advice and solutions that help clients accelerate business outcomes by improving the performance of their people.  It supports the full employee lifecycle, including assessment and selection of the right talent, optimized deployment and engagement, and the design, alignment, and benchmarking of compensation to business strategy and performance outcomes.
Health Solutions includes heath and benefits brokerage and healthcare exchanges.  Health and benefits brokerage partners with employers to develop innovative, customized benefits strategies that help manage risk, drive engagement, and promote accountability.  Our private health exchange solutions help employers transform how they sponsor, structure, and deliver health benefits by building and operating a cost effective alternative to traditional employee and retiree healthcare. We seek outcomes of reduced employer costs, risk, and volatility, alongside greater coverage and plan choices for individual participants.
Data & Analytic Services includes Affinity, Aon InPoint, and ReView.  Affinity specializes in developing, marketing and administering customized insurance programs and specialty market solutions for Affinity organizations and their members or affiliates.  Aon InPoint draws on the Global Risk Insight Platform (or “GRIP”), one of Aon’s proprietary databases, and is dedicated to making insurers more competitive by providing data, analytics, engagement, and consulting services.  ReView draws on a another Aon proprietary database and broker market knowledge to provide advisory services, analysis, and benchmarking to help reinsurers more effectively meet the needs of cedents through the development of more competitive, innovative, and efficient risk transfer options.
Revenue and Compensation
Our business generates revenues primarily through commissions, compensation from insurance and reinsurance companies for services we provide to them, and fees from clients. Commissions and fees for brokerage services vary depending upon several factors, which may include the amount of premium, the type of insurance or reinsurance coverage provided, the particular services provided to a client, insurer, or reinsurer, and the capacity in which we act. Compensation from insurance and reinsurance companies includes fees for consulting and analytics services and fees and commissions for administrative and other services provided to or on behalf of insurers. Fees from clients for advice and consulting services are dependent on the extent and value of the services we provide. Payment terms are consistent with current industry practices.
Fiduciary Funds
We typically hold funds on behalf of clients, including premiums received from clients and claims due to clients that are in transit to and from insurers. These funds held on behalf of clients are generally invested in interest-bearing premium trust accounts, and can fluctuate significantly depending on when we collect cash from our clients and when premiums are remitted to the insurance carriers. The principal is segregated and not available for general operating purposes, though we earn interest on these accounts.
Competition
Our business operates in a highly competitive and fragmented environment. We compete with other global insurance brokers and consulting companies, including Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company, Arthur J Gallagher & Company, and Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc, as well as numerous specialist, regional, and local firms in almost every area of our business. We also compete with insurance and reinsurance companies that market and service their insurance products without the assistance of brokers or agents, and with other businesses that do not fall into the categories above, including large financial institutions, and independent consulting firms and consulting organizations affiliated with accounting, information systems, technology, and financial services firms.
Seasonality
Due to buying patterns and delivery of certain products in the markets we serve, revenues recognized tend to be higher in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.


Licensing and Regulation
Our business activities are subject to licensing requirements and extensive regulation under the laws of countries in which we operate, including U.S. federal and state laws. See the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of this report for information regarding how actions by regulatory authorities or changes in legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate may have an adverse effect on our business.
Regulatory authorities in the countries and states in the United States (“U.S.”) in which our operating subsidiaries conduct business may require individual or company licenses to act as producers, brokers, agents, third-party administrators, managing general agents, reinsurance intermediaries, or adjusters. Under the laws of most countries and states, regulatory authorities have relatively broad discretion with respect to granting, renewing, and revoking producers’, brokers’, and agents’ licenses to transact business in the country or state. The operating terms may vary according to the licensing requirements of the particular country or state, which may require, among other things, that a firm operates in the country or state through a local corporation. In a few countries and states, licenses may be issued only to individual residents or locally owned business entities. In such cases, our subsidiaries either have such licenses or have arrangements with residents or business entities licensed to act in the country or state.
Our subsidiaries must comply with laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which they do business. These laws and regulations are enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), by federal and state agencies in the U.S., and by various regulatory agencies and other supervisory authorities in other countries through the granting and revoking of licenses to do business, the licensing of agents, the monitoring of trade practices, policy form approval, limits on commission rates, and mandatory remuneration disclosure requirements.
Insurance authorities in the U.K., U.S., and certain other jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate have enacted laws and regulations governing the investment of funds, such as premiums and claims proceeds, held in a fiduciary capacity for others. These laws and regulations generally require the segregation of these fiduciary funds and limit the types of investments that may be made with them.
Investment, securities, and futures licensing authorities also govern certain of our business activities. For example, in the U.S., we use Aon Securities, Inc., a U.S.-registered broker-dealer and investment advisor, member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation, and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Aon, for capital management transaction and advisory services and other broker-dealer activities. Similar operations exist in other jurisdictions outside of the U.S.
Further, pension and financial laws and regulations, including oversight and supervision by the FCA in the U.K., the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in the U.S., and regulators in other countries govern certain of the retirement-related consulting services provided by Aon and its subsidiaries and affiliates. This includes Aon subsidiaries that provide investment advisory services regulated by various U.S. federal authorities including the SEC and FINRA, as well as authorities on the state level. In addition, other services provided by Aon and its subsidiaries and affiliates, such as trustee services and retirement and employee benefit program administrative services, are subject in various jurisdictions to pension, investment, securities, and insurance laws and regulations and supervision.
Clientele
Our clients operateare in many businesses and industries throughout the world. No one client accounted for more than 1% of our consolidated total revenues in 2017. Additionally, we place insurance with many insurance carriers, none of which individually accounted for more than 10% of the total premiums we placed on behalf of our clients in 2017.
Segmentation of Activity by Type of Service and Geographic Area of Operation
Financial information relating to the types of services provided by us and the geographic areas of our operations is incorporated herein by reference to Note 17 “Segment Information” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.
Employees
At December 31, 2017, we employed approximately 50,000 employees and conducted our operations through various subsidiaries in more thanover 120 countries and sovereignties.include all market segments and almost every industry. This diversification of our customer base helps provide us stability in different economic scenarios that could affect specific industries, customer segments, or geographies.
We have continued to focus our portfolio on higher-margin, capital-light professional services businesses that have high recurring revenue streams and strong cash flow generation. We endeavor to make capital allocation decisions based upon return on invested capital.
Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-Kreport contains certain statements related to future results, or states our intentions, beliefs, and expectations or predictions for the future, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities


Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent management’s expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “probably,” “potential,” “looking forward,” “continue,” and other similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like “could,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “will”“will,” and “would.” You can also identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. For example, we may use forward-looking statements when addressing topics such as: market and industry conditions, including competitive and pricing trends; changes in our business strategies and methods of generating revenue; the development and performance of our services and products; changes in the composition or level of our revenues; our cost structure and the outcome of cost-saving or restructuring initiatives; the outcome of contingencies; dividend policy; the expected impact of acquisitions, dispositions, and dispositions;other significant transactions or the termination thereof; pension obligations; cash flow and liquidity; expected effective tax rate; potential changes in laws or future actions by regulators; and the impact of changes in accounting rules. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results depending on a variety of factors. Potential factors, which may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports filed or furnished with the SEC,Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), that could impact results include:
general economic and political conditions in the countries in which we do business around the world;
changes in the competitive environment;environment or damage to our reputation;
fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates that could influence revenues and expenses;impact our financial condition or results;
changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets;
changes in the fundingfunded status of our various defined benefit pension plans and the impact of any increased pension funding resulting from those changes;
the level of our debt limiting financialand the terms thereof reducing our flexibility or increasing borrowing costs;
rating agency actions that could affectlimit our abilityaccess to borrow funds;capital and our competitive position;
volatility in our global tax rate duebeing subject to a variety of different factors, including U.S. federal incomewhich could create volatility in that tax reform;rate;
the effect of the change in global headquarters and jurisdiction of incorporation, including differences in the anticipated benefits;
changes in our accounting estimates orand assumptions on our financial statements;
limits on our subsidiariessubsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or otherwise make dividend and other payments to us;
the impact of lawsuitslegal proceedings and other contingent liabilities and loss contingencies, including those arising from acquisition or disposition transactions, errors and omissions and other claims against us;
the impact of, and potential challenges in complying with, legislationlaws and regulation inregulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate, particularly given the global scopenature of our businessesoperations and the possibility of differing or conflicting regulatory requirementslaws and regulations, or the application or interpretation thereof, across jurisdictions in which we do business;such jurisdictions;
the impact of any regulatory investigations brought by regulatory authorities in Ireland, the U.S.United Kingdom (the “U.K.”), U.K.the United States (the “U.S.”). and other countries;
the impact of any inquiries relating to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and non-U.S. anti-corruption laws and with U.S. and non-U.S. trade sanctions regimes;
failure to protect intellectual property rights or allegations that we infringehave infringed on the intellectual property rights of others;
general economic and political conditions in the effectscountries in which we do business around the world, including the withdrawal of English law on our operating flexibility and the enforcement of judgments against us;U.K. from the European Union (the “E.U.”);
the failure to retain, attract and attractdevelop experienced and qualified personnel;
international risks associated with our global operations;
the effecteffects of natural or man-made disasters;disasters, including the effects of the COVID-19 and other health pandemics and the impacts of climate change;

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the potential offor a system or network disruption or breach or disruption resultingto result in operational interruption or improper disclosure of confidential, personal, data;or proprietary data, and resulting damage to our reputation;
our ability to develop and implement new technology;
damage to our reputation among clients, markets or third parties;


the actions taken by third parties that perform aspects of our business operations and client services;
the extent to which we manageare exposed to certain risks, createdincluding lawsuits, related to our actions we may take in connection with the various services, including fiduciary andbeing responsible for making decisions on behalf of clients in our investment consulting andbusiness or in other advisory services among others, that we currently provide, or will provide in the future, to clients;future;
our ability to continue, and the costs and risks associated with, growing, developing and integrating companies that we acquire oracquired business, and entering into new lines of business;business or products;
our ability to secure regulatory approval and complete transactions, and the costs and risks associated with the failure to consummate proposed transactions;
changes in commercial property and casualty markets, commercial premium rates or methods of compensation;
changes in the health care system or our relationships with insurance carriers;
our ability to implement initiatives intended to yield cost savings and the ability to achieve those cost savings; and
the effects of Irish law on our risksoperating flexibility and uncertainties in connection with the sale, including arrangements under the transition service agreement and legacy IT systems associated with the Divested Business; and
our ability to realize the expected benefits from our restructuring plan.enforcement of judgments against us.
Any or all of our forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate, and there are no guarantees about our performance. The factors identified above are not exhaustive. Aon and its subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks may emerge frequently. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. We are under no obligation (and expressly disclaim any obligation)any) obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statement that we may make from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Further information about factors that could materially affect Aon, including our results of operations and financial condition, is contained in the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of this report.
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Table of Contents
Aon plc Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity

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The below definitions apply throughout this report unless the context requires otherwise:
TermDefinition
ABOAccumulated Benefit Obligation
AGIAllianz Global Investors U.S. LLC
ASCAccounting Standards Codification
BPSBasis Points
CCCChristchurch City Council
CODMChief Operating Decision Maker
CPIConsumer Price Index
DCFDiscounted Cash Flow
DOJDepartment of Justice
E&OErrors and Omissions
EBITDAEarnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization
ERISAEmployee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
ESGEnvironmental, Social, Corporate Governance
E.U.European Union
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FCAFinancial Conduct Authority
FINRAFinancial Industry Regulatory Authority
FitchFitch, Inc.
GAAPGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles
GILTIGlobal Intangible Low-Tax Income
HSR ActHart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
I&DInclusion and Diversity
LOCLetter of Credit
LPPLeadership Performance Plan
MDIMarket Derived Income
NEBCNational Employee Benefits Committee
NYSENew York Stock Exchange
OECDOrganization for Economic Co-operation and Development
PBOProjected Benefit Obligation
PCAOBPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board
PSAPerformance Share Awards
REITReal Estate Investment Trusts
ROURight-of-use
RPGICRetirement Plan Governance and Investment Committee
RSURestricted Share Units
S&PStandard & Poor’s
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
U.K.United Kingdom
U.S.United States
VIEVariable Interest Entity
WTWWillis Towers Watson Public Limited Company
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PART I
Item 1.    Business
OVERVIEW
Aon plc (which may be referred to as “Aon,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, health, and wealth solutions. Through our experience, global reach, and comprehensive analytics, we are better able to help clients meet rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and interconnected challenges. We are committed to accelerating innovation to address unmet and evolving client needs, so that our clients are better informed, better advised, and able to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. Management is focused on strengthening Aon and uniting the firm with one portfolio of capability enabled by data and analytics and one operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity, and efficiency.
Our clients are in over 120 countries and include all market segments and almost every industry. This diversification of our customer base helps provide us stability in different economic scenarios that could affect specific industries, customer segments, or geographies.
We have continued to focus our portfolio on higher-margin, capital-light professional services businesses that have high recurring revenue streams and strong cash flow generation. We endeavor to make capital allocation decisions based upon return on invested capital.
BUSINESS SEGMENT
The Company operates as one segment that includes all of Aon’s continuing operations, which, as a global professional services firm, provides advice and solutions to clients focused on risk, health and wealth through four principal products and services: Commercial Risk Solutions, Reinsurance Solutions, Health Solutions, and Wealth Solutions. Collectively, these products and service lines make up our one segment: Aon United. In addition, the Company is continuing to expand on Aon United growth initiatives through its New Ventures Group.
In 2021, our consolidated total revenue was $12,193 million. This includes $6,635 million in Commercial Risk Solutions, $1,997 million in Reinsurance Solutions, $2,154 million in Health Solutions, and $1,426 million in Wealth Solutions, before intercompany eliminations.
Principal Products and Services
Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. In retail brokerage, our dedicated teams of risk professionals utilize comprehensive analytics capabilities and insights providing clients with risk advice for their organizations. We utilize Aon’s differentiated capabilities in industry sector- and segment-specific approaches to risk transfer options and deliver them through a variety of channels including bespoke solutions for complex needs, structured solutions for mid-market and small and medium-sized enterprises, and digital distribution including CoverWallet. Our specialty-focused organizational structure includes financial and professional lines, cyber, surety and trade credit, crisis management, transaction liability, and intellectual property. We develop market leading insights on the most efficient risk transfer vehicles for clients in today’s complex and integrated risk environment to enable clients to make better decisions. Global risk consulting and captive management is a global leader in supporting better management of companies’ risk profiles by identifying and quantifying the risks they face, mapping out optimal risk mitigation, retention and transfer solutions and thus enabling them to be more informed to make better decisions for their businesses. Affinity programs include development, marketing, and administration of customized and targeted insurance programs, facilities, and other structured solutions, including Aon Client Treaty. We collaborate with sponsors and other privileged distribution channels through which Aon can deliver differentiated, highly targeted, and highly valuable solutions for unique risk solutions.
Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, and capital markets. Treaty reinsurance addresses underwriting and capital objectives on a portfolio level, allowing our clients to more effectively manage the combination of premium growth, return on capital, and rating agency interests on an integrated basis. This includes the development of more competitive, innovative, and efficient risk transfer options. Facultative reinsurance empowers clients to better understand, manage, and transfer risk through innovative facultative solutions and provides the most efficient access to the global facultative reinsurance markets. Capital markets is a global investment bank with expertise in insurance-linked securities, capital raising, strategic advice, restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions. We partner with insurers, reinsurers, investment firms, and corporations in executing innovative risk management products, capital market solutions and corporate finance advisory services.
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Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions, and human capital solutions. Consulting and brokerage develops and implements innovative, customized health and benefits strategies for clients of all sizes across industries and geographies to manage risk, drive engagement, and strengthen the workforce through improved health and well-being. We partner with insurers and other strategic partners to develop and implement new and innovative solutions and leverage world-class analytics and technology to help clients make informed decisions and manage healthcare outcomes. Consulting and brokerage also advises multinational companies on global benefits, including insurance placement across more than 120 countries, program design and management, financing optimization, and enhanced employee experience, as well as assists in navigating global regulatory and compliance requirements in countries in which they operate. Voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions designs and delivers innovative voluntary consumer benefits that improve an employer’s total rewards strategy and positively impacts their employees’ financial and overall well-being. We leverage our proprietary digital platform to provide efficient enrollment strategies through an effective combination of data, analytics, and tailored products. Multi-channel and targeted communications solutions increase consumer benefit knowledge and enhance engagement. Our human capital team delivers data, analytics, and advice to business leaders so they can make better workforce decisions and align their business and people strategies. We support clients across the full employee lifecycle, including talent assessment and selection, compensation benchmarking, total rewards strategy optimization, workforce analytics and benchmarking, workforce resilience planning, human capital integration in transaction situations, Corporate Governance, ESG consulting and strategic employee communication.
Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting, pension administration, and investments consulting. Retirement consulting specializes in providing clients across the globe with strategic design consulting on their retirement programs, actuarial services, and risk management, including pension de-risking, governance, integrated pension administration and legal and compliance consulting. We also help organizations manage their balance sheet volatility. Retirement consulting and pension administration leverage Aon’s pension expertise to deliver high-quality integrated retirement services. Our customized services include outsourcing, co-sourcing and in-sourcing options. Our partnership-driven model is powered by deep pension experience and enabled with smart technology. Our investments consulting team provides public and private companies and other institutions with advice on developing and maintaining investment programs across a broad range of plan types, including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, endowments and foundations. Our delegated investment solutions offer ongoing management of investment programs and fiduciary responsibilities either in a partial or full discretionary model for multiple asset owners. We partner with clients to deliver our scale and experience to help them effectively manage their investments, risk, and governance and potentially lower costs. We believe in the power of connecting participants to experts to make better informed and smarter decisions about their wealth.
Revenue and Compensation
Our business generates revenues primarily through commissions, compensation from insurance and reinsurance companies for services we provide to them, and fees from customers. Commissions and fees for brokerage services vary depending upon several factors, which may include the amount of premium, the type of insurance or reinsurance coverage provided, the particular services provided to a client, insurer, or reinsurer, and the capacity in which we act. Compensation from insurance and reinsurance companies includes: (1) fees for consulting and analytics services, and (2) fees and commissions for administrative and other services provided to or on behalf of insurers and reinsurers. Fees from clients for advice and consulting services are dependent on the extent and value of the services we provide. Payment terms are consistent with current industry practices.
Funds Held on Behalf of Clients
We typically hold funds on behalf of clients, including premiums received from clients and claims due to clients that are in transit to and from insurers. Certain funds held on behalf of clients are invested in interest-bearing premium trust accounts and can fluctuate significantly depending on when we collect and remit cash. The principal is segregated and not available for general operating purposes, although we may earn interest on these accounts.
Competition
Our business operates in a highly competitive and fragmented environment. We compete with numerous other global insurance brokers and consulting companies, including Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., WTW, Arthur J Gallagher & Company, and Lockton Companies, Inc., as well as numerous other global specialist, regional, and local firms in almost every area of our business. We also compete with insurance and reinsurance companies that directly market and service their insurance products without the assistance of brokers or agents. Additionally, we compete with other businesses that do not fall into the categories above, including large financial institutions and independent consulting firms and consulting organizations affiliated with accounting, information systems, technology, and financial services firms.
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Seasonality
Due to buying patterns and delivery of certain products and services in the markets we serve, revenues recognized tend to be higher in the first and fourth quarters of each fiscal year.
Licensing and Regulation
Our business activities are subject to licensing requirements and extensive regulation under the laws of countries in which we operate, including U.S. federal and state laws. See the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of this report for information regarding how actions by regulatory authorities or changes in legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate may have an adverse effect on our business.
Regulatory authorities in the U.S. and most other countries in which our operating subsidiaries conduct business may require individuals, entities and related service providers to obtain a license from a government agency, including (but not limited to) licenses to operate as insurance producers, brokers, agents, and consultants, reinsurance brokers or managing general agents.
Certain jurisdictions issue licenses only to resident entities or individuals. In such jurisdictions, if the Company has no licensed subsidiary, we may maintain arrangements with residents or business entities licensed to act in such jurisdiction. Such arrangements are subject to an internal review and approval process.
Our subsidiaries must comply with laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which they do business. These laws and regulations are enforced by the FCA in the U.K., by federal and state agencies in the U.S., and by various regulatory agencies and other supervisory authorities in other countries through the granting and revoking of licenses to do business, the licensing of agents, the monitoring of trade practices, policy form approval, limits on commission rates, and mandatory remuneration disclosure requirements.
Insurance authorities in the U.K., U.S., and certain other jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate have enacted laws and regulations governing the investment of funds, such as premiums and claims proceeds, held in a fiduciary capacity for others. These laws and regulations generally require the segregation of these fiduciary funds and limit the types of investments that may be made with them.
Investment, securities, and futures licensing authorities also govern certain business activities. For example, in the U.S., we use Aon Securities LLC, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Aon, and a U.S.-registered broker-dealer and investment advisor, member of FINRA and Securities Investor Protection Corporation, for investment banking, capital advisory services and other broker-dealer activities. Similar operations exist in other jurisdictions outside of the U.S.
Further, pension and financial laws and regulations, including oversight and supervision by the FCA in the U.K., the SEC in the U.S., and regulators in other countries govern certain of the retirement-related consulting services provided by Aon and its subsidiaries and affiliates. This includes Aon subsidiaries that provide investment advisory services regulated by various U.S. federal authorities including the SEC and FINRA, as well as authorities on the state level. In addition, other services provided by Aon and its subsidiaries and affiliates, such as trustee services and retirement and employee benefit program administrative services, are subject in various jurisdictions to pension, investment, securities, and insurance laws and regulations, and supervision.
Clientele
Our clients operate in many businesses and industries throughout the world. No one client accounted for more than 2% of our consolidated total revenues in 2021. Additionally, we place insurance with many insurance carriers, none of which individually accounted for more than 10% of the total premiums we placed on behalf of our clients in 2021.
Human Capital Management
Our Culture
Our culture is driven by our values – committed as one firm to our purpose, united through trust as one inclusive, diverse team, and passionate about making our colleagues and clients successful. Our colleagues are the cornerstone of Aon's success. Collaboration and innovation drive our culture, bringing the best of Aon to clients in a holistic and seamless manner. Our Delivering Aon United strategy defines how Aon colleagues work together to deliver value to clients, setting a new standard for client leadership. Delivering Aon United is brought to life through our common client value creation model which scales strategies from across the firm to bring the best of Aon to clients.
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Colleagues
As of December 31, 2021, we employed approximately 50,000 employees and conducted our operations in more than 120 countries and territories. Our colleagues’ diverse talents, expertise, and insights contribute to the success of both our firm and our clients, and we seek to attract, grow, and retain the best talent in the industry. Our Inclusive People Leadership strategy is a central part of our Aon United Blueprint and is a key enabler to realizing our aspirations and purpose as a firm. At Aon, all colleagues are called upon to be leaders in embracing and modelling our Aon United values and behaviors. Inclusive People Leadership at Aon ensures that all colleagues – at every stage of their career journey – are equipped and motivated to deliver on our purpose and able to achieve their full potential.
Training and Development
We invest significant resources to develop the talent needed to remain at the forefront of innovation and make Aon an attractive employer. Colleagues are invited to complete a variety of curricula to meet their career stage goals and developmental needs. We provide our colleagues what they need to learn, grow, and become the leaders our clients seek. From self-guided Aon University courses to advanced learning programs, the curriculum is aligned to the Aon United Blueprint and Inclusive People Leader strategy. While the COVID-19 pandemic changed how our colleagues work and collaborate, it did not slow us down. Aon’s investment in technology and use of virtual based learning and development programs during the pandemic has allowed us to continue these efforts despite much of our workforce remaining virtual during 2021.
Colleague Engagement and Retention
Providing an engaging and rewarding colleague experience is a top priority for our firm and understanding colleagues’ feedback helps us reach that goal. We use a variety of channels to facilitate open, on-going, and direct communication with colleagues. These channels include open forums and town halls with executives, surveys, and engagement through our Business Resource Groups. Business Resource Groups are our independent, voluntary, non-profit associations that provide input, take action, and help identify opportunities for our firm to further its diversity and inclusion commitments.
In response to the challenging events of 2020, we updated our engagement survey process by offering more frequent pulse surveys to understand how colleagues are engaging with their teams, the firm, and clients. This outreach effort allows us to gather insights more rapidly and take timely action to address feedback. Our current practice is to conduct pulse surveys with subsets of the overall colleague population approximately six to eight times per year on timely or targeted issues, as well as an annual all-colleague engagement survey. The pulse surveys for 2021 were focused on topics such as manager and leadership support, especially in how we serve clients, colleague well-being, inclusion and diversity, and performance & rewards. Aon’s workforce feedback provides management a better understanding of evolving colleague viewpoints, and ensures we are taking appropriate steps to drive colleague engagement and retention. For discussion of the risks related to the attraction and retention of senior management and other professional personnel, see the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of this report.
Rewards
In addition to an inspired purpose and culture, we are proud to offer our colleagues a total rewards program that combines competitive pay, incentive opportunities, and benefits. Our compensation programs, including salary, recognition, cash and equity incentives, connect to our formal performance management and career development approach. These programs serve to reward colleagues for their impact both in what they accomplish for clients, colleagues, and shareholders and how they achieve those results. We maintain a global commitment to colleague well-being and play a key role in supporting colleagues across the physical, emotional, financial, and social spectrum. Our comprehensive benefit programs are competitive for the markets in which we operate and aligned with our values and culture.
In recognition of our colleagues’ role in growing the firm, we introduced the Aon United Growth Ownership Plan in 2021. Through the plan, all eligible colleagues that were active on September 24, 2021, received a one-time, stock-based award, enabling Aon colleagues to share in the future success of our Aon United mission.
Our compensation philosophy aligns with our Aon United strategy and delivering long-term shareholder value creation. Our executive incentives are based on driving results, delivery of strategic initiatives, and leadership. Beginning in 2021, 20% of the short-term incentives for senior executives are based on quantifiable performance against firm-wide Inclusion and Diversity initiatives.
Inclusion and Diversity
We believe that diverse, inclusive teams produce better insight, better solutions, and ultimately the best outcomes for clients and Aon’s long-term success.
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We are focused on being a firm that is representative of the communities in which we operate. We achieve this by aligning I&D actions to the following pillars: Recruitment, Education, Promotion, and Representation. We strongly believe that only when colleagues can be their authentic selves will they reach their full potential.
Our commitment to I&D starts from the top with our Board of Directors, including its I&D Sub-Committee. Our Global Inclusive Leadership Council is sponsored by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief People Officer. Regional Inclusive Leadership Councils and our Executive Leadership Teams drive actions to increase the diversity of our teams, and colleague-led Business Resource Groups support execution and provide additional opportunities for colleagues to enhance our inclusive environment.
As of December 31, 2021, Aon’s global workforce was 54% women and 46% men, and the Aon Executive Committee which leads the firm was 45% women and 55% men. At the manager level, 26% of senior leaders and 42% of managers with one or more direct report were women. New colleague hires for the year were 52% women and 48% men. Aon’s U.S. workforce was 24% racially or ethnically diverse, calculated as a percentage of colleagues that have voluntarily disclosed their race or ethnicity to Aon. At the manager level, 13% of U.S. senior leaders and 17% of U.S. managers with one or more direct report were racially or ethnically diverse. New colleague hires for the year in the U.S. were 34% racially or ethnically diverse.
Our Apprenticeship Program
Apprenticeship programs help build a talent pipeline of highly skilled and diverse professionals while providing apprentices with advanced education and work experience. By removing some of the traditional barriers to entry-level employment, Aon can contribute to local workforce development and cultivate talent while improving retention rates in these entry-level roles. As a founding member of six apprentice networks within the U.S., we partner with companies and organizations to assist them in building their own programs through sharing best practices and learnings. Across these networks, we have over 100 organizations committed as of December 31, 2021.
Aon's two-year Apprenticeship Program, which was implemented in the U.K. and U.S. in 2012 and 2017, respectively, serves as an alternate route into a permanent role that normally requires a specific degree or professional experience. Aon provides motivated, high-potential individuals with the required training (on the job and in the classroom), professional skills development, mentorship, and experiential learning to bridge the gap. Over 440 Aon apprentices have been hired since the inception of the program across the U.S. and U.K. Both programs are certified apprenticeship programs, by the Department of Labor in the U.S. and the Department of Education in the U.K. In 2021, we expanded our U.S. program to include additional U.S. cities outside of Chicago's metropolitan area to the following six metropolitan areas hiring over 100 apprentices and partnering with seven additional community colleges: Houston, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.
Website Access to Reports and Other Information
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports are made available free of charge through our website (http://www.aon.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additionally, the SEC maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information. Also posted on our website are the charters for our Audit, Compliance, Organization and Compensation, Governance/Nominating, and Finance Committees, and Compliance and Inclusion & Diversity Sub-Committees, our Governance Guidelines, and our Code of Business Conduct. Within the time period required by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”),NYSE, we will post on our website any amendment to or waiver of the Code of Business Conduct applicable to any executive officer or director. In addition, we may announce material information to investors and the marketplace using our investor relations website. While not all of the information that we post to such website is of a material nature, some information could be deemed to be material. Accordingly, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our company to review the information that we share at our investor relations link located at the bottom of the page on www.aon.com. The information provided on our website is not part of this report and is therefore not incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A.    Risk Factors
The risk factors set forth below reflect material risks associated with our existing and potential businessbusinesses and the industries in which we operate generally and contain “forward-looking statements” as discussed in the “Business” Section of Part I, Item 1 of this report. Readers should consider themthese risks in addition to the other information contained in this report asbecause our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially adversely affected if any of these risks were to actually occur.
The following are material risks related to our businesses specificallyoccur and the industries in which we operate generally thatoccurrence of such risks could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and cause our actual results to differ materially from those stated in or implied by the forward-looking statements in this document and elsewhere.
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Risks Related to Our Business Risks
An overall decline in economic and business activity could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of our business.
The results of our operations are generally affected by the level of business activity of our clients, which in turn is affected by the leveleconomy of economic activity in the industries and markets these clients serve. Economic downturns, volatility, or uncertainty in somethe broader economy or in specific markets (including as a result of endemics or pandemics, climate change, political unrest, or otherwise) may cause reductions in technology and discretionary spending by our clients, which may result in reductions in the growth of new business or reductions in existing business. If our clients become financially less stable, enter bankruptcy, liquidate their operations or consolidate, our revenues and collectability of receivables could be adversely affected.
The demand for property and casualty insurance generally rises as the overall level of economic activity increases and generally falls as such activity decreases, affecting both the commissions and fees generated by our Commercial Risk Solutions, Reinsurance

Solutions, and Data and Analytic Services revenueWealth Solutions lines. The economic activity that impacts property and casualty insurance is most closely correlated with employment levels, corporate revenue,revenues, and asset values. Downward fluctuations in the year-over-year insurance premiums charged by insurers to protect against the same risk, referred to in the industry as softening of the insurance market, could adversely affect these businesses as a significant portion of the earnings are determined as a percentage of premiumpremiums charged to our clients. In addition, certain discretionary services within our business, such as Human Capital, project-related work within Commercial Risk Solutions and Health Solutions, and transaction liability, may see a decrease in activity if the overall level of economic activity results in a reduction to our clients’ discretionary spending. Insolvencies and consolidations associated with an economic downturn, especially insolvencies in the insurance industry, could adversely affect our brokerage business through the loss of clients by hampering our ability to place insurance and reinsurance business. Also, error and omission claims against us, which we refer to as errors and omissions (“E&O”)&O claims, may increase in economic downturns, also adversely affecting our business.
We face significant competitive pressures.pressures from traditional and non-traditional competitors that could affect our business.
As a global professional services firm, we compete with global, national, regional, and local insurance companies whothat market and service their own products, other financial services providers, brokers, and investment managers, independent firms, and consulting organizations affiliated with accounting, information systems, technology, and financial services firms. We compete with respect to service, delivery of insights, product features, price, commission structure, technology, financial strength, ability to access certain insurance markets, and name recognition.
Our competitors may have greaterbetter financial, technical and marketing resources, largerbroader customer bases, greater name recognition, more comprehensive products, stronger presence in certain geographies, or more established relationships with their customers and suppliers than we have.
In addition, new competitors, alliances among competitors or mergers of competitors could emerge and gain significant market share,affect our business, and some of our competitors may have or may develop a lower cost structure, adopt more aggressive pricing policies, or provide services that gain greater market acceptance than the services that we offer or develop.
Our competitors may be more successful in innovating and delivering services to meet new and existing client needs. Competitors may be able to respond to the need for technological changes, and innovate faster, respond better to evolving client demand and industry conditions, or price their services more aggressively.aggressively than we do. They may also compete for skilled professionals, finance acquisitions, fund internal growth, and compete for market sharebusiness more effectively than we do. Further, new and non- traditional competitors, our clients’ increasing ability and determination to self-insure, and capital market alternatives to traditional insurance and reinsurance markets cause additional forms of competition and innovation that could affect our business. This competition is further intensified by an industry trend where clients elect to engage multiple brokers to service different portions of their accounts. If we fail to respond successfully to the to the evolving competition we face, our financial condition or results of operations might be adversely affected.
If our clients or third parties are not satisfied with our services, we may face additional cost, loss of profit opportunities, damage to our reputation, or legal liability.
We depend, to a large extent, on our relationships with our clients and our reputation for high-quality advice and solutions focused on risk, retirement, and health.solutions. If a client is not satisfied with our services, it could cause us to incur additional costs and impair profitability. Many of our clients are businesses that band together in industry groupsprofitability, or trade associations and actively share information among themselves aboutlose the quality of service they receive from their vendors. Accordingly, poor service to one client may negatively impact our relationships with multiple other clients.relationship altogether. Moreover, if we fail to meet our contractual obligations, we could be subject to legal liability or loss of client relationships.
The nature of much of our work involves assumptions and estimates concerning future events, the actual outcome of which we cannot know with certainty in advance. InFor example, in our investment consulting business, we may be measured based on our track record regarding judgments and advice on investments that are susceptible to influences unknown at the time the advice was given. In addition, we could make computational, software programming, or data entry or management errors. A
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client may claim it suffered losses due to reliance on our consulting advice, which poses risks of liability exposure and costs of defense and increased insurance premiums. In addition, claims arisingMany of our clients are businesses that actively share information among themselves about the quality of service they receive from their vendors. Accordingly, poor service to one client may negatively impact our professional services may produce publicity that could hurt our reputation and business and adversely affect our ability to secure new business.relationships with multiple other clients.
Damage to our reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our reputation is a key asset of the Company. We advise our clients on and provide services related to a wide range of subjects and our ability to attract and retain clients is highly dependent upon the external perceptions of our level of service, trustworthiness, business practices, financial condition, and other subjective qualities. Negative perceptions or publicity regarding these matters or others could erode trust and confidence and damage our reputation among existing and potential clients and existing and future employees, which could make it difficult for us to attract new clients and maintainemployees and retain existing ones. Negative public opinion could also result from actual or alleged conduct by us or those currently or formerly associated with us in any number of activities or circumstances, the use and protection of data and systems, satisfaction of client expectations, and regulatory compliance. This damageus. Damage to our reputation, including as a result of negative perceptions or publicity regarding environmental matters, climate change, workforce diversity, pay equity, harassment, social justice, cyber security or data privacy, or our inability to meet commitments or client and stakeholder expectations with respect to such matters, could affect the confidence of our clients, rating agencies, regulators, stockholders, employees and third parties in transactions that are important to our business adversely effecting onaffecting our business, financial condition, and operating results.

Revenues from commission arrangements may fluctuate due to many factors, including cyclical or permanent changes in the insurance and reinsurance markets outside of our control.
Revenues from commission arrangements have historically been affected by significant fluctuations arising from uncertainties and changes in the industries in which we operate. A significant portion of our revenue consists of commissions paid to us out of the premiums that insurers and reinsurers charge our clients for coverage. We have no control over premium rates, and our revenues and profitability are subject to change to the extent that premium rates fluctuate or trend in a particular direction. The potential for changes in premium rates is significant, due to pricing cyclicality in the commercial insurance and reinsurance markets.
In addition to movements in premium rates, our ability to generate premium-based commission revenue may be challenged by:
the growing availability of alternative methods for clients to meet their risk-protection needs, including a greater willingness on the part of corporations to “self-insure,” the use of so-called “captive” insurers, and the development of capital markets-based solutions and other alternative capital sources for traditional insurance and reinsurance needs that increase market capacity, increase competition, and put pressure on pricing;
fluctuation in the need for, insurance as the economic downturn continues, as clients either go outor relevancy of, business or scale back their operations, and thus reduce the amount of insurance, they procure;insurance;
the level of compensation, as a percentage of premium, that insurance carriers are willing to compensate brokers for placement activity;activity;
the growing desire of clients to move away from variable commission rates and instead compensate brokers based upon flat fees, which can negatively impact us as fees are not generally indexed for inflation and domay not automatically increase with premiumrise as doesmuch as commission-based compensation; andcompensation;
competition from insurers seeking to sell their products directly to consumers, including online sales, without the involvement of an insurance broker.broker; and
growing number of technology-enabled competitors offering new risk-transfer solutions that eliminate the traditional broker-client relationship in both commercial insurance and reinsurance markets.
The profitability of our consulting engagements with clientsoperations may not meet our expectations due to unexpected costs, cost overruns, inflation, early contract terminations, unrealized assumptions used in our contract bidding process or the inability to maintain our prices.
Our profitability with respect to consulting engagements is highly dependent upon our ability to control our costs and improve our efficiency. As we adapt to changes in our business and the market, adapt to the regulatory environment, enter into new engagements, acquire additional businesses, and take on new employees in new locations, we may not be able to manage our large, diverse and changing workforce, control our costs, or improve our efficiency.
Our profit margin, and therefore our profitability, is largely a function of the rates we are able to charge forrevenue generated from our services and the staffing costs for our personnel. Accordingly, if we are not able to maintain the rates we charge for our services or appropriately manage the staffing costs of our personnel, we may not be able to sustain our profit margin and our profitability will suffer. The
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prices we are able to charge for our services are affected by a number of factors, including competitive factors, cost of living adjustment provisions, the extent of ongoing clients’ perception of our ability to add value through our services, and general economic conditions. If we cannot drive suitable cost efficiencies, our profit margins will suffer. Our cost efficiencies may also be impacted by factors such as our ability to transition consultants from completed projects to new assignments, our ability to secure new consulting engagements,business, our ability to forecast demand for consultingour services (and, consequently, appropriately manage the size and location of our workforce), employee attrition, inflation (including wage inflation) and the need to devote time and resources to training and professional and business development.
In our investment consulting business, we advise or act on behalf of clients regarding their investments. The results of these investments are uncertain and subject to numerous factors, some of which are within our control and some which are not. Clients that experience losses or lower than expected investment returns may leave us for competitors and/or assert claims against us.
Our investment consulting business provides advice to clients on: investment strategy, which can include advice on setting investment objectives, asset allocation, and hedging strategies;strategies; selection (or removal) of investment managers;managers; the investment in different investment instruments and products;products; and the selection of other investment service providers such as custodians and transition managers. For some clients, we are responsible for making decisions on these matters and we may implement such decisions in a fiduciary or agency capacity without assuming title or custody over the underlying funds or assets invested. Asset classes may experience poor absolute performance and third parties we recommend or select, such as investment managers, may underperform their benchmarks due to poor market performance, negligence, or other reasons, resulting in poor investment returns or losses. These losses may be attributable in whole or in part to failures on our part or to events entirely outside of our control. Regardlesscontrol, including but not limited to uncertainty or volatility in financial markets due to economic, political, and regulatory conditions or pandemics. Plaintiffs have, and may continue to, file individual and class action lawsuits alleging investment consultants have charged excessive fees, given improper advice due to conflicts of interest, or recommended investments that underperformed other investments available at the cause, clients experiencing losses may assert claims against us, and these claims may be for significant amounts.time. Defending against these claims can involve potentially significant costs, including legal defense costs, as well as cause substantial distraction and diversion of other resources. If any lawsuit – against the Company or any other investment consultant – results in a large adverse verdict, the size of the verdict or resultant negative adverse publicity may prompt the filing of additional lawsuits. Furthermore, our ability to limit our potential liability is restricted in certain jurisdictions

and in connection with claims involving breaches of fiduciary or agency duties or other alleged errors or omissions. Additionally, clients experiencing losses or lower than expected investment returns
The anticipated benefits of the redomiciliation from the U.K. to Ireland may leave usnot be realized.
In April 2020, we changed the jurisdiction of incorporation for our competitors.parent company from the U.K. to Ireland by means of a scheme of arrangement under English law (the “Reorganization”). At the time of the Reorganization we expected, and we continue to expect, that the Reorganization will, among other things, provide greater certainty around ongoing access to existing U.S. treaties with other EU member countries from which we derive benefit. However, we may not realize the benefits we anticipate from the Reorganization, which could have an adverse effect on our business.
Financial Risks
We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows.
We face exposure to adverse movements in exchange rates of currencies other than our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, as a significant portion of our business is located outside of the U.S. These exposures may change over time, and they could have a material adverse impact on our financial results and cash flows. Approximately 56%55% of our consolidated revenue is non-U.S., attributed on the basis of where the services are performed, and where products are sold, and the exposures created can have significant currency volatility. These currency exchange fluctuations create risk in both the translation of the financial results of our global subsidiaries into U.S. dollars for our consolidated financial statements, as well as in those of our operations that receive revenue and incur expenses other than in their respective local currencies, which can reduce the profitability of our operations based on the direction the respective currencies’ exchange rates move. A decrease in the value of certain currencies relative to other currencies could place us at a competitiverelative disadvantage compared to our competitors that benefit to a greater degree from a specific exchange rate move and can, as a result, deliver services at a lower cost or receive greater revenues from such a transaction. Although we use various derivative financial instruments to help protect against certain adverse foreign exchange rate fluctuations, we cannot eliminate such risks, and, as a result, changes in exchange rates may adversely affect our results. For example, the strengthening of the value of the U.S. dollar versus other currencies might adversely affect the value of our products and services when translated to U.S. dollar, even if the value of such products and services has not changed in their original currency.
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Changes in interest rates and deterioration of credit quality could reduce the value of our cash balances and investment portfolios and adversely affect our financial condition or results.
Operating funds available for corporate use were $1,285$836 million at December 31, 20172021 and are reported in Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments. Of the total balance, $160 million was restricted to its use as of December 31, 2021. Funds held on behalf of clients and insurers were $3.7$6.1 billion at December 31, 20172021 and are reported in Fiduciary assets. We also carry an investment portfolio of other long-term investments. As of December 31, 2017,2021, these long-term investments had a carrying value of $57$64 million. Adverse changes in interest rates, performance, and counterparty credit quality, including default, could reduce the value of these funds and investments, thereby adversely affecting our financial condition or results. We may experience reduced investment earnings on our cash and short-term investments of fiduciary and operating funds if the yields on investments deemed to be low risk remain at or near their current low levels or fall below their current levels, or if negative yields on deposits or investments are experienced, as we have experienced in Japan and certain jurisdictions in the European Union.E.U. On the other hand, higher interest rates could result in a higher discount rate used by investors to value our future cash flows thereby resulting in a lower valuation of the Company. In addition, during times of stress in the banking industry, counterparty risk can quickly escalate, potentially resulting in substantial losses for us as a result of our cash or other investments with such counterparties, as well as substantial losses for our clients and the insurance companies with which we work.
Our pension obligations and value of our pension assets could adversely affect our shareholders’ equity, net income, cash flow, and liquidity.
To the extent that the pension obligations associated with our pension plans continue to exceed the fair value of the assets supporting those obligations, our financial position and results of operations may be adversely affected. In particular, lower interest rates and investment returns could result in the present value of plan liabilities increasing at a greater rate than the value of plan assets, resulting in higher unfunded positions in our pension plans. In addition, the periodic revision of pension assumptions or variances of actual results from our assumptions can materially change the present value of expected future benefits, and therefore the funded status of the plans and resulting net periodic pension expense. As a result, we may experience future changes in the funded status of our plans that could require us to make additional cash contributions beyond those that have been estimated and which could adversely affect shareholders’ equity, net income, cash flow and liquidity.
Our worldwide pension plans are significant, and therefore our pension contributions and expense are sensitive to various market, demographic, and demographicother factors. These factors include equity and bond market returns, fair value of pension assets, the assumed interest rates we use to discount our pension liabilities, foreign exchange rates, rates of inflation, mortality assumptions, potential regulatory and legal changes or developments, and counterparty exposure from various investments and derivative contracts, including annuities. Variations or developments in connection with any of these factors could cause significant changes to our financial position and results of operations from year to year. In addition, contributions are generally based on statutory requirements and local funding practices, which may differ from measurements under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

GAAP.
We have debt outstanding that could adversely affect our financial flexibility.
As of December 31, 2017,2021, we had total consolidated debt outstanding of approximately $6.0$9.4 billion. The level of debt outstanding could adversely affect our financial flexibility by reducing our ability to use cash from operations for other purposes, including working capital, dividends to shareholders, share repurchases, acquisitions, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. We also are subject to risks that, at the time any of our outstanding debt matures, we will not be able to retire or refinance the debt on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all.
As of December 31, 2017,2021, we had two committed credit facilities outstanding. Each of these facilities is intended to support our commercial paper obligations and our general working capital needs. In addition, each of these facilities included customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including financial covenants that require us to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA, tested quarterly.
A substantial portion of our outstanding debt, including certain intercompany debt obligations, contains financial and other covenants. The terms of these covenants may limit our ability to obtain, or increase the costs of obtaining, additional financing to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, or general corporate requirements. This in turn may have the impact of reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions, thereby placing us at a relative disadvantage compared to competitors that have less indebtedness, or fewer or less onerous covenants associated with such indebtedness, and making us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions.
If we cannot service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling assets, seeking additional equity, or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, investments, and alliances, any of which could impede the implementation of our business strategy or prevent us from entering into transactions that would otherwise benefit our business.
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Additionally, we may not be able to effecttake such actions or refinance any of our debt, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
A decline in the credit ratings of our senior debt and commercial paper may adversely affect our borrowing costs, access to capital, and financial flexibility.
A downgrade in the credit ratings of our senior debt and commercial paper could increase our borrowing costs, reduce or eliminate our access to capital, reduce our financial flexibility, and limit our ability to implement on corporate strategy. Our senior debt ratings at December 31, 20172021 were A- with a stable outlook (Standard & Poor’s, or “S&P”),S&P, BBB+ with a stable outlook (Fitch, Inc., or “Fitch”)(Fitch), and Baa2 with a stable outlook (Moody’s Investor Services, or “Moody’s”)(Moody’s). Our commercial paper ratings were A-2 (S&P), F-2 (Fitch) and P-2 (Moody’s).
Real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect any trading market for, or trading value of, our securities. Such changes could result from any number of factors, including the modification by a credit rating agency of the criteria or methodology it applies to particular issuers, a change in the agency’s view of us or our industry, or as a consequence of actions we take to implement our corporate strategies. A change in our credit rating could adversely limit our access to capital and our competitive position.
The benefits of our Redomestication may not be realized or may be offset in whole or in part by factors that we do not control.
In 2012, we reincorporated in the U.K. and moved our corporate headquarters to London (the “Redomestication”). As a result of this reorganization of our corporate structure, Aon plc became the publicly-held parent company of the Aon group. There can be no assurance that all of the goals of our Redomestication will be achievable.
Our effective tax rates and the benefits from our Redomestication are subject to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our ability to control, such as changes in the rate of economic growth in the U.K., the U.S. and other countries, the financial performance of our business in various jurisdictions, currency exchange rate fluctuations (especially as between the British pound and the U.S. dollar), and significant changes in trade, monetary or fiscal policies of the U.K. or the U.S., including changes in interest rates. The impact of these factors, individually and in the aggregate, is difficult to predict, in part because the occurrence of the events or circumstances may be interrelated and the impact to us of the occurrence of any one of these events or circumstances could be compounded or, alternatively, reduced, offset, or more than offset, by the occurrence of one or more of the other events or circumstances described in such factors.
On September 4, 2013, we received from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) an executed Closing Agreement pursuant to which the Company and the IRS agreed that the merger (pursuant to which the Redomestication occurred) did not cause Aon plc to be treated as a U.S. domestic corporation for federal tax purposes. This agreement substantially reduced the risk that actions taken to date might cause Aon plc to be treated as a U.S. domestic corporation for federal tax purposes under the current tax statute and regulations. However, the U.S. Congress, the IRS, the U.K. Parliament or U.K. tax authorities may enact new statutory or regulatory provisions that could adversely affect our status as a non-U.S. corporation, or otherwise adversely affect our anticipated global tax position. Retroactive statutory or regulatory actions have occurred in the past, and there can be no assurance that any

such provisions, if enacted or promulgated, would not have retroactive application to us, the Redomestication or any subsequent actions. Our net income and cash flow would be reduced if we were to be subject to U.S. corporate income tax as a domestic corporation. In addition, any future amendments to the current income tax treaties between the U.K and other jurisdictions (including the U.S.), or any new statutory or regulatory provisions that might limit our ability to take advantage of any such treaties, could subject us to increased taxation.
U.S. federal income tax reform could create uncertainty and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
On December 22, 2017, U.S. federal tax legislation, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”), was signed into law, significantly changing the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. These changes include, among other things, lowering the corporate income tax rate, subjecting certain future foreign subsidiary earnings, whether or not distributed, to U.S. tax under a Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income provision, imposing a new alternative “Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax” on U.S. corporations that limits deductions for certain amounts payable to foreign affiliates, imposing significant additional limitations on the deductibility of interest payable to related and unrelated lenders, further limiting deductible executive compensation, and imposing a one-time repatriation tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries through the end of 2017. We continue to analyze how the Tax Reform Act may impact our results of operations.  The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act. The Company has recognized the provisional tax impacts related to deemed repatriated earnings and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and included these amounts in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis of the law, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions the Company may take as a result of the Tax Reform Act. This continued analysis and resulting uncertainty, along with many of the changes effected pursuant to the Tax Reform Act, may have an adverse or volatile effect on our tax rate in fiscal years 2018 and beyond, thereby affecting our results of operations.
Our global effective tax rate is subject to a variety of different factors, which could create volatility in that tax rate, expose us to greater than anticipated tax liabilities or cause us to adjust previously recognized tax assets and liabilities.
We are, and anticipate we will be, subject to income taxes in Ireland, the U.K., the U.S. and many other jurisdictions. As a result, our global effective tax rate from period to period can be affected by many factors, including changes in tax legislation or regulations, the continuing development of regulations and other governmental action that affect the application of such as the U.S. Tax Reform Act detailed above,legislation, our global mix of earnings, the use of global funding structures, the tax characteristics of our income, the effect of complying with transfer pricing requirements under laws of many different countries on our revenues and costs, the consequences of acquisitions and dispositions of businesses and business segments, and the portion of the income of non-U.S. subsidiaries that maysegments. In addition, we could be subject to U.S.increased taxation as a result of changes in eligibility for the benefits of current income tax whethertreaties between and among Ireland, the U.K., the U.S and other countries, including any future amendments to the current income tax treaties between and among such countries, or not distributedany new statutory or regulatory provisions that might limit our ability to U.S. shareholders.take advantage of any such treaties. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes, and our determination of the amount of our tax liability is always subject to review by applicable tax authorities.
We believe that our Redomestication and related transactions should support our ability to maintain a competitive global tax rate because the U.K. has implemented a dividend exemption system that generally does not subject non-U.K. earnings to U.K. tax when such earnings are repatriated to the U.K. in the form of dividends from non-U.K. subsidiaries. This should allow us to optimize our capital allocation through global funding structures. However, we cannot provide any assurances as to what our tax rate will be in any period because of, among other things, uncertainty regarding the nature and extent of our business activities in any particular jurisdiction in the future and the tax laws of such jurisdictions, as well as changes in U.S. and other tax laws, treaties and regulations. Our actual global tax rate may vary from our expectation and that variance may be material. Additionally,
The overall tax environment in the jurisdictions in which we are or may be subject to taxes is highly uncertain and increasingly complex. Countries around the world are considering changes in their tax laws and regulations. In the U.S., various proposals to raise corporate income taxes are under active consideration, which could have a material adverse effect on our effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. The OECD, a global coalition of member countries, proposed a plan to reform international taxation which includes the introduction of a global minimum tax. There remains significant uncertainty as to if, when and how the various OECD proposals will ultimately be enacted in the various countries in which Aon is or may be subject to taxes, including the E.U. member states, and, if enacted, the extent of their impact. Some of the proposals, if enacted, could have a material adverse effect on our effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
We are, and anticipate we will be, subject to tax audits conducted by Ireland, the U.K., the U.S., and other jurisdictions could change in the future, and such changes could cause a material change in our tax rate.
We also could be subject to future audits conducted by foreign and domestic tax authorities, and the resolution of such audits could impact our tax rate in future periods, as would any reclassification or other changes (such as those in applicable accounting rules) that increases the amounts we have provided for income taxes in our consolidated financial statements. The tax laws and regulations in Ireland, the U.K., the U.S., and the other tax jurisdictions in which the we operate are inherently complex, and we will be obligated to make judgments and interpretations about the application of these laws and regulations to our operations and businesses. The interpretation and application of these laws and regulations could be challenged by the relevant governmental authorities, which could result in administrative or judicial procedures, actions or sanctions, which could be material.
There can be no assurance that we would be successful in attempting to mitigate the adverse impacts resulting from any changes in law,tax laws and regulations, including any changes in the interpretation of such tax authorities, or from audits and other matters. Our inability to mitigate the negative consequences of any changes in the law, audits and other matterssuch actions could cause our global effective tax rate to increase, our use of cash to increase and our financial condition and results of operations to suffer.
Changes in our accounting estimates and assumptions could negatively affect our financial position and results of operations.
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These accounting principles require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets
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and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements. We are also required to make certain judgments that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each reporting period. We periodically evaluate our estimates and assumptions including,

but not limited to, those relating to revenue recognition, restructuring, pensions, recoverability of assets including customer receivables, valuation of goodwill and intangibles, contingencies, share-based payments, and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable based on specific circumstances. These assumptions and estimates involve the exercise of judgment and discretion, which may evolve over time in light of operational experience, regulatory direction, developments or changes in accounting principles or standards, and other factors. Actual results could differ from these estimates, or changes in assumptions, estimates, policies, or developments in the business may change our initial estimates, which could materially affect the Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, Financial Position, Shareholders’ Equity, and Cash Flows.
We may be required to record goodwill or other long-lived asset impairment charges, which could result in a significant charge to earnings.
Under U.S. GAAP, we review our long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is assessed for impairment at least annually. Factors that may be considered in assessing whether goodwill or other long-lived assets may not be recoverable include a decline in our share price or market capitalization, reduced estimates of future cash flows and slower growth rates in our industry. We may experience unforeseen circumstances that adversely affect the value of our goodwill or other long-livedlong- lived assets and trigger an evaluation of the recoverability of the recorded goodwill and other long-lied intangiblelong-lived assets. Future goodwill or other long-lived asset impairment charges could materially impact our consolidated financial statements.
We are a holding company and, therefore, may not be able to receive dividends or other payments in needed amounts from our subsidiaries.
The Company is organized as a holding company, a legal entity separate and distinct from our operating entities. As a holding company without significant operations of its own, our principal assets are the shares of capital stock of our subsidiaries. We rely on dividends, interest, and other payments from these subsidiaries to meet our obligations for paying principal and interest on outstanding debt, paying dividends to shareholders, repurchasing ordinary shares, and corporate expenses. Certain of our subsidiaries are subject to regulatory requirements of the jurisdictions in which they operate or other restrictions that may limit the amounts that subsidiaries can pay in dividends or other payments to us. No assurance can be given that there will not be further changes in law, regulatory actions, or other circumstances that could restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or otherwise make paymentpayments to us. Furthermore, no assurance can be given that our subsidiaries may be able to make timely payments to us in order for us to meet our obligations.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
We are subject to errors and omissionsE&O claims against us as well as other contingencies and legal proceedings, some of which, if determined unfavorably to us, could have a material adverse effect on theour financial condition or results of operations of a business line or the Company as a whole.operations.
We assist our clients with various matters, including advising on and placing insurance and reinsurance coverage and handling related claims, consulting on various human resources matters, and providing actuarial, services, investment consulting, and asset management services. E&O claims against us may allege our potential liability for damages arising from these services. E&O claims could include, for example, the failure of our employees or sub-agents, whether negligently or intentionally, to place coverage correctly or notify carriers of claims on behalf of clients, or to provide insurance carriers with complete and accurate information relating to the risks being insured, or the failure to give error-free advice in our consulting business.or investment advice. It is not always possible to prevent and detect errors and omissions,E&O, and the precautions we take may not be effective in all cases. In addition, we are subject to other types of claims, litigation, and proceedings in the ordinary course of business, which along with E&O claims, may seek damages, including punitive damages, in amounts that could, if awarded, have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, earnings, and cash flows. In addition to potential liability for monetary damages, such claims or outcomes could harm our reputation or divert management resources away from operating our business.
We have historically purchased, and intend to continue to purchase, insurance to cover E&O claims and other insurance to provide protection against certain losses that arise in such matters. However, we have exhausted or materially depleted our coverage under some of the policies that protect us for certain years and, consequently, are self-insured or materially self-insured for some historical claims. Additionally, parts or all of an E&O claim could fall within insurance deductibles, self-insured retentions, or policy exclusions. 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 and may also be adversely affected by disputes we may have with our insurers over coverage. Amounts related to settlement provisions are recorded in Other general expenses in the Consolidated
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Statements of Income. Discussion of some of these claims, lawsuits, and proceedings are contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
In addition, we provide a variety of guarantees and indemnifications to our customers and others. The maximumIn the event of a default, our potential exposure is equal to the 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 provisionsguarantee or other methods. Any anticipated payment amounts under guarantees and indemnifications that are deemed to be probable and reasonably estimable are included in our consolidated financial statements. These amounts may not represent actual future payments, if any, for these guarantees and indemnifications.indemnification.
The ultimate outcome of these claims, lawsuits, proceedings, guarantees and indemnifications cannot be ascertained, and liabilities in indeterminate amounts may be imposed on us. 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.
Our businesses are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which could reduce our profitability, limit our growth, or increase competition.subject us to legal and regulatory actions.
Our businesses are subject to extensive legal and regulatory oversight throughout the world, including the U.K.Irish Companies Act, the U.S. securities laws, rules, and regulations, the rules and regulations promulgated by the FCA the U.S. securities laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, and a variety of other laws, rules, and regulations addressing, among other things, licensing, data privacy and protection, trade restrictionsanctions laws, restrictions and export controls, anti-money laundering, wage-and-hour standards, employment and labor relations, anti-competition, anti-corruption, currency, reserves, government contracting, and the amount of local investment with respect to our operations in certain countries. This legal and regulatory oversight could reduce our profitability or limit our growth by: increasing the costs of legal and regulatory compliance;compliance; limiting or restricting the products or services we sell, the markets we serve or enter, the methods by which we sell our products and services, the overall structure of our business units, the type of services and prices we can charge for our services, or the form of compensation we can accept from our clients, carriers, and third parties;parties; or by subjecting our businesses to the possibility of legal and regulatory actions, proceedings, or proceedings.fines.
The global nature of our operations increases the complexity and cost of compliance with laws and regulations adding to our cost of doing business. In addition, many of these laws and regulations may have differing or conflicting legal standards across jurisdictions, increasing the complexity and cost of compliance. In emerging markets and other jurisdictions with less developed legal systems, local laws and regulations may not be established with sufficiently clear and reliable guidance to provide us adequate assurance that we are operating our business in a compliant manner with all required licenses or that our rights are otherwise protected. In addition, certain laws and regulations, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and the Foreign Account Tax Compliance provisions of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (“FATCA”) in the U.S., and the Bribery Act of 2010 (“U.K. Bribery Act”) in the U.K., impact our operations outside of the legislating country by imposing requirements for the conduct of overseas operations, and in several cases, requiring compliance by foreign subsidiaries.
In addition to the complexity of the laws and regulations themselves, the development of new laws and regulations or changes in application or interpretation of current laws and regulations or conflict between them also increases our legal and regulatory compliance complexity. Additionally, our acquisitions of new businesses and our continued operational changes and entry into new jurisdictions and new service offerings increases our legal and regulatory compliance complexity, as well as the type of governmental oversight to which we may be subject. Changes in laws and regulations could mandate significant and costly changes to the way we implement our services and solutions, could impose additional licensure requirements or costs to our operations and services, or even cause us to cease offering certain services or solutions. Furthermore, as we enter new jurisdictions or businesses and further develop and expand our services, including through acquisitions, we may become subject to additional types of laws and policies and governmental oversight and supervision, such as those applicable to the financial lending or other service institutions. Regulatory developments that could result in changes that adversely affect us or cause us to change our business or operations include: additional requirements respecting data privacy, data security, and data usage in jurisdictions in which we operate that may increase our costs of compliance and potentially reduce the manner in which we can use data; changes in tax regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate; regulatory actions or changes that require us to change our compensation model; or additional regulations promulgated by , regulatory bodies in jurisdictions in which we operate.
Governmental and public attention to climate change and environmental matters, including new or enhanced reporting, diligence or disclosure rules and regulations, could expand the nature, scope, and complexity of matters that we are required to control, assess, and report. These and other rapidly changing laws, rules and regulations, may increase the cost of our compliance and risk management and otherwise impact our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, the shift toward a lower-carbon economy, driven by changes in laws, rules and regulations, low-carbon technology advancement, consumer sentiment, and/or liability risks, may negatively impact our business model and/or the business models of our clients.In addition, as governments, investors and other stakeholders face additional pressures to accelerate actions to address climate change and other ESG topics, governments and other stakeholders may impose new rules or expectations causing a shift in disclosure and other behaviors that may negatively impact our business.
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In all jurisdictions, the applicable laws and regulations are subject to amendment or interpretation by regulatory authorities. Generally, such authorities are vested with relatively broad discretion to grant, renew, and revoke licenses and approvals and to implement regulations. Accordingly, we may have a license revoked or be unable to obtain new licenses and therefore be precluded or temporarily suspended from carrying on or developing some or all of our activities or otherwise fined or penalized in a given jurisdiction. No assurances can be given that our business can further develop or continue to be conducted in any given jurisdiction in the future as it has been conducted in the past.
In addition, new regulatory or industry developments could result in changes that adversely affect us. These developments include:
changes in our business compensation model as a result of regulatory actions or changes;
the establishment of programs in which state-sponsored entities provide property insurance in catastrophe-prone areas or other alternative types of coverage;
changes in regulations relating to health and welfare plans, defined contribution, and defined benefit plans, and investment consulting and asset management;
additional regulations promulgated by the FCA in the U.K., or other regulatory bodies in jurisdictions in which we operate; or

additional requirements respecting data privacy, data security, and data usage in jurisdictions in which we operate that may increase our costs of compliance and potentially reduce the manner in which data can be used by us to develop or further our product offerings.
Changes in the regulatory scheme, or even changes in how existing regulations are interpreted, could have an adverse impact on our results of operations by limiting revenue streams or increasing costs of compliance. For instance, The General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”), effective in May 2018, creates a range of new compliance obligations, increases financial penalties for non-compliance, and extends the scope of the European Union data protection law to all companies processing data of European Union residents, wherever the company’s location. Complying with the GDPR will cause us to incur substantial operational costs and may require us to change our business practices.
Our business’ regulatory oversight generally also includes licensing of insurance brokers and agents, managing general agency or general underwriting operations, and the regulation of the handling and investment of client funds held in a fiduciary capacity. Our continuing ability to provide insurance broking in the jurisdictions in which we operate depends on our compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time by the regulatory authorities in each of these jurisdictions.jurisdictions, and our failure to adhere to these rules and regulations can expose us to fines or other sanctions. Also, we can be affected indirectly by the governmental regulation and supervision of insurance companies. For instance, if we are providing or managing general underwriting services for an insurer, we may have to contend with regulations affecting our client.
Services provided in our Health Solutions and RetirementWealth Solutions revenue linebusinesses are also the subject of ever-evolving government regulation, either because the services provided to our clients are regulated directly or because third parties upon whom we rely to provide services to clients are regulated, thereby indirectly affecting the manner in which we provide services to those clients. In particular, our health care exchange business depends upon the private sector of the U.S. insurance system and its role in financing health care delivery, and insurance carriers’ use of, and payment of commissions to agents, brokers, and other organizations to market and sell individual and family health insurance products and plans. Uncertainty regarding, or any changes to, state or federal law, or the interpretation of such law by applicable regulatory agencies including the effects of health care reform by the U.S. government, could delay client adoption of our healthcarehealth care exchanges, impair our ability to retain clients who have adopted our healthcarehealth care exchanges, or cause insurance carriers to alter or eliminate the products and plans that they offer or attempt to move members into new products or plans for which we receive lower commissions. In addition, changes in laws, government regulations, or the way those regulations are interpreted in the jurisdictions in which we operate could affect the viability, value, use, or delivery of benefits and human resources programs, including changes in regulations relating to health and welfare plans (such as medical), defined contribution plans (such as 401(k)), or defined benefit plans (such as pension), may adversely affect the demand for, or profitability of, our services.
If we violate the laws and regulationregulations to which we are subject, we could be subject to fines, penalties, or criminal sanctions and could be prohibited from conducting business in one or more countries. There can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, or agents will not violate these laws and regulations, causing an adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.
In addition, our businesses and operations are subject to heightenedHeightened regulatory oversight and scrutiny which may lead to additional regulatory investigations, increased government involvement, or enforcement actions.actions, which could consume significant management time and resources and could have adverse effects on our business and operations. For instance, increased scrutiny by competition authorities may increase our costs of doing business or force us to change the way we conduct business or refrain from or otherwise alter the way we engage in certain activities. Additionally,we operate in many different business lines, which may occasionally intersect with each other, such as placing both insurance and reinsurancecould suffer significant financial or providing both investment consultancy and fiduciary management services.   Ifreputational harm if we fail to control possible resultingproperly identify and manage potential conflicts of interest, which exist or could exist any time we or any of our employees have or may have an interest in a transaction or engagement that is inconsistent with our clients’ interests. This could occur, for example, when we are providing services to multiple parties in connection with a transaction. We also provide services to advise and assist in satisfying all our clients’ needs from all our businesses, creating a greater potential for conflicts with advisory services.
Due to the broad scope of our businesses and our client base, we regularly address potential conflicts of interest, including, without limitation, situations where our services to a particular client or our own investments or other interests conflict, or are perceived to conflict, with the interests of another client. If these are not adequately identified and managed, this could then lead to failure or perceived failure to protect the client’s interests, with consequential regulatory and reputational risks, including litigation or enforcement actions that could adversely affect us and our operations. Identifying conflicts of interest may also prove particularly difficult as we continue to bring systems and information together and integrate newly acquired businesses. In addition, we may not be able to adequately address such conflicts of interest.
Insurance intermediaries have traditionally been remunerated by base commissions paid by insurance carriers in respect of insurance placements for clients, or by fees paid by clients. Intermediaries also obtain other revenue from insurance carriers. This revenue, when derived from carriers in their capacity as insurance markets (as opposed to as corporate clients of the intermediaries where they may be purchasing insurance or reinsurance or other non-market related services), is commonly known as MDI. MDI is another example of an area in which potential conflicts of interest may arise. This revenue may be subject to civil litigation, fines, penaltiesscrutiny by various regulators under conflict of interest, anti-trust, unfair competition, conduct and anti-bribery laws
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and regulations. MDI takes a variety of forms, including volume- or criminal sanctionsprofit-based contingent commissions, facilities administration charges, business development agreements, and could be prohibited from participatingfees for providing consulting services to carriers. While accepting MDI is a lawful and acceptable business practice, we cannot predict whether our position will result in one or more lines of business.  As regulators and other government agencies continue to examine our operations, there is no assurance that consent ordersregulatory or other enforcement actions willscrutiny and our controls may not be issued by them in the future. These and other initiatives from national, state, and local officials may subject us to judgments, settlements, fines or penalties, or cause us to be required to restructure or divest operations and activities, all of which could lead to reputational issues, higher operational costs, business disruption, or loss, thereby adversely affecting our business, financial condition, or operating results.fully effective.
Failure to protect our intellectual property rights, or allegations that we have infringed on the intellectual property rights of others, could harm our reputation, ability to compete effectively, and financial condition.
To protect our intellectual property rights, we rely on a combination of trademark laws, copyright laws, patent laws, trade secret protection, confidentiality agreements, and other contractual arrangements with our affiliates, employees, clients, strategic partners, and others.others, as well as internal policies and procedures regarding our management of intellectual property. However, the protective steps that we take may be inadequate to deter misappropriation of our proprietary information. In addition, we may be unable to detect the unauthorized use of, or take appropriate steps to enforce, our intellectual property rights. Further, we operate in many jurisdictions and effective trademark, copyright, patent, and trade secret protection may not be available or adequate in every country or jurisdiction in which we offer our services or employ our colleagues. Additionally, our competitors may develop products similar to our products that do not conflict with our related intellectual property rights. Failure to protect our intellectual property adequately could harm our reputation and affect our ability to compete effectively.

In addition, to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights, we may initiate litigation against third parties, such as infringement suits or interference proceedings. Third parties may assert intellectual property rights claims against us, which may be costly to defend, could require the payment of damages, and could limit our ability to use or offer certain technologies, products, or other intellectual property. Any intellectual property claims, with or without merit, could be expensive, take significant time and divert management’s attention from other business concerns. Successful challenges against us could require us to modify or discontinue our use of technology or business processes where such use is found to infringe or violate the rights of others, or require us to purchase licenses from third parties, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.
We have less flexibility as a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales with respect to certain aspects of capital management.
English law imposes additional restrictions on certain corporate actions. For example, English law provides that a board of directors may only allot, or issue, securities with the prior authorization of shareholders, such authorization being up to the aggregate nominal amount of shares and for a maximum period of five years, each as specified in the articles of association or relevant shareholder resolution. The current authorization is effective until the earlier of our next annual general meeting or August 31, 2018. This authorization will need to be renewed by our shareholders periodically and we intend to renew this authorization at each annual general meeting.
English law also generally provides shareholders with preemptive rights when new shares are issued for cash; however, it is possible for the articles of association, or shareholders in general meeting, to exclude preemptive rights. Such an exclusion of preemptive rights may be for a maximum period of up to five years as specified in the articles of association or relevant shareholder resolution. The current exclusion is effective until the earlier of our next annual general meeting or August 31, 2018. This exclusion would need to be renewed by our shareholders periodically and we intend to renew this exclusion at each annual general meeting.
English law also requires us to have available “distributable reserves” to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders.  Distributable reserves may be created through the earnings of the U.K. parent company or other actions.  As of December 31, 2017, we had distributable reserves in excess of $1.2 billion. While it is our intention to maintain a sufficient level of distributable reserves in order to pay dividends on our ordinary shares and make share repurchases, there is no assurance that the parent company level will continue to generate sufficient earnings in order to maintain the necessary level of distributable reserves to do so.
English law also generally prohibits a company from repurchasing its own shares by way of “off market purchases” without the prior approval of our shareholders. Such approval lasts for a maximum period of up to five years. Our shares are traded on the NYSE, which is not a recognized investment exchange in the U.K. Consequently, any repurchase of our shares is currently considered an “off market purchase.” The current authorization expires on June 17, 2020. Renewal of this authorization will be sought periodically.
The enforcement of civil liabilities against us may be more difficult.
Because we are a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, investors could experience more difficulty enforcing judgments obtained against us in U.S. courts than would have been the case for a U.S. company. In addition, it may be more difficult (or impossible) to bring some types of claims against us in courts in England than it would be to bring similar claims against a U.S. company in a U.S. court.
We are a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. Therefore, it may not be possible to effect service of process upon us within the U.S. in order to enforce judgments of U.S. courts against us based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.
There is doubt as to the enforceability in England and Wales, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of civil liabilities solely based on the U.S. federal securities laws. The English courts will, however, treat any amount payable by us under U.S. judgment as a debt and new proceedings can be commenced in the English courts to enforce this debt against us. The following criteria must be satisfied in order for the English court to enforce the debt created by the U.S. judgment:
the U.S. court having had jurisdiction over the original proceedings according to English conflicts of laws principles and rules of English private international law at the time when proceedings were initiated;
the U.S. proceedings not having been brought in breach of a jurisdiction or arbitration clause except with the agreement of the defendant or the defendant’s subsequent submission to the jurisdiction of the court;
the U.S. judgment being final and conclusive on the merits in the sense of being final and unalterable in the court which pronounced it and being for a definite sum of money;

the recognition or enforcement, as the case may be, of the U.S. judgment not contravening English public policy in a sufficiently significant way or contravening the Human Rights Act 1998 (or any subordinate legislation made thereunder, to the extent applicable);
the U.S. judgment not being for a sum payable in respect of taxes, or other charges of a like nature, or in respect of a penalty or fine, or otherwise based on a U.S. law that an English court considers to be a penal or revenue law;
the U.S. judgment not having been arrived at by doubling, trebling or otherwise multiplying a sum assessed as compensation for the loss or damages sustained, and not otherwise being a judgment contrary to section 5 of the Protection of Trading Interests Act 1980 or is a judgment based on measures designated by the Secretary of State under Section 1 of that Act;
the U.S. judgment not having been obtained by fraud or in breach of English principles of natural justice;
the U.S. judgment not being a judgment on a matter previously determined by an English court, or another court whose judgment is entitled to recognition (or enforcement as the case may be) in England, in proceedings involving the same parties which conflicts with an earlier judgment of such court;
the party seeking enforcement (being a party who is not ordinarily resident in some part of the U.K. or resident in an EU Member State) providing security for costs, if ordered to do so by the English courts; and
the English enforcement proceedings being commenced within the relevant limitation period.
If an English court gives judgment for the sum payable under a U.S. judgment, the English judgment will be enforceable by methods generally available for this purpose. These methods generally permit the English court discretion to prescribe the manner of enforcement. Also note that, in any enforcement proceedings, the judgment debtor may raise any counterclaim that could have been brought if the action had been originally brought in England unless the subject of the counterclaim was in issue and denied in the U.S. proceedings.
Operational Risks
Our results of operations have been adversely affected and could be materially adversely affected in the future by the COVID-19 global pandemic.
The COVID-19 global pandemic and the emergence of COVID-19 variants has created significant public health concerns and significant volatility, uncertainty, and economic disruption in every region where we operate.
A number of evolving factors related to the global pandemic and the post-pandemic recovery period may influence the duration, nature and extent of the impact on our business and financial results. Such factors include worldwide macroeconomic conditions, including interest rates, employment rates, consumer confidence and spending, gross domestic product, property values, and changes in client behavior, and foreign exchange rates in each of the markets in which we operate; business closures; changes in laws, regulations (including those changes that may provide for extended premium payment terms), and guidance; court decisions and litigation trends; a decline in business and the ability of counterparties to pay for our services on time or at all; an increased number of E&O claims in those areas impacted by the pandemic, as well as an increase in the incidence or severity of E&O claims against us and our market partners; our ability to sell and provide our services, including due to the impact of travel restrictions, lockdowns, quarantines, social distancing, and alternative work arrangements; the health of, and the effect of the pandemic on, our employees; political disruption; potential effects on our internal controls and risk mitigation processes, including those over financial reporting, as a result of changes in working environments for our employees and business partners; resurgences of spread; identification of new, more contagious variants of the virus; resulting “lockdowns,” government restrictions, mandates, requirements or recommendations; and uncertainties in vaccine adoption.
In addition, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic may again create significant disruptions or volatility in the credit or financial markets, or impact our credit ratings, which could adversely affect our ability to access capital on favorable terms or at all.
Finally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may heighten other risks discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and stock price.
The economic and political conditions of the countries and regions in which we operate could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity, and prospects for growth.
Our operations in countries undergoing political change or experiencing economic instability are subject to uncertainty and risks that could materially adversely affect our business. These risks include, particularly in emerging markets, the possibility
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we would be subject to undeveloped or evolving legal systems, unstable governments and economies, and potential governmental actions affecting the flow of goods, services, and currency.
Furthermore, the U.K.’s withdrawal formally withdrew from the European Union (“Brexit”) has created uncertainty aboutE.U., commonly referred to as Brexit. The E.U. and U.K. ratified a trade cooperation agreement governing their future relationship in 2021 to address trade, economic arrangements, law enforcement, judicial cooperation and a governance framework including procedures for dispute resolution, among other things. Because the future relationshipagreement merely sets forth a framework in many respects and requires ongoing complex additional bilateral negotiations between the U.K. and the European UnionE.U. as they negotiateboth parties continue to work on the terms of the withdrawal. As the U.K.rules for implementation, significant political and European Union negotiate these terms, we are uncertain about the agreements they will reach on topics such as financial laws and regulations, tax and free trade agreements, immigration laws, and employment laws. Our publicly traded parent is incorporated in the U.K. and weeconomic uncertainty remains. We have significant operations and a substantial workforce thereinwithin the U.K., and therefore enjoywe previously enjoyed certain benefits based on the U.K.’s membership in the European Union. TheE.U., and the lack of clarity about Brexitaround the future relationship between the U.K. and the future U.K. laws and regulationsE.U. creates uncertainty for us as the outcome of these negotiationsthat may affecthave a material impact on our business and operations. Additionally, there isWe may also a risk that other countries may decidebe required to leaveincur additional expense as we adapt to and create the European Union. The uncertainty surrounding Brexit not only potentially affects our business inability to operate within the U.K.new political and the European Union, but may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.regulatory environment.
Additionally, any development that has the effect of devaluing the euro or replacing the EuroBritish pound could meaningfully reduce the value of our assets and reducingreduce the usefulness of liquidity alternatives denominated in that currency such as our multicurrency U.S. credit facility. We also deposit some of our cash, including cash held in a fiduciary capacity, with certain European financial institutions. While we continuously monitor and manage exposures associated with those deposits, to the extent the uncertainty surrounding economic stability in Europe and the future viability of the Euroeuro suddenly and adversely impacts those financial institutions, some or all of those cash deposits could be at risk.
We may not realize all of the expected benefits from our restructuring plan and other operational improvement initiatives.
In 2017, we initiated a global restructuring plan (the “Restructuring Plan”) in connection with the sale of the Divested Business. The Restructuring Plan is intended to streamline operations across the organization and deliver greater efficiency, insight and connectivity. We expect these restructuring activities and related expenses to affect continuing operations through 2019, including an estimated 4,200 to 4,800 role eliminations. The Restructuring Plan is expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $1,025 million through the end of the Restructuring Plan, consisting of approximately $450 million in employee termination costs, $130 million in IT rationalization costs, $85 million in real estate realization costs, $50 million in asset impairment costs and $310 million in other costs associated with the restructuring. Included in the estimated $1,025 million is $50 million of estimated non-cash charges.

We estimate that our annualized savings from the Restructuring Plan and other operational improvement initiatives will be approximately $450 million by the end of 2019. Actual total costs, savings and timing may vary from these estimates due to changes in the scope or assumptions underlying the Restructuring Plan and other operational improvement initiatives.  We therefore cannot assure that we will achieve the targeted savings. Unanticipated costs or unrealized savings in connection with the Restructuring Plan and other operational improvement initiatives could adversely affect our consolidated financial statements.
Our success depends on our ability to retain, attract and attractdevelop experienced and qualified personnel, including our senior management team and other professional personnel.
We depend, in material part, upon the members of our senior management team who possess extensive knowledge and a deep understanding of our business and our strategy, as well as the colleagues who are critical to developing and retaining client relationships. The unexpected loss of services of any of these senior leaders could have a disruptive effect adversely impacting our ability to manage our business effectively and execute our business strategy. CompetitionAdditionally, competition for experienced professional personnel is increasingly intense, and we are constantly working to retain, attract and attractdevelop these professionals. If we cannot successfully do so, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected. We may also become involved in disputes and litigation in connection with our efforts to retain and hire personnel, which can be disruptive to our business. While we have plans for key management succession and long-term compensation plans designed to retain our senior management team and critical colleagues, if our succession plans and retention programs do not operate effectively, our business could be adversely affected.
We strive to maintain an equitable work environment that unlocks the full potential of all of our personnel - this includes our commitment to diversity and inclusion, focus on colleague wellness and mental health, and building a flexible work environment that meets colleague and client needs. If we are unsuccessful in maintaining such a work environment or adapting to colleague needs or expectations, we could experience difficulty attracting and retaining personnel, which could have a negative impact on our business.
Our global operations expose us to various international risks that could adversely affect our business.
Our operations are conducted globally. Accordingly, we are subject to regulatory, legal, economic, and market risks associated with operating in,global operations and sourcing, from, foreign countries, including:
difficulties in staffing and managing our foreign offices, and overseeing joint venture operations and compliance in disparate jurisdictions, including due to unexpected inflation (including wage inflationinflation) or job turnover, and the increased travel, infrastructure, and legal and compliance costs and risks associated with multiple international locations;locations;
hyperinflation in certain foreign countries;countries;
conflicting regulations inacross the countries in which we do business;business;
imposition of investment requirements or other restrictions by foreign governments;governments in certain countries;
longer payment cycles;cycles;
greater difficulties in collecting accounts receivable;receivable;
insufficient demand for our services in foreign jurisdictions;certain jurisdictions;
our ability to execute effective and efficient cross-border sourcing of services on behalf of our clients;clients;
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the reliance on or use of third parties to perform services on behalf of the Company;Company;
disparate tax regimes;regimes;
restrictions on the import and export of technologies;technologies; and
trade barriers.
The occurrence of natural or man-made disasters could result in declines in business and increases in claims that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We are exposed to various risks arising out of natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, tornadoes, extreme weather, or other climate events or weather patterns, andevents; pandemic health events, as well asand man-made disasters, including acts of terrorism, civil unrest, violence, military actions, and cyber-terrorism.cyber-terrorism (including, but not limited to, ransomware). The continued threat of terrorism and ongoing military actionsother events or disasters may cause significant volatility in global financial markets, and a natural or man-made disaster could trigger energy shortages, public health issues, or an economic downturn or instability in the areas directly or indirectly affected by the disaster. These consequences could, among other things, result in a decline in business and increased claims from those areas. They could also result in reduced underwriting capacity, making it more difficult for our professionals to place business. Disasters also could disrupt public and private infrastructure, including communications and financial services, which could disrupt our normal business operations. If access to underwriting markets for certain lines of coverage becomes unavailable or difficult due to the impact of climate change on the claims environment, this may have a negative impact on our clients’ access to coverage, which could in turn reduce our ability to place certain lines of coverage and negatively impact our business.
A natural or man-made disaster also could disrupt the operations of our counterparties or result in increased prices for the products and services they provide to us. In addition, a disaster could adversely affect the value of the assets in our investment portfolio. Finally, a natural or man-made disaster could increase the incidence or severity of E&O claims against us. Climate change may increase the likelihood or severity of a natural or man-made disaster.
Our inability to successfully recover should we experience a disaster or other business continuity problem could cause material financial loss, loss of human capital, regulatory actions, reputational harm, or legal liability.
Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our personnel, offices, and technology infrastructure against damage from business continuity events that could have a significant disruptive effect on our operations. Should we experience a local or regional disaster or other business continuity problem, such as an earthquake, hurricane,a security incident or attack, a natural disaster, climate event, terrorist attack, pandemic, security breaches, power loss, telecommunications failure, or other natural or man-made disaster, our continued success will depend, in part, on the availability of our personnel ourand office facilities, and the proper functioning of existing, new or upgraded computer

systems, telecommunications, and other related systems and operations. In events like these, while our operational size, the multiple locations from which we operate, and our existing back-up systems provide us with some degree of flexibility, we still can experience near-term operational challenges with regard toin particular areas of our operations. We could potentially lose access to key executives, personnel, or client data or experience material adverse interruptions to our operations or delivery of services to our clients in a disaster recovery scenario. A disaster on a significant scale or affecting certain of our key operating areas within or across regions, or our inability to successfully recover should we experience a disaster or other business continuity problem, could materially interrupt our business operations and cause material financial loss, loss of human capital, regulatory actions, reputational harm, damaged client relationships, or legal liability.
We rely on third parties to perform key functions of our business operations enabling our provision of services to our clients. These third parties may act in ways that could harm our business.
We rely on third parties, and in some cases subcontractors, to provide services, data, and information such as technology, information security, funds transfers, data processing, support functions, and administration that are critical to the operations of our business. These third parties include correspondents, agents and other brokerage and intermediaries, insurance markets, data providers, plan trustees, payroll service providers, benefits administrators, software and system vendors, business process outsourcing providers, health plan providers, investment managers, and providers of human resources, among others. As we do not fully control the actions of these third parties, we are subject to the risk that their decisions, actions, or inactions may adversely impact us and replacing these service providers could create significant delay and expense. A failure by third parties to comply with service level agreements or regulatory or legal requirements in a high quality and timely manner, particularly during periods of our peak demand for their services, could result in economic and reputational harm to us. In addition, we face risks as we transition from in-house functions to third- party support functions and providers that there may be disruptions in service or other unintended results that may adversely affect our business operations. These third parties face their own technology, operating, business, and economic risks, and any significant failures by them, including the improper use or disclosure of our confidential client, employee, or company information, could cause harm to our business and reputation. An
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interruption in or the cessation of service by any service provider as a result of systems failures, cybersecurity incidents (including, but not limited to, ransomware), capacity constraints, financial difficulties, or for any other reason could disrupt our operations, impact our ability to offer certain products and services, and result in contractual or regulatory penalties, liability claims from clients, or employees, damage to our reputation, and harm to our business.
Our business is exposed to risks associated with the handling of client funds.
Certain of our businesses collect premiums from insureds and remits the premiums to the respective insurers. We also collect claims or refunds from insurers on behalf of insureds, which are then remitted to the insureds. Consequently, at any given time, we may be holding and managing funds of our clients. This function creates a risk of loss arising from, among other things, fraud by employees or third parties, execution of unauthorized transactions, errors relating to transaction processing, or other cybersecurity events or security breaches. We are also potentially at risk in the event the financial institution in which we hold these funds suffers any kind of insolvency or liquidity event. The occurrence of any of these types of events in connection with this function could cause us financial loss and reputational harm.
In connection with the implementation of our corporate strategies and initiatives, we face risks associated with, among others, the acquisition or disposition of businesses, the integration and development of acquired businesses, and the entry into new lines of business or products.
In pursuing our corporate strategy, we often acquire other businesses or dispose of or exit businesses we currently own and we routinely are actively engaged in the process of identifying, analyzing, and negotiating possible transactions. The success of this strategy is dependent upon our ability to identify appropriate acquisition and disposition targets, negotiate transactions on favorable terms, secure regulatory approval of transactions where required, complete transactions and, in the case of acquisitions, successfully integrate them into our existing businesses and culture. If a proposed transaction is not consummated, the time and resources spent pursuing it could adversely impact employees, clients and shareholders and the failure to consummate a proposed transaction could result in payment of termination fees and reimbursement of expenses, reputational harm, disputes and litigation and missed opportunities to locate and acquire other businesses. If acquisitions are made, there can be no assurance that we will realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions, including, but not limited to, revenue growth, operational efficiencies, or expected synergies, and we could incur unexpected costs in connection with integration. If we dispose of or otherwise exit certain businesses, there can be no assurance that we will not incur certain disposition related charges, will not be subject to post-closing liabilities, obligations or restrictions, will be able to reduce overhead related to the divested assets, or will realize the intended benefits of the disposition.
We may enter new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business either through acquisitions or through initiatives to generate organic revenue growth. These new lines of business, products, and services present the Company with additional risks, particularly in instances where the markets are new or not fully developed. Such risks include the investment of significant time and resources; the possibility that these efforts will be not be successful; the possibility that the marketplace does not accept our products or services or that we are unable to retain clients that adopt our new products or services; and the risk of new or additional liabilities associated with these efforts. In addition, many of the businesses that we acquire and develop will likely have significantly smaller scales of operations prior to the implementation of our growth strategy. If we are not able to manage the growing complexity of these businesses, including improving, refining, or revising our systems and operational practices, and enlarging the scale and scope of the businesses, our business may be adversely affected. Other risks include developing knowledge of and experience in the new business, product or service, integrating the acquired business into our systems and culture, recruiting and retaining experienced professionals, and developing and capitalizing on new relationships with experienced market participants. External factors, such as compliance with new or revised regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business, products, or services. Failure to manage these risks in the acquisition or development of new businesses could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We are subject to various risks and uncertainties in connection with the sale of the Divested Business.
On May 1, 2017, the Company completed the sale of the benefits administration and business process outsourcing business (the “Divested Business) to an entity controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. (the “Buyer”). This transaction carries inherent risks, including the risk that we will not earn the $500 million of additional consideration or otherwise realize the intended value of the transaction.
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Risks Related to Technology, Cybersecurity, and Data Protection
We rely on complex information technology systems and networks to operate our business. Any significant system or network disruption due to a breach in the security of our information technology systems could have a negative impact on our reputation, operations, sales, and operating results.
We rely on the efficient, uninterrupted, and secure operation of complex information technology systems and networks, some of which are within the Company and some of which are outsourced to third parties. All information technology systems are potentially vulnerable to damage or interruption from a variety of sources, including but not limited to cyber-attacks, computer viruses, security breaches, and unauthorized access or improper actions by insiders or employees. We are at risk of attack by a growing list of adversaries through new and increasingly sophisticated methods of attack.attack, including methods that take advantage of remote work scenarios due to COVID-19. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or sabotage systems change frequently, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques, or implement adequate preventative measures.measures, or detect and respond quickly enough in the event of an incident or attack. We regularly experience social engineering attempts, attacks to our systems and networks and have from time to time experienced cybersecurity breaches,incidents, such as computer viruses, unauthorized parties gaining access to our information technology systems, ransomware incidents, data loss via malicious and non-malicious methods, and similar incidents, which to date have not had a material impact on our business. If we are unable to efficiently and effectively maintain and upgrade our system safeguards, we may incur unexpected costs and certain of our systems may become more vulnerable to unauthorized access. While we select our third party vendors carefully, problemsProblems with the information technology systems of those vendors, including breakdowns or other disruptions in communication services provided by a vendor, failure of a vendor to handle current or higher volumes, difficulties in the migration of services or data to third parties or the cloud hosted by third parties, cyber-attacks, and security breaches at a vendor could adversely affect the Company’sour ability to deliver products and services to its customers and otherwise conduct its business. Additionally, we are ana global and acquisitive organization and the process of integrating the information systems of the businesses we acquire is complex and exposes us to additional risk as wetherefore might not adequately identify weaknesses in the targets’certain of our information systems, including those of targets we acquire, which could expose us to unexpected liabilities and fines or make our own systems more vulnerable to attack. These types of incidents affecting us, our clients, insurance carriers, vendors, or our third-party vendorsother third-parties could result in intellectual property or other confidential information being lost or stolen, including client or employee personal information or company data. In addition, we may not be able to detect breaches in our information technology systems or assess the severity or impact of a breach in a timely manner.
We have implemented various measures to manage our risks related to system and network security and disruptions, but a security breach or a significant andor extended disruption in the functioning of our information technology systems could damage our reputation, and cause us to lose clients, adversely impact our operations, sales, and operating results, and require us to incur significant expense and divert resources to address and remediate or otherwise resolve such issues. Additionally, in order to maintain the level of security, service, and reliability that our clients require, we may be required to make significant additional investments in our information technology system.
Improper disclosure of confidential, personal, or proprietary data could result in regulatory scrutiny, legal liability, or harm to our reputation.
One of our significant responsibilities is to maintain the security and privacy of our employees’ and clients’ confidential and proprietary information, including confidential information about our clients’ and employees’ compensation, medical information, and other personally identifiable information. We maintain policies, procedures, and technological safeguards designed to protect the security and privacy of this information. Nonetheless, we cannot eliminate the risk of human error, employee or vendor malfeasance, or cyber-attacks that could result in improper access to or disclosure of confidential, personal, or proprietary information. Such access or disclosure could harm our reputation and subject us to liability under our contracts and laws and regulations that protect personal data, resulting in increased costs, fines, loss of revenue, and loss of clients. The release of confidential information as a result of a security breach could also lead to litigation or other proceedings against us by affected individuals or business partners, or by regulators, and the outcome of such proceedings, which could include penalties or fines, could have a significant negative impact on our business.
In many jurisdictions, including in the European UnionE.U. and the U.S., we are subject to laws and regulations relating to the collection, use, retention, security, and transfer of this information. These laws and regulations are frequently changing and are becoming increasingly complex and sometimes conflict among the various jurisdictions and countries in which we provide services both in terms of substance and in terms of enforceability. This makes compliance challenging and expensive. Additionally, certain jurisdictions’ regulations include notice provisions that may require us to inform affected clients or employees in the event of a breach of confidential information before we fully understand or appreciate the extent of the breach. These notice provisions

present operational challenges and related risk. In particular, in 2021 there have been a number of new privacy laws around the globe including China, Brazil and significant privacy rulings in the E.U. relating to the “Schrems II” case, which imposed significant changes to the way companies export personal data from the E.U. We have had to implement new requirements set out in these laws within our business before the effective date causing distraction from other aspects of our business. This new guidance issued to firms by the European Union’s GDPRRegulators has and will go intocontinue to require significant time to implement and may require significant effort to review and effect in May 2018. Despite our effortsapplicable changes to bring practices into compliance before the GDPR’s effective date, we may not be successful either due to internal or external factors, such as a lack of vendor cooperation.IT systems and transfer methods. Non-compliance with new
24


and existing laws could result in proceedings against us by governmental entities or others and additional costs in connection therewith. We may also experience difficulty retaining or obtainingexpect additional jurisdictions to continue to adopt new European or multi-national customers dueprivacy regulations and there to thebe amendments to existing regulations as governments continue to legislate in respect of personal data. We have and will continue to incur expenses and devote resources to bring our practices into compliance cost, potential risk exposure,with these regulations and difficulty in negotiating the allocation of risk related to the handling of data. Compliance with the GDPR may also cause distraction from other aspects of our business.future regulations. Our failure to adhere tocomply with or successfully implement processes in response to changing regulatory requirements in this area could result in legal liability, result in proceedings or fines against us by governmental entities or others, or impair our reputation in the marketplace. Further, regulatory initiatives in the area of data protection are more frequently including provisions allowing authorities to impose substantial fines and penalties, and therefore, failure to comply could also have a significant financial impact.
Our business performance and growth plans could be negatively affected if we are not able to develop, implement, update, and enhance technology-based solutions to support our business operations or if we are not able to effectively apply technology in drivingdrive value for our clients through innovation and technology-based solutions or gain internal efficiencies through the effective application of technology and related tools. Conversely, investments in innovative product offerings may fail to yield sufficient return to cover their investments.solutions.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to developenhance and implement the technology solutions that anticipatesystems necessary to operate our businesses and keep pace withto achieve intended efficiencies and improvements. We may not be successful in anticipating or responding to rapid and continuing changes in technology, industry standards and client preferences. We may not be successful in anticipating or responding to these developments on a timely and cost-effective basis, and our ideas may not be accepted in the marketplace. Additionally, theThe effort to gain technological expertise, and develop new technologies in our business, requiresand achieve internal efficiencies through technology require us to incur significant expenses.
We also make investments in technology-based solutions, including data and analytics solutions, for our clients. If we cannot offer new technologiesinnovate as quickly as our competitors, or if our competitors develop more cost-effective technologies, or if our ideas are not accepted in the marketplace, it could have a material adverse effect on our ability to obtain and complete client engagements. For example, we have invested significantly in the development of our proprietary databases,data and analytics tools including repositories of global insurance and reinsurance placement information, which we use to drive results for our clients in the insurance and reinsurance placement process. Our competitors are developing competing databases,data and analytics tools, and their success in this space may impact our ability to differentiate our services to our clients through the use of unique technological solutions. Innovations in software, cloud computing, data and analytics or other technologies that alter how our services are delivered could significantly undermine our investment in thisthe business if we are slow to innovate or unable to take advantage of these developments.
Risks Related to Being an Irish-incorporated Company
We are continually developingincorporated in Ireland, and investingIrish law differs from the laws in innovative and novel service offerings that we believe will address needs that we identify in the markets. Nevertheless, for those efforts to produce meaningful value, we are reliant on a number of other factors, some of which our outside of our control. For example, our Health Solutions revenue line has invested substantial time and resources in launching health care exchanges under the belief that these exchanges will serve a useful role in helping corporations and individualseffect in the U.S. manage their growing health care expenses. In order for these exchangesand may afford less protection to be successful, health care insurers and corporate and individual participants have to deem them suitable, and whether those parties will find them suitable will be subject to their own particular circumstances.
We rely on third parties to perform key functionsholders of our business operations enablingsecurities.
It may not be possible to enforce court judgments obtained in the U.S. against us in Ireland, based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal or state securities laws. In addition, there is some uncertainty as to whether the courts of Ireland would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our provisiondirectors or officers based on the civil liabilities provisions of services to our clients. These third parties may actthe U.S. federal or state securities laws or hear actions against us or those persons based on those laws. We have been advised that the U.S. currently does not have a treaty with Ireland providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in ways that could harm our business.civil and commercial matters. Therefore, a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any U.S. federal or state court based on civil liability, whether or not based solely on U.S. federal or state securities laws, would not automatically be enforceable in Ireland.
We rely on third parties, andAs an Irish company, we are governed by the Irish Companies Act, which differs in some cases subcontractors,material respects from laws generally applicable to provide services, data,U.S. corporations and information such as technology, information security, funds transfers, data processing,shareholders, including, among others, differences relating to interested director and administrationofficer transactions and support functions thatshareholder lawsuits. Likewise, the duties of directors and officers of an Irish company generally are criticalowed to the operationscompany only. Shareholders of our business. These third parties include correspondents, agents and other brokerage and intermediaries, insurance markets, data providers, plan trustees, payroll service providers, benefits administrators, software and system vendors, health plan providers, investment managers and providers of human resource, among others. As weIrish companies generally do not fully controlhave a personal right of action against directors or officers of the actionscompany and may exercise such rights of these third parties, we are subject to the risk that their decisions, actions, or inactions may adversely impact us and replacing these service providers could create significant delay and expense. A failure by third parties to comply with service level agreements or regulatory or legal requirements, in a high quality and timely manner, particularly during periods of our peak demand for their services, could result in economic and reputational harm to us. In addition, these third parties face their own technology, operating, business, and economic risks, and any significant failures by them, including the improper use or disclosure of our confidential client, employee, or company information, could cause harm to our reputation. An interruption in or the cessation of service by any service provider as a result of systems failures, capacity constraints, financial difficulties, or for any other reason could disrupt our operations, impact our ability to offer certain products and services, and result in contractual or regulatory penalties, liability claims from clients and/or employees, damage to our reputation, and harm to our business.
Our business is exposed to risks associated with the handling of client funds.
Certain of our businesses collect premiums from insureds and remits the premiums to the respective insurers. We also collect claims or refunds from insurersaction on behalf of insureds, which are then remitted to the insureds. Consequently, at any given time, we may be holding and managing fundscompany only in limited circumstances. Accordingly, holders of our clients. This function createssecurities may have more difficulty protecting their interests than would holders of securities of a riskcorporation incorporated in a jurisdiction of loss arising from, among other things, fraud by employees or third parties, execution of unauthorized transactions, errors relating to transaction processing, or other

cybersecurity events or security breaches. We are also potentially at risk in the event the financial institution in which we hold these funds suffers any kind of insolvency or liquidity event. The occurrence of any of these types of events in connection with this function could cause us financial loss and reputational harm.U.S.
In connection withaddition, depending on the implementation of our corporate strategies, we face risks associated withcircumstances, the acquisition, ownership and/or disposition of businesses, the entry into new lines of business, the integration of acquired businesses, and the growth and development of these businesses.
In pursuing our corporate strategy, we often acquire other businessesordinary shares may subject shareholders to different or dispose of or exit businesses we currently own. The success of this strategy is dependent upon our ability to identify appropriate acquisition and disposition targets, negotiate transactions on favorable terms, complete transactions and, in the case of acquisitions, successfully integrate them into our existing businesses. If a proposed transaction is not consummated, the time and resources spent pursuing it could adversely result in missed opportunities to locate and acquire other businesses. If acquisitions are made, there can be no assurance that we will realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions,additional tax consequences under Irish law including, but not limited to, revenue growth, operational efficiencies,Irish stamp duty, dividend withholding tax and capital acquisitions tax.
As an Irish public limited company, certain capital structure decisions regarding the Company will require the approval of shareholders, which may limit the Company’s flexibility to manage its capital structure.
Irish law generally provides that a board of directors may allot and issue shares (or rights to subscribe for or expected synergies. Ifconvert into shares) if authorized to do so by a company’s constitution or by an ordinary resolution of shareholders. Such authorization may
25


be granted in respect of up to the entirety of a company’s authorized but unissued share capital and for a maximum period of five years, at which point it must be renewed by another ordinary resolution. The Company’s constitution authorizes our directors to allot shares up to the maximum of the Company’s authorized but unissued share capital for a period of five years from March 31, 2020. This authorization will need to be renewed by ordinary resolution upon its expiration and at periodic intervals thereafter. Under Irish law, an allotment authority may be given for up to five years at each renewal, but governance considerations may result in renewals for shorter periods or in respect of less than the maximum permitted number of shares being sought or approved.
Irish law also generally provides shareholders with statutory pre-emption rights when new shares are issued for cash. However, it is possible for such statutory pre-emption rights to be dis-applied in a company’s constitution or by a special resolution of shareholders. Such dis-application of pre-emption rights may be given in respect of up to the entirety of a company’s authorized but unissued share capital and for a maximum period of five years, at which point it must be renewed by another special resolution. The Company’s constitution dis-applies statutory pre-emption rights up to the maximum of the Company’s authorized but unissued share capital for a period of five years from March 31, 2020. This dis-application will need to be renewed by special resolution upon its expiration and at periodic intervals thereafter. Under Irish law, a dis-application of statutory pre-emption rights may be given for up to five years at each renewal, but governance considerations may result in renewals for shorter periods or in respect of less than the maximum permitted number of unissued shares being sought or approved.
Irish law requires us to have available “distributable profits” to pay dividends to shareholder and generally to make share repurchases and redemptions.
Under Irish law, we disposemay only pay dividends and, generally, make share repurchases and redemptions from distributable profits. Distributable profits may be created through the earnings of the Company or otherwise exitother methods (including certain businesses,intra-group reorganizations involving the capitalization of the Company’s un-distributable profits and their subsequent reduction). While it is our intention to maintain a sufficient level of distributable profits in order to pay dividends on our ordinary shares and make share repurchases, there can beis no assurance that we will not incur certain disposition related charges, or that we will be able to reduce overhead related to the divested assets.
From time to time, either through acquisitions or internal development, we enter new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. These new lines of business or new products and services present the Company with additional risks, particularly in instances wherewill maintain the markets are not fully developed. Such risks include the investment of significant time and resources; the possibility that these efforts will be not be successful; the possibility that the marketplace does not accept our products or services or that we are unable to retain clients that adopt our new products or services; and the risk of additional liabilities associated with these efforts. In addition, many of the businesses that we acquire and develop will likely have significantly smaller scales of operations prior to the implementation of our growth strategy. If we are not able to manage the growing complexity of these businesses, including improving, refining, or revising our systems and operational practices, and enlarging the scale and scope of the businesses, our business may be adversely affected. Other risks include developing knowledge of and experience in the new business, integrating the acquired business into our systems and culture, recruiting professionals, and developing and capitalizing on new relationships with experienced market participants. External factors, such as compliance with new or revised regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business. Failure to manage these risks in the acquisition or development of new businesses could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We are subject to various risks and uncertainties in connection with the sale of our Benefits Administration and HR Business Process Outsourcing business.
On February 9, 2017, we entered into a Purchase Agreement with Tempo Acquisition, LLC to sell our Divested Business to the Buyer, an entity controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. On May 1, 2017, the transaction was consummated and the Buyer purchased all of the outstanding equity interests in each of the Divested Business’s subsidiaries, plus certain related assets, for a purchase price of (i) $4.3 billion in cash paid at closing, subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement, and (ii) deferred consideration of up to $500 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. Cash proceeds from the sale, before taxes and after customary adjustments as set forth in the Purchase Agreement, were $4.2 billion.
This transaction carries inherent risks, including the risk that Aon will not earn the $500 million of additional consideration or otherwise realize the intended value of the transaction, as well as risks connected with separating the Divested Business from Aon. Because the Divested Business represented 19% of our gross revenues for the fiscal year 2016, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected, or may not be accretive to adjusted earnings per share as anticipated, if we fail to effectively reduce our overhead costs to reflect the reduced scale of operations or fail to grow our other business as expected. Additionally, the separation of the Divested Businesses from the rest of Aon’s business requires significant resources, which may disrupt operations or divert management’s attention from Aon’s day-today operations and efforts to grow our other businesses. We are party to a transition services agreement with the Buyer under which we provide certain services to the Buyer and the Buyer provides certain systems or services to us.  There are risks associated with this transition services agreement, particularly as we transition off of the Buyer’s systems and services and initiate our own new systems and processes, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Furthermore, we have entered into ongoing commercial arrangements with the Buyer.  If we do not realize the intended benefits of these arrangements, it could affect our results of operations or adversely affect our relationship with clients, partners, colleagues and other third parties.  Additionally, if the Divested Business does not deliver thenecessary level of servicedistributable profits to which our clients and partners are accustomed, it could adversely affect our relationships with such third parties.do so.

Our results may be adversely affected by changes in the mode of compensation in the insurance industry.
In the past, the Attorney General of the State of New York brought charges against members of the insurance brokerage community. These actions have created uncertainty concerning longstanding methods of compensating insurance brokers. Given that the insurance brokerage industry has faced scrutiny from regulators in the past over its compensation practices, it is possible that regulators may choose to revisit the same or other practices in the future. If they do so, compliance with new regulations along with any sanctions that might be imposed for past practices deemed improper could have an adverse impact on our future results of operations and inflict significant reputational harm on our business.
Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares
Transfers of the Class A Ordinary Shares may be subject to stamp duty or SDRT in the U.K., which would increase the cost of dealing in the Class A Ordinary Shares.
Stamp duty reserve taxes (“SDRT”) are imposed in the U.K. on certain transfers of chargeable securities (which include shares in companies incorporated in the U.K.) at a rate of 0.5 percent of the consideration paid for the transfer. Certain transfers of shares to depositaries or into clearance systems are charged at a higher rate of 1.5 percent.
Our Class A Ordinary Shares are eligible to be held in book entry form through the facilities of Depository Trust Company (“DTC”). Transfers of shares held in book entry form through DTC will not attract a charge to stamp duty or SDRT in the U.K. A transfer of the shares from within the DTC system out of DTC and any subsequent transfers that occur entirely outside the DTC system will attract a charge to stamp duty at a rate of 0.5 percent of any consideration, which is payable by the transferee of the shares. Any such duty must be paid (and the relevant transfer document stamped by Her Majesty’s Revenues and Customs (“HMRC”)) before the transfer can be registered in the books of Aon. If those shares are redeposited into DTC, the redeposit will attract stamp duty or SDRT at a rate of 1.5 percent of the value of the shares.
We have put in place arrangements to require that shares held in certificated form cannot be transferred into the DTC system until the transferor of the shares has first delivered the shares to a depository specified by us so that SDRT may be collected in connection with the initial delivery to the depository. Any such shares will be evidenced by a receipt issued by the depository. Before the transfer can be registered in our books, the transferor will also be required to put in the depository funds to settle the resultant liability to SDRT, which will be charged at a rate of 1.5 percent of the value of the shares.
Following the decision of the First Tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) in HSBC Holdings plc, The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation v HMRC 2012 UKFTT 163 (TC) and the announcement by HMRC that it will not seek to appeal the decision, HMRC is no longer enforcing the charge to SDRT on the issue of shares into either EU or non-EU depository receipt or clearance systems.
If the Class A Ordinary Shares are not eligible for continued deposit and clearing within the facilities of DTC, then transactions in our securities may be disrupted.
The facilities of DTC are a widely-used mechanism that allow for rapid electronic transfers of securities between the participants in the DTC system, which include many large banks and brokerage firms. We believe that prior to the Redomestication, approximately 99% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Aon Corporation were held within the DTC system. The Class A Ordinary Shares of Aon plc are, at present, eligible for deposit and clearing within the DTC system. In connection with the closing of the Redomestication, we entered into arrangements with DTC whereby we agreed to indemnify DTC for any stamp duty and/or SDRT that may be assessed upon it as a result of its service as a depository and clearing agency for our Class A Ordinary Shares. In addition, we have obtained a ruling from HMRC in respect of the stamp duty and SDRT consequences of the reorganization, and SDRT has been paid in accordance with the terms of this ruling in respect of the deposit of Class A Ordinary Shares with the initial depository. DTC will generally have discretion to cease to act as a depository and clearing agency for the Class A Ordinary Shares. If DTC determines at any time that the Class A Ordinary Shares are not eligible for continued deposit and clearance within its facilities, then we believe the Class A Ordinary Shares would not be eligible for continued listing on a U.S. securities exchange or inclusion in the S&P 500 and trading in the Class A Ordinary Shares would be disrupted. While we would pursue alternative arrangements to preserve our listing and maintain trading, any such disruption could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of the Class A Ordinary Shares.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments
None.


Item 2.    Properties
We have offices in various locations throughout the world. Substantially all of our offices are located in leased premises. We maintain our corporate headquarters at 122 LeadenhallMetropolitan Building, James Joyce Street, London, England,Dublin 1, Ireland, where we occupy approximately 190,00043,000 square feet of space under an operating lease agreement that expires in 2034. We own one significant building at Pallbergweg 2-4, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (150,000 square feet).2032. The following are additional significant leased properties, along with the occupied square footage and expiration.
Property:Occupied
Square Footage
Lease
Expiration Dates
200 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois312,0002028
165 Broadway, New York, New York217,0002028
122 Leadenhall Street, London, England178,0002034
4 Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, Illinois174,0002024
Property:
Occupied
Square Footage
 
Lease
Expiration Dates
200 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois406,000
 2028
199 Water Street, New York, New York (1)
319,000
 2018
(1)In August 2018, Aon will move to 1 Liberty Plaza, New York, New York. The Company has signed a 10 year lease for 240,000 square feet to replace the 199 Water Street location.
In general, noAs leases expire, we do not anticipate difficulty is anticipated in negotiating renewals as leases expire or in finding other satisfactory space if the premises becomepremise becomes unavailable. We believe that the facilities we currently occupy are adequate for the purposes for which they are being used and are well maintained. In certain circumstances, we may have unused space and may seek to sublet such space to third parties, depending upon the demands for office space in the locations involved. Due to COVID-19, the vast majority of colleagues are working remotely. We continue to be fully operational and to reoccupy certain offices in phases, where deemed appropriate and in compliance with governmental restrictions considering the impact on health and safety of our colleagues, their families, and our clients, and we have restricted or minimized access to offices where appropriate to support the health and safety of our colleagues. See Note 98 “Lease Commitments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for information with respect to our lease commitments as of December 31, 2017.2021.
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings
We hereby incorporate by reference Note 16 “Commitments15 “Claims, Lawsuits, and Other Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.
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Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.

27



Information about our Executive Officers of the Registrant
The executive officers of Aon, as of February 20, 201818, 2022 unless otherwise noted, their business experience during a period of the last five years or longer, and their ages and positions held are set forth below.
NameAgePosition
Eric Andersen5357Chief Executive Officer, Aon Benfield.President. Mr. Andersen joined Aon in 1997 upon the completion of the acquisition of Minet. Mr. Andersen has served in a variety of roles at Aon during his 19 yearsmore than 20 year career at the Company,Aon, including as Chief Executive Officer of Aon Risk Solutions Americas from 2011 to 2013. Mr. Andersen was named2013, and Chief Executive Officer of Aon Benfield infrom September 2013 to May 2018. Mr. Andersen was appointed Co-President of the Company in May 2018 and an Executive Officerbecame President in February 2017.
John Bruno52Chief Operations Officer.  Mr. Bruno joined Aon in September 2014 as Executive Vice President, Enterprise Innovation & Chief Information Officer and2020. He was named an Executive Officer in February 2017 and Chief Operations Officer in April 2017.  Prior to joining Aon, Mr. Bruno held various positions at NCR Corporation, a technology company focused on assisted and self service solutions, from 2008 to 2014, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President, Industry & Field Operations and Corporate Development.  Prior to working at NCR, Mr. Bruno served in various technology positions at Goldman Sachs Group, Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. and Symbol Technologies, Inc.
Gregory C. Case5559President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Case became President and Chief Executive Officer of Aon in April 2005. He also served as Aon’s President from April 2005 to May 2018. Prior to joining Aon, Mr. Case was a partner with McKinsey & Company, the internationala global management consulting firm, for 17 years, most recently serving as head of the Financial Services Practice. He previously was responsible for McKinsey’s Global Insurance Practice and was a member of McKinsey’s governing Shareholders’ Committee. Prior to joining McKinsey, Mr. Case was withworked for the investment banking firm of Piper, Jaffray and Hopwood and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
Christa Davies4650Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Davies became Executive Vice President - Global Finance in November 2007. In March 2008, Ms. Davies assumed the additional role of Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Aon, Ms. Davies served for 5 years in various capacities at Microsoft Corporation, an international software company, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer of the Platform and Services Division. Before joining Microsoft in 2002, Ms. Davies served at ninemsn, an Australian joint venture with Microsoft.
Anthony GolandMichael Neller5843Executive Vice PresidentChief Accounting Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer.Global Controller. Mr. GolandNeller joined Aon in September 2015August 2011 as Executiveits Vice President, Technical Accounting and Chief Human Resources Officer. PriorPolicy. From December 2011 to February 2018, Mr. Neller served as Aon’s Deputy Global Controller. In this role, he was responsible for Aon’s Latin America and North America regions, as well as global accounting policy, corporate accounting, and external reporting. Before joining Aon, Mr. Goland spent 30 years at McKinsey & Company, Inc., a global management consulting firm where he was a leader of the firm’s financial services, financial inclusion, and organization practices. PriorNeller served from July 2009 to McKinsey, he had experience with J.P. Morgan and IBM, and before that he volunteered and servedAugust 2011 as a SergeantSenior Manager of KPMG LLP, an international public accounting firm, in the U.S. Army.
Cary Grace49Chief Executive Officer, Global Retirement & Investment. Ms. Grace joined Aon in April 2012 as Presidentits Department of Aon Hewitt’s Strategy and Solutions group and served as the CEO of Aon’s Health Exchange Solutions prior to assuming her current role in January 2016.  SheProfessional Practice (National Office). He was named an executive officer in May 2017. Before joining Aon, Ms. Grace spent more than 20 years with Bank of America and a predecessor to JPMorgan in various business leadership positions including leading the institutional asset advisory and mass affluent businesses.
Peter Lieb62Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Company Secretary. Mr. Lieb was named Aon’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel in July 2009 and Company Secretary in November 2013. Prior to joining Aon, Mr. Lieb served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of NCR Corporation, a technology company focused on assisted and self-service solutions, from May 2006 to July 2009, and as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Symbol Technologies, Inc. from 2003 to 2006. From 1997 to 2003, Mr. Lieb served in various senior legal positions at International Paper Company, including Vice President and Deputy General Counsel. Earlier in his career, Mr. Lieb served as a law clerk to the Honorable Warren E. Burger, Chief Justice of the United States.
Laurel Meissner60Senior Vice President and Global Controller. Ms. Meissner joined Aon in February 2009, and was appointed Senior Vice President and Global Controller and designatedin February 2018.
James Platt50Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Platt joined Aon in September 2014 as Aon’s principal accounting officer in March 2009. Prior to joining Aon, Ms. Meissner served from July 2008 through January 2009 as Senior Vice President, Finance,the Chief AccountingExecutive Officer of Motorola, Inc., an international communications company. Ms. Meissner joined Motorola in 2000Aon Inpoint and Head of Data & Analytics for Aon Risk Solutions and served in various senior financial positions, including Corporate Vice President, Finance, Chief Accounting Officer.
Michael O’Connor49Chief Executive Officer, Aon Risk Solutions.that role until December 2016. From January 2017 through June 2019, Mr. O’Connor joined Aon in 2008Platt served as the Chief Operating Officer of Aon Risk Solutions, and was later namedthen from June 2019 through September 2020, as the Company’s Global Solution Lines Chief RiskOperating Officer. From September 2020 to June 2021, Mr. Platt served as Aon’s Business Chief Operating Officer Aon Risk Solutions and Aon Benfield. In 2013, he was named Chief Executive Officer, Aon Risk Solutions and was namedappointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company in June 2021.
Jillian Slyfield49
Chief Innovation Officer. Ms. Slyfield joined Aon in November 2015 as an Account Executive and later served as the Resident Sales Director for San Francisco until her appointment to Managing Director, Digital Economy Practice Leader in 2018. Ms. Slyfield was appointed Chief Innovation Officer of Aon in February 2017. December 2021.Prior to joining Aon Mr. O’Connor was a partnerin 2015, Ms. Slyfield held client executive and commercial insurance executive positions at McKinsey & Company, where he served as a leader for the North America Financial ServicesMarsh and North AmericanWells Fargo Insurance practices.Services.
John ZernLisa Stevens5152Chief ExecutivePeople Officer Aonand Head of Global Health. Mr. ZernHuman Capital Solutions. Ms. Stevens joined Aon in 2003December 2018 as the U.S. Health Leader forGlobal Executive Vice President and was named as Chief People Officer in October 2019. Prior to joining Aon, Risk Solutions. He hasMs. Stevens held a variety of roles during her 29-year career at Wells Fargo, most recently as Executive Vice President where she led the Western Region for the Community Bank.
Andy Weitz45Chief Marketing Officer. Mr. Weitz joined Aon in 2014 as Senior Vice President for Global Marketing and Communications. Before joining Aon, Mr. Weitz was President and CEO of the U.S. region for Hill + Knowlton Strategies, a global strategic communications consultancy. Prior to Hill + Knowlton, Mr. Weitz worked at Marsh, Inc., a global insurance brokerage, and served in various roles at Trilogy, Inc. a software company.
Darren Zeidel50General Counsel and Company Secretary. Mr. Zeidel was named General Counsel and Company Secretary in July 2019. Prior to this Mr. Zeidel held several leadership positions acrossroles with Aon, Risk Solutionsincluding as Deputy General Counsel immediately prior to his appointment; Global Chief Counsel - Corporate, Retirement & Investment and Health Exchanges from 2017 to 2019; and Global Chief Counsel of Aon Hewitt over his 16 years at the Company.  In 2015, Mr. Zern was named Chief Executive Officer of Aon Global Health and was named an Executive Officer in May 2017. Prior toupon joining Aon in 2012 to 2017. Before this Mr. Zeidel worked for Honeywell, where he held several client and people leadership positionsbusiness segment general counsel roles in the U.S. healthaerospace strategic business of Marsh & McLennan Companiesunit and at Aetna Health Plans.Honeywell UOP LLC. Mr. Zeidel began his career as an Associate in the Mergers and Acquisitions group in the New York office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP.

28



PART II
Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our Classclass A Ordinary Shares,ordinary shares, $0.01 nominal value per share, are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The following table sets forthNYSE under the ranges of high and low sales prices per share of our ordinary shares as reported on the NYSE and the cash dividends per share of common stock paid for the two most recent fiscal years:
  Years Ended December 31
  2017 2016
  High Low Dividends paid per share High Low Dividends paid per share
Fourth quarter $152.78
 $133.11
 $0.36
 $116.59
 $107.19
 $0.33
Third quarter $147.66
 $132.38
 $0.36
 $113.78
 $105.35
 $0.33
Second quarter $137.28
 $117.41
 $0.36
 $110.04
 $100.55
 $0.33
First quarter $119.88
 $109.82
 $0.33
 $104.76
 $83.83
 $0.30
trading symbol AON.
On February 16, 2018,17, 2022, the last reported sale price of our ordinary shares as reported by the NYSE was $140.86$281.04 per share. We have approximately 213403 holders of record of our Classclass A Ordinary Sharesordinary shares as of February 16, 2018.17, 2022.
The following information relates to the repurchases of equity securities by Aon or any affiliated purchaser during any month within the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report:
PeriodTotal Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share (1)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1) (2)
10/1/21 – 10/31/211,305,162 $305.71 1,305,162 $3,321,244,884 
11/1/21 – 11/30/214,004,487 $298.47 4,004,487 $2,126,024,122 
12/1/21 – 12/31/211,372,594 $295.62 1,372,594 $1,720,253,713 
6,682,243 $299.30 6,682,243 $1,720,253,713 
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased 
Average Price Paid per Share (1)
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)
 
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1) (2)
10/1/17 – 10/31/17 1,176,659
 $148.39
 1,176,659
 $5,745,379,322
11/1/17 – 11/30/17 1,180,611
 $141.15
 1,180,611
 $5,578,732,712
12/1/17 – 12/31/17 1,156,382
 $137.24
 1,156,382
 $5,420,032,577
  3,513,652
 $142.29
 3,513,652
  
(1)Does not include commissions or other costs paid to repurchase shares.
(1)Does not include commissions or other costs paid to repurchase shares.
(2)
Aon has a share repurchase program authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Repurchase Program”). The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with up to $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases, and was increased by $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014 and February 2017 for a total of $15.0 billion in repurchase authorizations. During the fourth quarter of 2017, we repurchased 3.5 million shares at an average price per share of $142.29 for a total cost of $500 million.Included in the 3.5 million shares repurchased was 118,000 shares, which are included in the above table, that did not settle until January 2018. These shares were settled at an average price per share of $134.41 and total cost of $15.9 million.
(2)The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases and was increased by $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014, June 2017, and November 2020, and by $7.5 billion in authorized repurchases in February 2022 for a total of $27.5 billion in repurchase authorizations.
Information relating to the compensation plans under which equity securities of Aon are authorized for issuance is set forth under Part III, Item 12 “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this report and is incorporated herein by reference.
We did not make any unregistered sales of equity in 2017.

2021.

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data
As described in Note 3 “Discontinued Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we have classified the results of the Divested Business as discontinued operations. Amounts below have been amended to reflect this classification. [Reserve]
29
(millions, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Income Statement Data          
Total revenue from continuing operations $9,998
 $9,409
 $9,480
 $9,892
 $9,670
Income from continuing operations 435
 1,253
 1,253
 1,312
 957
Income from discontinued operations 828
 177
 169
 119
 191
Net income 1,263
 1,430
 1,422
 1,431
 1,148
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 37
 34
 37
 34
 35
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,226
 $1,396
 $1,385
 $1,397
 $1,113
Basic Net Income Per Share Attributable to Aon Shareholders          
Continuing operations $1.54
 $4.55
 $4.33
 $4.32
 $2.96
Discontinued operations 3.20
 0.66
 0.60
 0.40
 0.61
Net income $4.74
 $5.21
 $4.93
 $4.73
 $3.57
Diluted Net Income Per Share Attributable to Aon Shareholders 

 

 

    
Continuing operations $1.53
 $4.51
 $4.28
 $4.27
 $2.92
Discontinued operations 3.17
 0.65
 0.60
 0.40
 0.61
Net income $4.70
 $5.16
 $4.88
 $4.66
 $3.53
Balance Sheet Data          
Fiduciary assets (1)
 $9,625
 $8,959
 $9,465
 $11,026
 $11,509
Intangible assets including goodwill $10,091
 $9,300
 $8,795
 $9,338
 $9,365
Total assets $26,088
 $26,615
 $26,883
 $29,572
 $30,060
Long-term debt $5,667
 $5,869
 $5,138
 $4,768
 $3,666
Total equity $4,648
 $5,532
 $6,059
 $6,527
 $8,091
Class A Ordinary Shares and Other Data          
Dividends paid per share $1.41
 $1.29
 $1.15
 $0.92
 $0.68
At year-end:          
Market price, per share $134.00
 $111.53
 $92.21
 $94.83
 $83.89
Shares outstanding 247.6
 262.0
 269.8
 280.0
 300.7
(1)Represents insurance premium receivables from clients as well as cash and investments held in a fiduciary capacity.




Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF 20172021 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Aon plc is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, health, and wealth solutions. Through our experience, global reach, and comprehensive analytics, we are better able to help clients meet rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and interconnected challenges. We are committed to accelerating innovation to address unmet and evolving client needs, so that provides adviceour clients are better informed, better advised, and solutionsable to clientsmake better decisions to protect and grow their business. Management is focused on risk, retirement, and health, delivering distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Management is leading a set of initiatives designed to strengthenstrengthening Aon and uniteuniting the firm with one portfolio of capability enabled by proprietary data and analytics and one operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity, and efficiency. The divestiture of the benefits administration and business process outsourcing in the second quarter of 2017 represents the next step of our strategy, reinforces our focus to provide advice and solutions, and further aligns our portfolio around our clients’ highest priorities. Further, it reinforces our ROIC decision-making process and emphasis on operating cash flow.
Discontinued Operations
On February 9, 2017, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement with Tempo Acquisition, LLC to sell the Divested Business to the Buyer, an entity formed and controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P., and certain designated purchasers that are direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Buyer.
On May 1, 2017, the Buyer purchased all of the outstanding equity interests in each of the Divested Business’ subsidiaries, plus certain related assets and liabilities, for a purchase price of $4.3 billion in cash paid at closing, subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement, and deferred consideration of up to $500 million. Cash proceeds after customary adjustments and before taxes due were $4.2 billion.
Aon and the Buyer entered into certain transaction related agreements at the closing, including two commercial agreements, a transition services agreement, certain intellectual property license agreements, sub-leases and other customary agreements. Aon expects to continue to be a significant client of the Divested Business and the Divested Business has agreed to use Aon for its broking and other services for a specified period of time.
In the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a gain on sale, net of taxes, of $779 million and a non-cash impairment charge to its tradenames associated with the Divested Business of $380 million as these assets were not sold to the Buyer. Additionally, effective May 1, 2017, consistent with operating as one segment, the Company has implemented a three-year strategy to transition to a unified Aon brand. As a result, Aon commenced amortization of all indefinite lived tradenames and prospectively accelerated amortization of its finite lived tradenames over the three-year period. The accelerated amortization and impairment charge are included in Amortization and impairment of intangible assets on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Financial Results
The following is a summary of our 20172021 financial results from continuing operations:results:
Revenue increased 6%$1.1 billion, or 10%, or $589 million, to $10.0$12.2 billion in 20172021 compared to 2016,2020, reflecting 4%9% organic revenue growth and a 2% increase related to acquisitions,favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a 1% unfavorable impact from divestitures, net of divestitures. Organic revenue growth for the year was driven by growth across every major revenue line, with particular strength in Reinsurance Solutions, Health Solutions, and Data & Analytic Servicesacquisitions.
Operating expenses increased $1.2$1.8 billion, or 16%22%, to $9.0$10.1 billion in 20172021 compared to 20162020 due primarily to $497 million of restructuringa $1.3 billion increase in charges related to terminating the combination with WTW and related costs, a $380 million non-cash impairment charge to the indefinite lived tradenamesincreased expenses associated with the sale of the Divested Business,9% organic revenue growth, and a $258$195 million increaseunfavorable impact from translating prior year period results at current period foreign exchange rates (“foreign currency translation”), partially offset by a $72 million decrease in expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, $143 million of accelerated amortization related to certain tradenames and an increasethat were fully amortized in expense associated with 4% organic revenue growth, partially offset by $165 millionthe second quarter of savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives2020 and a $92$58 million decrease in expenses related to certain pension settlements.divestitures, net of acquisitions.
Operating margin decreased to 9.8%17.1% in 20172021 from 17.4%25.1% in 2016.2020. The decrease in operating margin from the prior year is primarilywas driven by an increase in operating expenses describedas listed above, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 4% and core operational improvement.9%.
Due to the factors set forth above, Net income from continuing operations was $435 million$1.3 billion in 2017,2021, a decrease of $818 million,$0.7 billion, or 65%35%, from 2016.2020.
Diluted earnings per share decreased 34% to $5.55 per share during the twelve months of 2021 compared to $8.45 per share for the prior year period.
Cash flowflows provided by operating activities was $669 million$2.2 billion in 2017,2021, a decrease of $1.2$0.6 billion, or 63%22%, from $1.8$2.8 billion in 2016,2020, primarily due primarily to cash taxthe $1 billion termination fee payment and additional payments of approximately $940 million associated with the Divested Business, $280 million of cash payments for restructuring charges, and $45 million of transaction costs related to terminating the Divested Business,combination with WTW, partially offset by operational improvement.


strong revenue growth.
We focus on four key non-GAAP metrics not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP that we communicate to shareholders: organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margins,margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow. These non-GAAP metrics should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.Statements. The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics from continuing operations for 2017:2021:
Organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Organic Revenue Growth,” was 4%9% in 2017, comparable2021, compared to 4%1% organic growth in the prior year. Organic revenue growth was driven by growth across every major revenue line, with particular strength in Reinsurance Solutions, Health Solutions, and Data & Analytic Services.
Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Operating Margin,” was 23.4%30.1% in 2017,2021, compared to 21.6%28.5% in the prior year. The increase in adjusted operating margin primarily reflects 9% organic revenue growth and a favorable impact from foreign currency translation of 4%, core operational improvement, and $165 million of savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives.$63 million.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share, from continuing operations, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share,” was $6.52$12.00 per share in 2017,2021, an increase of $0.94$2.19 per share, or 17%22%, from $5.58$9.81 per share in 2016.2020. The increase demonstrates solidin adjusted diluted earnings per share primarily reflects strong operational performance and effective capital management, highlighted by a record $2.4$3.5 billion of share repurchase during 2017, partially offset by2021, and a higher effective tax rate and losses recognized in other expense.favorable impact from foreign currency translation.
Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Free Cash Flow,” was $486 million$2.0 billion in 2017,2021, a decrease of $1.2 billion,$597 million, or 71%23%, from $1.7$2.6 billion in 2016. The decrease in free cash flow from the prior year was driven by2020, reflecting a decrease in cash flowflows from operations, partially offset by a $4 million decrease in capital expenditures.
30


BUSINESS OVERVIEW
In the third quarter of $1.2 billion2021, we announced a realignment of our principal service lines to the following: Commercial Risk Solutions, Reinsurance Solutions, Health Solutions, and Wealth Solutions. Realignment to these four solution lines results in the following changes in the presentation of our principal service line reporting:
Data & Analytic Services’ revenue and organic revenue results, which were previously reported as a separate principal service line and include Affinity, Aon Inpoint, CoverWallet, and ReView, are included within Commercial Risk Solutions.
Human Capital, which was previously reported within Retirement Solutions, is included within Health Solutions’ revenue and organic revenue results.
Wealth Solutions includes revenue and organic revenue results for all businesses previously reported within Retirement Solutions, excluding Human Capital.
The changes in the solution line structure affects only the manner in which our revenue and organic revenue results for our principal service lines were previously reported and have no impact our previously reported Consolidated Financial Statements, results of operations, or total organic revenue growth. We continue to operate as one segment that includes all of our operations. See the “Principal Products and Services” section in Part I, Item 1 of this report for information on each of the four principal service lines.
TERMINATION OF BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT
On March 9, 2020, we and WTW entered into a Business Combination Agreement with respect to a combination of the parties (the “Combination”). The parties’ respective shareholders approved the Combination on August 26, 2020.
On June 16, 2021, the DOJ filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against the Company and WTW in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to enjoin the Combination. On July 26, 2021, the Company and WTW mutually agreed to terminate the Business Combination Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”). Pursuant to the Termination Agreement, the Business Combination Agreement was terminated and a 17%,termination fee of $1 billion (the “Termination Fee”) was paid to WTW. Following the termination, the lawsuit by the DOJ was dismissed.
Aon Corporation, a subsidiary of Aon plc, paid the Termination Fee to WTW on July 27, 2021, reflecting that U.S. business services provided by Aon Corporation and its subsidiaries were the primary focus of the DOJ’s challenge to our proposed combination. The Termination Fee was paid to defend the existing U.S. business of Aon Corporation and to avoid additional remedy divestitures of critical Aon Corporation business segments in the U.S. and the continuing delay and uncertainty in completing the combination.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The outbreak of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, was declared by the World Health Organization to be a pandemic and has impacted almost all countries, in varying degrees, creating significant public health concerns, and significant volatility, uncertainty, and economic disruption in every region in which we operate. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted, and may continue to result, in significant economic disruption and volatility, although in recent months progress has been made in the development and distribution of vaccines, contributing to overall improved economic conditions globally, despite recent developments as a result of the Delta and Omicron variants. We continue to closely monitor the situation and its impacts on our business, liquidity, and capital planning initiatives. We continue to be fully operational and to reoccupy certain offices in phases, where deemed appropriate and in compliance with governmental restrictions considering the impact on health and safety of our colleagues, their families, and our clients, and we have restricted or $27 million, increaseminimized access to offices where appropriate to support the health and safety of our colleagues. We continue to deploy business continuity protocols to facilitate remote working capabilities to ensure the health and safety of our colleagues and to comply with public health and travel guidelines and restrictions.
As the situation continues to evolve, the scale and duration of disruption cannot be predicted, and it is not possible to quantify or estimate the full impact that COVID-19 will have on our business. While we continue to focus on managing our cash flow to meet liquidity needs, our results of operations, particularly with respect to our more discretionary revenues, may be adversely affected. However, for the year ended December 31, 2021, the impacts of COVID-19 on our business results have lessened and we have seen overall strength across the firm. We continue to monitor the situation closely.
The impacts of the pandemic on our business operations and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 are further described in capital expenditures.

the sections entitled “Review of Consolidated Results” and “Liquidity and Financial Condition” contained in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

31


ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE
For many companies, the management of ESG risks and opportunities has become increasingly important. Aon offers a wide range of consulting and advisory solutions designed to address and manage ESG issues for clients. We view ESG risks as presenting an important opportunity to help clients and improve our impact on ESG matters.
REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Summary of Results
Our consolidated results are as follow:follow (in millions, except per share data):
Years Ended December 31
202120202019
Revenue   
Total revenue$12,193 $11,066 $11,013 
Expenses   
Compensation and benefits6,738 5,905 6,054 
Information technology477 444 494 
Premises327 291 339 
Depreciation of fixed assets179 167 172 
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets147 246 392 
Other general expense2,235 1,232 1,393 
Total operating expenses10,103 8,285 8,844 
Operating income2,090 2,781 2,169 
Interest income11 
Interest expense(322)(334)(307)
Other income152 13 — 
Income before income taxes1,931 2,466 1,870 
Income tax expense623 448 297 
Net income1,308 2,018 1,573 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests53 49 41 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,255 $1,969 $1,532 
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.55 $8.45 $6.37 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted226.1 233.1 240.6 
  Years ended December 31
(millions) 2017 2016 2015
Revenue      
Total revenue $9,998
 $9,409
 $9,480
Expenses      
Compensation and benefits 6,089
 5,687
 5,605
Information technology 419
 386
 389
Premises 348
 343
 362
Depreciation of fixed assets 187
 162
 164
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets 704
 157
 173
Other general expenses 1,272
 1,036
 1,200
Total operating expenses 9,019
 7,771
 7,893
Operating income 979
 1,638
 1,587
Interest income 27
 9
 14
Interest expense (282) (282) (273)
Other income (expense) (39) 36
 100
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 685
 1,401
 1,428
Income taxes 250
 148
 175
Net income from continuing operations 435
 1,253
 1,253
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 828
 177
 169
Net income 1,263
 1,430
 1,422
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 37
 34
 37
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,226
 $1,396
 $1,385
Consolidated Results for 20172021 Compared to 20162020
Revenue
Total revenue increased by 6%$1.1 billion, or 10%, or $589 million, to $10.0$12.2 billion in 2017,2021, compared to $9.4$11.1 billion in 2016.2020. The increase was driven by 4%9% organic revenue growth and a 2% increase related to acquisitions,favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a 1% unfavorable impact from divestitures, net of divestitures.acquisitions.
Commercial Risk Solutions revenue increased $774 million, or 13%, to $6.6 billion in 2021, compared to $5.9 billion in 2020. Organic revenue growth for the year was driven by11% in 2021, reflecting growth across every major revenue line, with particular strengthgeography, driven by strong new business generation, retention, and management of the renewal book portfolio. Strength in retail brokerage was highlighted by double-digit growth in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia. Results also reflect growth in the more discretionary portions of the business, including double-digit growth in transaction solutions and project-related work. On average globally, exposures and pricing were both modestly positive, which resulted in a modestly positive market impact overall.
Reinsurance Solutions revenue increased $183 million, or 10%, to $2.0 billion in 2021, compared to $1.8 billion in 2020. Organic revenue growth was 8% in 2021 driven by strong net new business generation in treaty, as well as solid growth in facultative placements and double-digit growth in capital markets transactions. In addition, market impact was modestly positive on results.
32


Health Solutions revenue increased $87 million, or 4%, to $2.2 billion in 2021, compared to $2.1 billion in 2020. Organic revenue growth was 10% in 2021 driven by double-digit growth in human capital due to growth in both rewards and Data & Analytic Services.assessments solutions. In health and benefits brokerage, solid growth globally in the core was driven by strong retention and management of the renewal book portfolio, as well as growth in the more discretionary portions of the business, including double-digit growth in voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions and project-related work.
Commercial RiskWealth Solutions organicrevenue increased $85 million, or 6%, to $1.4 billion in 2021, compared to $1.3 billion in 2020. Organic revenue growth was 2% in 20172021 driven by growth across nearly every geography, with particular strength in U.S. Retail driven by record new business generation and strong management of the renewal book portfolio.
Reinsurance Solutions organic revenue growth was 6% in 2017 driven by growth across all major product lines, highlighted by continued net new business generation in the treaty portfolio,investments, including solid growth in facultative placements, and strong growth in capital markets.
Retirement Solutions organic revenue growth was 3% in 2017 driven by double-digit growth in investment consulting, primarily for delegated investment management, as well as solid growth in the Talent, Rewards,retirement, primarily from higher utilization rates and Performance practice.
Health Solutions organic revenue growth was 7% in 2017 driven primarily by strong growth in health & benefits brokerage, in both the Americas and internationally.
Data & Analytic Services organic revenue growth was 6% in 2017 driven by strong growth across Affinity, with particular strength in the U.S.


project-related work.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits increased $402$833 million, or 14%, in 2017, or 7%,2021 compared to 2016.2020. The increase was primarily driven by $299 million of restructuring charges, a $154 million increase in expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, and an increase in expense associated with 4%9% organic revenue growth, a $245 million increase in charges related to terminating the combination with WTW and related costs, and a $151 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by $104 million of savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives and a $92$17 million decrease in expenses related to certain pension settlements.divestitures, net of acquisitions.
Information Technology
Information technology, which represents costs associated with supporting and maintaining our infrastructure, increased $33 million, 2017, or 9%7%, in 2021 compared to 2016.2020. The increase was primarily driven by $33 million of restructuring costs, a $7$17 million increase in expensescharges related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, as well asterminating the combination with WTW and related costs, an increase in expense associated with 9% organic revenue growth, investments in long-term growth, partially offset by $37and a $5 million of savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives.unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.
Premises
Premises, which represents the cost of occupying offices in various locations throughout the world, increased $5$36 million, or 12%, in 2017, or 1%,2021 compared to 2016.2020. The increase was primarily driven by an $11a $22 million increase in expensescharges related to acquisitions, net of divestitures,terminating the combination with WTW and $8related costs and a $10 million of restructuring costs, partially offset by $3 million of savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives.unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.
Depreciation of Fixed Assets
Depreciation of fixed assets primarily relates to software, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, computer equipment, buildings, and automobiles. Depreciation of fixed assets increased $25$12 million, or 7%, in 2017, or 15%,2021 compared to 2016.2020. The increase was primarily driven by $26 million of restructuring costs and a $14$16 million increase in expenses associated with acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by $1 million of savingscharges related to restructuringterminating the combination with WTW and other operational improvement initiatives as well as a decrease as we continue to optimize our real estate and information technology portfolio.related costs.
Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets
Amortization and impairment of intangibles primarily relates to finite-lived tradenames and customer-related, contract-based, and technology assets. Amortization and impairment of intangibles increased $547decreased $99 million, for the year, or 348%40%, in 2021 compared to 2016.2020. The increasedecrease was primarily driven by a $380$72 million non-cash impairment charge todecrease from certain tradenames that were fully amortized in the indefinite lived tradenames associated with the Divested Business, $143 millionsecond quarter of accelerated amortization related to tradenames, and an increase associated with recent acquisitions, net of divestitures.2020.
Other General Expenses
Other general expenses increased $236 million$1.0 billion, or 81%, in 2017, or 23%,2021 compared to 2016.2020. The increase was primarily driven by $131 million of restructuringa $1.0 billion increase in charges related to terminating the combination with WTW and related costs, a $71$21 million increase in expenses associated with acquisitions, net of divestitures, $28 million of costs related to regulatory and compliance matters,unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, and an increase in expense associated with 4%9% organic revenue growth, partially offset by $20 million of savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives and a $15$37 million decrease in expenses related to the saledivestitures, net of the Divested Business in the prior year period.acquisitions.
Interest Income
Interest income represents income earned on operating cash balances and other income-producing investments. It does not include interest earned on fundsFunds held on behalf of clients. Interest income was $27$11 million in 2017,2021, an increase of $18$5 million, or 200%83%, from 2016, due primarily to additional income earned on the balance of cash proceeds from the Divested Business.2020.
Interest Expense
Interest expense, which represents the cost of our debt obligations, was $282$322 million in 2017, similar to the prior year period.2021, a decrease of $12 million, or 4%, from 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by lower average outstanding term debt.
33


Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense) decreased $75 million from $36was $152 million in 20162021, compared to $(39)$13 million in 2017.2020. Other expenseincome in 20172021 primarily includes among other things, a $37 million unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies and $16 million in net losses on the disposition of businesses, partially offset by $12 million of equity earnings and $2$142 million of gains on certain financial instruments. Other income in 2016 includes $39from the disposal of business, compared to $25 million in net gains on the disposition of businesses and $13 million in equity earnings, partially offset by a $2 million unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies and $14 million of losses on certain financial instruments.


2020.
Income From Continuing Operations before Income Taxes
Due to factors discusseddescribed above, income from continuing operations before income taxes was $685 million$1.9 billion in 2017,2021, a 51%22% decrease from $1.4$2.5 billion in 2016.2020. The decrease was primarily driven by a $1.0 billion increase in charges related to terminating the combination with WTW and related costs, as previously described.
Income Taxes From Continuing Operations
The effective tax rate on net income was 32.3% in 2021 and 18.2% in 2020. The primary drivers of the 2021 tax rate were the impact of the Termination Fee, the U.K. statutory tax rate increase, and the tax benefit of share-based payments. The U.K. enacted legislation in the second quarter of 2021 which increases the corporate income tax rate from continuing operations19% to 25% with effect from April 1, 2023 and the Company remeasured its U.K. deferred tax assets and liabilities accordingly.
The 2020 tax rate was 36.5% in 2017 and 10.6% in 2016. The 2017 rate reflects changes inprimarily driven by the geographical distribution of income, as well as certain discrete items, primarily the impactfavorable impacts of share-based payments and the provisional estimaterelease of the impact of U.S. tax reform based on Aon's initial analysis of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The 2016 rate reflects changes in the geographical distribution of income and the impact from certain pension settlements in the second and fourth quarters.
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
On February 9, 2017, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement with the Buyer to sell the Divested Business. The Company has retrospectively classified the results of the Divested Business as discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods presented. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, increased $651 million to $828 million compared to 2016. This increase was primarily driven by the gain on sale of the Divested Business.valuation allowance.
Net Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders decreased to $1.2$1.3 billion, or $4.70$5.55 per diluted share, in 2017,2021, compared to $1.4$2.0 billion, or $5.16$8.45 per diluted share, in 2016.2020.
Consolidated Results for 20162020 Compared to 20152019
Revenue
Total revenue decreased by 1%, or $71 million,We have elected not to $9.4 billion in 2016,include a discussion of our consolidated results for 2020 compared to $9.5 billion2019 in 2015. The decreasethis report in reliance upon Instruction 1 to Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K. This discussion can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was driven by a 3% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and a 2% decrease related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 4%.
Commercial Risk Solutions organic revenue growth was 2% in 2016 driven by record business generation in U.S. retail and strong growth in Latin America, Asia, and Pacific regions, despite economic weakness in certain countries.
Reinsurance Solutions organic revenue growth was 1% in 2016 driven by net new business growth in treaty placements globally and modest growth in facultative placements, partially offset by an unfavorable market impact in treaty and a decline in capital markets transactions and advisory business.
Retirement Solutions organic revenue growth was 2% in 2016 driven by growth in investment consulting, primarily for delegated investment management.
Health Solutions organic revenue growth was 13% in 2016 driven by solid growth in health & benefits brokerage, highlighted by double-digit growth across Asia and EMEA, and double-digit growth in healthcare exchanges.
Data & Analytic Services organic revenue growth was 6% in 2016 driven by strong growth in Affinity, particularly in the U.S.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits increased $82 million, or 1%, in 2016 compared to 2015. The increase was primarily driven by a $220 million increase in non-cash expense related to certain pension settlements and an increase in expense associated with 4% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a $169 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation and a $97 million decrease in expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures.
Information Technology
Information technology decreased $3 million, or 1%, in 2016 compared to 2015. This decrease was primarily driven by a $12 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation and a $7 million decrease in the core expense base resulting from acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 4% organic revenue growth.


Premises
Premises decreased $19 million, or 5%, in 2016 compared to 2015. This decrease was primarily driven by a $13 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation.
Depreciation of Fixed Assets
Depreciation of fixed assets decreased $2 million, or 1%, in 2016 compared to 2015. This decrease was primarily driven by a $4 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation and a $4 million decrease in the core expenses associated with acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 4% organic revenue growth.
Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets
Amortization and impairment of intangibles decreased $16 million, or 9%, in 2016 compared to 2015. This decrease was primarily driven by an $8 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation.
Other General Expenses
Other general expenses decreased $164 million, or 14%, in 2016 compared to 2015. This decrease was primarily driven by a $176 million decrease in expense related to legacy litigation incurred in 2015, a $43 million favorable impact from currency translation, and a $39 million decrease in the core expense base resulting from acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by an increase in expense to support 4% organic revenue growth, and $15 million of transaction costs related to the Divested Business.
Interest Income
Interest income was $9 million in 2016, a decrease of $5 million, or 36%, from 2015, due to marginally lower average interest rates globally.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $282 million in 2016, an increase of $9 million, or 3%, from 2015. The increase in interest expense primarily reflects an increase in total debt outstanding.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income decreased $64 million from $100 million in 2015 to $36 million in 2016. Other income in 2016 includes $39 million in net gains on disposition of businesses and equity earnings of $13 million, partially offset by a $14 million net loss on certain financial instruments and foreign exchange losses of $2 million. Other income in 2015 includes, among other things, $82 million in net gains on disposition of businesses, foreign exchange gains of $30 million, and equity earnings of $13 million, partially offset by a $24 million net loss on certain financial instruments.
Income From Continuing Operations before Income Taxes
Due to the factors discussed above, income from continuing operations before income taxes was $1,401 million in 2016, a 2% decrease from $1,428 million in 2015.
Income Taxes From Continuing Operations
The effective tax rate on net income from continuing operations was 10.6% in 2016 and 12.3% in 2015. The 2016 and 2015 tax rates reflect changes in the geographical distribution of income, the impact from certain pension settlements in the second and fourth quarters of 2016, a reduction in U.S. income resulting from the settlement of legacy litigation in the second quarter of 2015, and the impact of certain discrete items.
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
On February 9, 2017, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreementfiled with the Buyer to sell the Divested Business. The Company has retrospectively classified the results of the Divested Business as discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods presented. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, increased $8 million in 2016, compared to $169 million in 2015, driven by increased operating income growth.SEC on February 19, 2021.
Net Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders
Net income attributable to Aon Shareholders increased to $1,396 million, or $5.16 per diluted share in 2016, compared to $1,385 million, or $4.88 diluted net income per share, in 2015.


Non-GAAP Metrics
In our discussion of consolidated results, we sometimes refer to certain non-GAAP supplemental information derived from consolidated financial information specifically related to organic revenue growth (decline), adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, free cash flow, and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating results. Management believes that these measures are important to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons and that this supplemental information is helpful to investors. Management also uses these measures to assess operating performance and performance for compensation. This non-GAAP supplemental information should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.Statements.
34


Organic Revenue Growth (Decline)
We use supplemental information related to organic revenue growth (decline) to help us and our investors evaluate business growth from existing operations. Organic revenue growth (decline) is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact of intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rate,rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between subsidiaries, fiduciary investment income,revenue lines, and reimburseable expenses.gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges. This supplemental information related to organic revenue growth (decline) represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.Statements. Industry peers provide similar supplemental information about their revenue performance, although they may not make identical adjustments. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported Total revenue is as follows (in millions, except percentages):
 Years Ended
Dec 31, 2021Dec 31, 2020% Change
Less: Currency Impact (1)
Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)
Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & Other
Organic Revenue Growth (3)
Commercial Risk Solutions$6,635 $5,861 13 %%— %— %11 %
Reinsurance Solutions1,997 1,814 10 — — 
Health Solutions2,154 2,067 — (8)10 
Wealth Solutions1,426 1,341 — 
Elimination(19)(17)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total revenue$12,193 $11,066 10 %%— %(1)%%
Years Ended
 Twelve Months Ended          Dec 31, 2020Dec 31, 2019% Change
Less: Currency Impact (1)
Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)
Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & Other
Organic Revenue Growth (Decline) (3)
 Dec 31, 2017 Dec 31, 2016 % Change 
Less: Currency Impact (1)
 
Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)
 Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & Other 
Organic Revenue Growth (3)
Commercial Risk Solutions $4,169
 $3,929
 6%  % % 4 % 2%Commercial Risk Solutions$5,861 $5,857 — %— %— %(1)%%
Reinsurance Solutions 1,429
 1,361
 5
 
 
 (1) 6
Reinsurance Solutions1,814 1,686 — (1)(1)10 
Retirement Solutions 1,755
 1,707
 3
 (1) 
 1
 3
Health Solutions 1,515
 1,370
 11
 
 
 4
 7
Health Solutions2,067 2,104 (2)(1)— (2)
Data & Analytic Services 1,140
 1,050
 9
 
 
 3
 6
Wealth SolutionsWealth Solutions1,341 1,380 (3)— — (2)(1)
Elimination (10) (8) NA
 NA
 NA
 NA
 NA
Elimination(17)(14)NANANANANA
Total revenue $9,998
 $9,409
 6%  % % 2 % 4%Total revenue$11,066 $11,013 — %— %— %(1)%%
(1)Currency impact is determined by translating last year’s revenue at this year’s foreign exchange rates.
(2)Fiduciary investment income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $8 million and $27 million, respectively.
(3)Organic revenue growth (decline) includes the impact of intercompany activity,changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges.

35

  Twelve Months Ended          
  Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 % Change 
Less: Currency Impact (1)
 
Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)
 Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & Other 
Organic Revenue Growth (3)
Commercial Risk Solutions $3,929
 $4,029
 (2)% (3)% % (1)% 2%
Reinsurance Solutions 1,361
 1,358
 
 (1) 
 
 1
Retirement Solutions 1,707
 1,916
 (11) (4) 
 (9) 2
Health Solutions 1,370
 1,167
 17
 (3) 
 7
 13
Data & Analytic Services 1,050
 1,021
 3
 (2) 
 (1) 6
Elimination (8) (11) NA
 NA
 NA
 NA
 NA
Total revenue $9,409
 $9,480
 (1)% (3)% % (2)% 4%

(1)Currency impact is determined by translating prior period's revenue at this period's foreign exchange rates.
(2)Fiduciary investment income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 respectively, was $32 million, $22 million, and $21 million.
(3)Organic revenue growth includes the impact of intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between business units, and fiduciary investment income.
Adjusted Operating Margin
We use adjusted operating margin as a non-GAAP measure of core operating performance of the Company. Adjusted operating margin excludes the impact of certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses reflect our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to adjusted operating margin represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.


Statements.
A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to reported operating margins is as follows (in millions, except percentage data)percentages):
Years Ended December 31
20212020
Revenue$12,193 $11,066 
Operating income - as reported$2,090 $2,781 
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets147 246 
Transaction costs and other charges related to the combination
and resulting termination (1)
1,436 123 
Operating income - as adjusted$3,673 $3,150 
Operating margin - as reported17.1 %25.1 %
Operating margin - as adjusted30.1 %28.5 %
  Years ended December 31
  2017 2016 2015
Revenue $9,998
 $9,409
 $9,480
       
Operating income - as reported $979
 $1,638
 $1,587
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets 704
 157
 173
Restructuring 497
 
 
Regulatory and compliance matters 28
 
 
Pension settlement 128
 220
 
Transaction costs 
 15
 
Legacy litigation 
 
 176
Operating income - as adjusted $2,336
 $2,030
 $1,936
       
Operating margin - as reported 9.8% 17.4% 16.7%
Operating margin - as adjusted 23.4% 21.6% 20.4%
(1)As part of the terminated combination with WTW, certain transaction costs have been incurred by us in 2021. These costs may include advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees related to the combination, including planned divestitures that have been terminated, as well as certain compensation expenses and expenses related to further steps on our Aon United operating model as a result of the termination. Additionally, this includes the $1 billion Termination Fee paid in connection with the termination of the combination.
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share
We also use adjusted diluted earnings per share as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the items identified above, plusalong with pension settlements and related income taxes, because management does not believe these expenses are representative of our core earnings. This supplemental information related to adjusted diluted earnings per share represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
Statements. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to reported Diluteddiluted earnings per share is as follows:follows (in millions, except per share data and percentages):
Year Ended December 31, 2021
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$2,090 $1,583 $3,673 
Interest income11 — 11 
Interest expense(322)— (322)
Other income (1)
152 (124)28 
Income before income taxes1,931 1,459 3,390 
Income tax expense (2)
623 — 623 
Net income1,308 1,459 2,767 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests53 — 53 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,255 $1,459 $2,714 
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.55 $6.45 $12.00 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted226.1 — 226.1 
Effective tax rates (2)
32.3 %18.4 %
36


  Year Ended December 31, 2017
(millions, except per share data) U.S. GAAP Adjustments As Adjusted
Operating income from continuing operations $979
 $1,357
 $2,336
Interest income 27
 
 27
Interest expense (282) 
 (282)
Other income (expense) (39) 
 (39)
Income before income taxes from continuing operations 685
 1,357
 2,042
Income taxes (1)
 250
 55
 305
Net income from continuing operations 435
 1,302
 1,737
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (2)
 828
 (772) 56
Net income 1,263
 530
 1,793
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 37
 
 37
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,226
 $530
 $1,756
       
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders   

  
Continuing operations $1.53
 $4.99
 $6.52
Discontinued operations 3.17
 (2.95) 0.22
Net income $4.70
 $2.04
 $6.74
       
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted 260.7
 
 260.7
Year Ended December 31, 2020
U.S. GAAPAdjustmentsNon-GAAP Adjusted
Operating income$2,781 $369 $3,150 
Interest income— 
Interest expense(334)— (334)
Other income (3)
13 — 13 
Income before income taxes2,466 369 2,835 
Income tax expense (2)
448 51 499 
Net income2,018 318 2,336 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests49 — 49 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,969 $318 $2,287 
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$8.45 $1.36 $9.81 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted233.1 — 233.1 
Effective tax rates (2)
18.2 %17.6 %

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

  Year Ended December 31, 2016
(millions, except per share data) U.S. GAAP Adjustments As Adjusted
Operating income from continuing operations $1,638
 $392
 $2,030
Interest income 9
 
 9
Interest expense (282) 
 (282)
Other income (expense) 36
 
 36
Income before income taxes from continuing operations 1,401
 392
 1,793
Income taxes (1)
 148
 102
 250
Net income from continuing operations 1,253
 290
 1,543
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (2)
 177
 94
 271
Net income 1,430
 384
 1,814
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 34
 
 34
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,396
 $384
 $1,780
       
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders   

  
Continuing operations $4.51
 $1.07
 $5.58
Discontinued operations 0.65
 0.36
 1.01
Net income $5.16
 $1.43
 $6.59
       
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted 270.3
 
 270.3
  Year Ended December 31, 2015
(millions, except per share data) U.S. GAAP Adjustments As Adjusted
Operating income from continuing operations $1,587
 $349
 $1,936
Interest income 14
 
 14
Interest expense (273) 
 (273)
Other income (expense) 100
 
 100
Income before income taxes from continuing operations 1,428
 349
 1,777
Income taxes (1)
 175
 89
 264
Net income from continuing operations 1,253
 260
 1,513
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (2)
 169
 108
 277
Net income 1,422
 368
 1,790
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 37
 
 37
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,385
 $368
 $1,753
       
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders   

  
Continuing operations $4.28
 $0.92
 $5.20
Discontinued operations 0.60
 0.38
 0.98
Net income $4.88
 $1.30
 $6.18
       
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted 283.8
 
 283.8
(1)
The(2)Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate used in the U.S. GAAP financial statements for continuing operations were 36.5%, 10.6%, and 12.3%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. Tax expense was adjusted to exclude the estimated impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including the impact of the transition tax imposed on our accumulated foreign earnings and the re-measurement of the carrying value of our U.S. net deferred tax assets due to the lower corporate tax rate. The provisional estimate of the impact of U.S. Tax Reform is based on Aon’s initial analysis of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and may be adjusted in future periods due to, among other things, additional analysis performed by Aon and additional guidance that may be issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury (see Note 10 in these notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information). Further, adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective


tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with estimated restructuring expenses, accelerated tradename amortization, impairment charges, regulatorycertain gains from dispositions, and compliance provisions,certain transaction costs and non-cash pension settlementother charges related to the combination and resulting termination, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate. After adjusting to exclude the applicableIn addition, income tax impact, the adjusted effective tax rates for continuing operations were 14.9%, 13.9%, and 14.9%, respectively,expense for the yearsyear ended December 30, 2021 excludes the impact of remeasuring the net deferred tax liabilities in the U.K. as a result of the corporate income tax rate increase enacted in the second quarter of 2021.
(3)There was $1 million of income for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.2020, including the related tax effect, from discontinued operations recognized in Net Income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
(2)Adjusted income from discontinued operations, net of tax, excludes gain on sale and intangible asset amortization on discontinued operations of $1,964 million and $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Adjusted income from discontinued operations, net of tax, excludes intangible asset amortization on discontinued operations of $120 million and $141 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. The effective tax rates used in the U.S. GAAP financial statements for discontinued operations were 58.9%, 34.0%, and 35.2%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. After adjusting to exclude the applicable tax impact associated with the gain on sale and intangible asset amortization, the adjusted effective tax rates for discontinued operations were 11.7%, 30.2%, and 31.1% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.
Free Cash Flow
We use free cash flow, defined as cash flow provided by operations minus capital expenditures, as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance.performance and cash generating capabilities of our business operations. This supplemental information related to free cash flow represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, ourthe Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.Statements. The use of this non-GAAP measure does not imply or represent the residual cash flow for discretionary expenditures.
A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to cash flow provided by operations is as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31 2017 2016 2015
Cash Provided by Continuing Operating Activities $669
 $1,829
 $1,502
Capital Expenditures Used for Continuing Operations (183) (156) (200)
Free Cash Flow Provided By Continuing Operations $486
 $1,673
 $1,302
Years Ended December 31
20212020
Cash provided by operating activities$2,182 $2,783 
Capital expenditures(137)(141)
Free cash flow$2,045 $2,642 
Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations
WeBecause we conduct business in more than 120 countries, and, because of this, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have a significant impact on our business. Foreign currency exchange rate movements may be significant and may distort true period-to-period comparisons of changes in revenue or pretax income. Therefore, to give financial statement users meaningful information about our operations, we have provided an illustration of the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on our financial results. The methodology used to calculate this impact isolates the impact of the change in currencies between periods by translating the lastprior year’s revenue, expenses, and net income using the current year’s foreign currency exchange rates.
Translating prior year results at current year foreign currency exchange rates, currencyCurrency fluctuations had an $0.12a favorable impact of $0.17 on net incomeearnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2017.2021 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had noan unfavorable impact of $0.03 on net incomeearnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2016, when 20152020, if 2019 results were translated at 20162020 rates.
Currency fluctuations had a $0.43 unfavorablefavorable impact of $0.23 on net incomeadjusted earnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2015, when 20142021 if prior year period results were translated at 2015current period foreign exchange rates.
Translating prior year results at current year foreign currency exchange rates, currency Currency fluctuations had a $0.08 favorablean unfavorable impact of $0.04 on adjusted net incomeearnings per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2017. Currency fluctuations had a $0.04 unfavorable impact on adjusted net income per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2016, when 2015 2020, if 2019
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results were translated at 2016 rates. Currency fluctuations had a $0.44 unfavorable impact on net income per diluted share during the year ended December 31, 2015, when 2014 results were translated at 20152020 rates. These translations are performed for comparative and illustrative purposes only and do not impact the accounting policies or practices for amounts included in the Consolidatedour Financial Statements and Notes thereto.Statements.


Restructuring Plan
In 2017, we initiated a global restructuring plan (the “Restructuring Plan”) in connection with the sale of the Divested Business. The Restructuring Plan is intended to streamline operations across the organization and deliver greater efficiency, insight and connectivity. We expect these restructuring activities and related expenses to affect continuing operations through 2019, including an estimated 4,200 to 4,800 role eliminations. We expect to result in cumulative costs of approximately $1,025 million through the end of the plan, consisting of approximately $450 million in employee termination costs, $130 million in technology rationalization costs, $85 million in real estate consolidation costs, $50 million in non-cash asset impairments, such as expense taken on software no longer in use, and $310 million in other costs including certain separation costs associated with the sale of the Divested Business. We estimate that our annualized savings from the Restructuring Plan and other operational improvement initiatives will be approximately $450 million by the end of 2019.
From the inception of the Restructuring Plan through December 31, 2017, the Company has eliminated 2,630 positions and incurred total expenses of $497 million for restructuring and related separation costs.  These charges are included in Compensation and benefits, Information technology, Premises, Depreciation of fixed assets, and Other general expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
The following table summarizes restructuring and separation costs by type that have been incurred through December 31, 2017 and are estimated to be incurred through the end of the Restructuring Plan (in millions). Estimated remaining costs may be revised in future periods as these assumptions are updated:
  Year Ended December 31, 2017 Estimated Remaining Costs 
Estimated Total Cost (1)
Workforce reduction $299
 $151
 $450
Technology rationalization (2)
 33
 97
 130
Lease consolidation (2)
 8
 77
 85
Asset impairments 26
 24
 50
Other costs associated with restructuring and separation (2) (3)
 131
 179
 310
Total restructuring and related expenses $497
 $528
 $1,025
(1)Actual costs, when incurred, may vary due to changes in the assumptions built into this plan.  Significant assumptions that may 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)
Contract termination costs included within Technology rationalization for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $1 million. Contract termination costs included within Lease consolidations for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $8 million. Contact termination costs included within Other costs associated with restructuring and separation were $3 million. Total estimated contract termination costs to be incurred under the Restructuring Plan associated with Technology rationalizations, Lease consolidations, and Other costs associated with restructuring and separation, respectively, are $10 million, $80 million, and $10 million.
(3)Other costs associated with the Restructuring Plan include those to separate the Divested Business, as well as moving costs and consulting and legal fees. These costs are generally recognized when incurred.


As of December 31, 2017, our liabilities for the Restructuring Plan were as follows (in millions):
  Restructuring Plan
Balance at December 31, 2016 $
Expensed 452
Cash payments (280)
Foreign currency translation and other 14
Balance at December 31, 2017 $186
Competition and Markets Authority
The U.K.’s competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (the “CMA”), is conducting a market investigation into the supply and acquisition of investment consulting and fiduciary management services, including those offered by Aon and its competitors in the U.K. The CMA has indicated that it will assess whether any feature or combination of features in the target market prevents, restricts, or distorts competition. The CMA can impose a wide range of remedies to address uncompetitive markets. The investigation is in its early stages. Thus, we are not presently in a position to estimate the impact, if any, of this investigation on Aon’s UK investment business.
Financial Conduct Authority
The FCA is conducting a market study to assess how effectively competition is working in the wholesale insurance broker sector in the UK in which Aon, through its subsidiaries, participates. The FCA has indicated that the purpose of a market study is to assess the extent to which the market is working well in the interests of customers and to identify features of the market that may impact competition.  Depending on the study’s findings, the FCA may require remedies in order to correct any features found to be preventing, restricting or distorting competition. The study is in its very early stages and we are unable to estimate the impact, if any, on Aon’s business at this time.
LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity
Executive Summary
We believe that our balance sheet and strong cash flow provide us with adequate liquidity. Our primary sources of liquidity arein the near-term include cash flow fromflows provided by operations and available cash reserves, andreserves; primary sources of liquidity in the long-term include cash flows provided by operations, debt capacity available under our credit facilities.facilities and capital markets. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and investments, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases, pension obligations, and shareholder dividends. We believe that cash flows from operations, available credit facilities, available cash reserves, and the capital markets will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including principal and interest payments on debt obligations, capital expenditures, pension contributions, and anticipated working capital requirements in the next twelve months and over the long-term. Although there continues to be uncertainties around future economic conditions due to COVID-19, we have largely returned to normal levels of liquidity and will continue to monitor our needs as economic conditions change.
In the third quarter of 2021, the Combination with WTW was terminated and on July 27, 2021, we paid the Termination Fee of $1 billion. Refer to “Termination of Business Combination Agreement” within Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further information. The Termination Fee, along with other payments made in the foreseeable future.third and fourth quarters related to terminating the combination with WTW, are reflected as an outflow to operating activities.
Cash on our balance sheet includes funds available for general corporate purposes, as well as amounts restricted as to their use. Funds held on behalf of clients in a fiduciary capacity are segregated and shown together with uncollected insurance premiums and claims in Fiduciary assets in the Consolidated StatementStatements of Financial Position, with a corresponding amount in Fiduciary liabilities. Fiduciary funds generally cannot be used for general corporate purposes and are not a source of liquidity for us.
Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments increased $569 million to $1,285 million in 2017 as compared to 2016. During 2017, sources of funds in 2017 included proceeds from the sale of businesses of $4,246 million. During 2017, cash flow from operating activities decreased $1,160 million to $669 million. Additional primary uses of funds in 2017 included share repurchases of $2.4 billion, acquisitions of businesses of $1,029 million, dividends to shareholders of $364 million, repayments of debt, net of issuances of $345 million, and purchases of short-term investments of $232 million.
To manage unforeseen situations, we have committed credit lines of approximately $1.3 billion and we endeavor to manage our obligations to ensure we maintain our current investment grade ratings. At December 31, 2017, we had no borrowings on these credit lines.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities during 2017 decreased $1,592 million, or 68%, to $734 million compared to 2016.  Net cash provided by operating activities for continuing operations during 2017 decreased $1,160 million, or 63%, from the prior year, to $669 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for discontinued operations during 2017 decreased $432 million, or 87%, from the prior year, to $65 million. These amounts represent net income reported, as adjusted for gains or losses on sales of businesses, financial instruments, and foreign exchange, and our non-cash expenses, which include share-based compensation,


depreciation, amortization, and impairments, as well as changes in working capital that relate primarily to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities and the collection of receivables.  The total decrease in operating cash from the prior year was primarily driven by higher cash tax charges, largely related to the sale of the Divested Business, and an increase in pension contributions.
Pension cash contributions were $146 million during 2017, as compared to $123 million during 2016.  In 2018, we expect to contribute approximately $177 million to our pension plans, with the majority attributable to non-U.S. pension plans, which are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates. On July 1, 2017, the Company made non-cash contributions of approximately $80 million to its U.S. pension plan.
We expect cash generated by operations for 2017 to be sufficient to service our debt and contractual obligations, finance capital expenditures, repurchase shares under the Repurchase Program, and pay dividends to our shareholders.  Although cash from operations is expected to be sufficient to service these activities, we have the ability to access commercial paper markets or borrow under our credit facilities to accommodate any timing differences in cash flows.  We have committed credit facilities of approximately $1.3 billion, all of which was available at December 31, 2017, and can access these facilities on a same-day or next-day basis.  Additionally, under current market conditions, we believe that we could access capital markets to obtain debt financing for longer-term funding, if needed.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash flow provided by investing activities in 2017 was $2,787 million. The primary drivers of cash flow provided by investing activities were $4,246 million of sale of businesses and $4 million of net purchases of long-term investments, partially offset by $1,029 million for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired, $232 million of net purchases of short-term investments, $183 million for capital expenditures from continuing operations and $19 million for capital expenditures from discontinued operations.
Net cash flow used for investing activities in 2016 was $954 million. The primary drivers of cash flow used for investing activities were $879 million for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired, $156 million for capital expenditures from continuing operations, $66 million for capital expenditures from discontinued operations, and $21 million of net purchases of long-term investments, partially offset by $107 million of sale of businesses and $61 million of net sales of short-term investments.
Net cash flow used for investing activities in 2015 was $138 million. The primary drivers of cash flow used for investing activities were $200 million for capital expenditures from continuing operations, $90 million for capital expenditures from discontinued operations, $46 million of net purchases of long-term investments, and $16 million for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired, partially offset by sales of businesses of $205 million and net sales of short-term investments of $9 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash flow used for financing activities during 2017 was $3.3 billion. The primary drivers of cash used for financing activities were share repurchases of $2.4 billion, dividends paid to shareholders of $364 million, repayments of debt, net of issuances, of $345 million, and net cash payments of $121 million related to issuance of shares for employee benefit programs.
Net cash flow used for financing activities during 2016 was $1.3 billion. The primary drivers of cash flow used for financing activities were share repurchases of $1.3 billion, dividends paid to shareholders of $345 million, and net cash payments of $129 million related to issuance of shares for employee benefit programs, partially offset by issuances of debt, net of repayments, of $522 million.
Net cash flow used for financing activities during 2015 was $1.7 billion. The primary drivers of cash flow used for financing activities were $1.6 billion, dividends paid to shareholders of $323 million, and net cash payments of $30 million related to issuance of shares for employee benefit programs, partially offset by issuances of debt, net of repayments, of $253 million.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
At December 31, 2017, our Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments were $1,285 million, an increase of $569 million from December 31, 2016, primarily related to proceeds from the sale of businesses of $4,246 million and $669 million in net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations, partially offset by share repurchases of $2,399 million, payments for the acquisition of businesses of $1,029 million, cash dividends of $364 million, the repayments of debt, net of issuances, of $345 million, and purchase of short-term investments of $232 million. Of the total balance as of December 31, 2017, $96 million was restricted as to its use, which was comprised of $57 million of operating funds in the U.K., as required by the FCA, and $39 million held as collateral for various business purposes. At December 31, 2017, $3.0 billion of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held in the U.S. and overdrawn cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $1.7 billion were held in other countries. We maintain multi-currency cash pools with third-party banks in which various Aon entities participate. Individual Aon entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall balance


does not fall below zero. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, non-U.S. cash balances of one or more entities were negative; however, the overall balance was positive.
At December 31, 2016, our Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments were $716 million, a decrease of $22 million from December 31, 2015, primarily related to share repurchases of $1,257 million, payments for the acquisition of businesses of $879 million, dividends to shareholders of $345 million, and capital expenditures from continuing operations of $156 million, partially offset by $1,829 million in net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations, the net issuances of debt of $522 million, and proceeds for the sale of businesses of $107 million. Of the total balance as of December 31, 2016, $82 million was restricted as to its use, which was comprised of $53 million of operating funds in the U.K., as required by the FCA, and $29 million held as collateral for various business purposes. At December 31, 2016, $1.9 billion of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments were held in the U.S. and overdrawn Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments of $1.2 billion were held in other countries. Due to differences in tax rates, the repatriation of funds from certain countries into the U.S. could have an unfavorable tax impact.
In our capacity as an insurance broker or agent, we collect premiums from insureds and, after deducting our commission, remit the premiums to the respective insurance underwriters. We also collect claims or refunds from underwriters on behalf of insureds, which are then returned to the insureds. Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held by us in a fiduciary capacity. In addition, someThe levels of our outsourcing agreements require us to hold funds held on behalf of clients to pay obligations on their behalf. The levels of fiduciary assets and liabilities can fluctuate significantly depending on when we collect the premiums, claims, and refunds, make payments to underwriters and insureds, and collect funds from clients and make payments on their behalf, and upon the impact of foreign currency movements. Fiduciary assets,Funds held on behalf of clients, because of their nature, are generally invested in very liquid securities with highly-rated,highly rated, credit-worthy financial institutions. In our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, the amount we report for Fiduciary assets and Fiduciary liabilities are equal. Our Fiduciary assets includedinclude funds held on behalf of clients comprised of cash and short-term investmentscash equivalents of $3.7 billion and $3.3 billion at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and fiduciary receivables of $5.9$6.1 billion and $5.7 billion at December 31, 20172021 and 2016,2020, and fiduciary receivables of $8.3 billion and $8.1 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. While we earn investment income on the fiduciary assetsfunds held in cash and investments,money market funds, the cash and investmentsfunds cannot be used for general corporate purposes.
We maintain multi-currency cash pools with third-party banks in which various Aon entities participate. Individual Aon entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall global balance does not fall below zero. At December 31, 2021, non-U.S. cash balances of one or more entities may have been negative; however, the overall balance was positive.
The following table summarizes our Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments, and Fiduciary assets as of December 31, 2021 (in millions):
 Statement of Financial Position Classification 
Asset TypeCash and cash
equivalents
Short-term
investments
Fiduciary
assets
Total
Certificates of deposit, bank deposits, or time deposits$544 $— $3,475 $4,019 
Money market funds— 292 2,626 2,918 
Cash, Short-term investments, and Funds held on behalf of clients544 292 6,101 6,937 
Fiduciary receivables— — 8,285 8,285 
Total$544 $292 $14,386 $15,222 
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Cash and cash equivalents and Funds held on behalf of clients increased $72 million in 2021 compared to 2020. A summary of our cash flows provided by and used for operating, investing, and financing activities is as follows (in millions):
 Years Ended December 31
2021
2020 (1)
(As Revised)
Cash provided by operating activities$2,182 $2,783 
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities$49 $(679)
Cash used for financing activities$(1,924)$(1,772)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$(235)$297 
(1) Certain amounts on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as presented in our financial statements previously filed in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K have been restated. Refer to Note 1 “Basis of Presentation” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report.
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased $601 million, or 22%, from the prior year to $2,182 million. This amount represents net income reported, as adjusted for gains or losses on sales of businesses, share-based compensation expense, depreciation expense, amortization and impairments, and other non-cash income and expenses, as well as changes in working capital that relate primarily to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities and the collection of receivables.
Pension Contributions
Pension contributions were $87 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to $120 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. In 2022, we expect to contribute approximately $74 million in cash to our pension plans, including contributions to non-U.S. pension plans, which are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.
Investing Activities
Cash flows provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 were $49 million, an increase of $728 million compared to prior year. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows provided by investing activities are sales of businesses, sales of short-term investments, and proceeds from investments. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows used for investing activities are acquisition of businesses, purchases of short-term investments, capital expenditures, and payments for investments. The gains and losses corresponding to cash flows provided by proceeds from investments and used for payments for investments are primarily recognized in Other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments decreased $16 million at December 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020. As disclosed in Note 1514 “Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report, the majority of our investments carried at fair value are money market funds. These money market funds are held throughout the world with various financial institutions. We are not aware of any market liquidity issues that would materially impact the fair value of these investments.
AsAcquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses
During 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of two businesses for consideration of $14 million, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients, and the disposition of six businesses for a $218 million cash inflow, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients.
During 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of six businesses for consideration of $368 million, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients, and the disposition of one business for a $30 million cash inflow, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients.
Capital Expenditures
The Company’s additions to fixed assets, including capitalized software, which amounted to $137 million in 2021 and $141 million in 2020, primarily related to the refurbishing and modernizing of office facilities, software development costs, and computer equipment purchases.
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Financing Activities
Cash flows used for financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2017, our investments2021 was $1,924 million, an increase of $152 million compared to prior year. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows used for financing activities are issuances of debt, net of repayments, share repurchases, change in money market funds had a fair valuenet fiduciary liabilities, dividends paid to shareholders, issuances of $1.8 billionshares for employee benefit plans, transactions with noncontrolling interests, and are reportedother financing activities, such as Short-term investmentscollection of or Fiduciary assetspayments for deferred consideration in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position depending on their nature.
The following table summarizes our Fiduciary assets, non-fiduciary Cashconnection with prior-year business acquisitions and cash equivalents, and Short-term investments as of December 31, 2017 (in millions):
 Statement of Financial Position Classification  
Asset Type
Cash and Cash
Equivalents
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Fiduciary
Assets
 Total
Certificates of deposit, bank deposits or time deposits$756
 $
 $2,425
 $3,181
Money market funds
 529
 1,318
 1,847
Cash and short-term investments756
 529
 3,743
 5,028
Fiduciary receivables
 
 5,882
 5,882
Total$756
 $529
 $9,625
 $10,910
divestitures.
Share Repurchase Program
We have a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with up to $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases, and was increased by $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014, June 2017, and November 2020, and by $7.5 billion in authorized repurchases in February 20172022 for a total of $15.0$27.5 billion in repurchase authorizations.
UnderThe following table summarizes the Company’s Share Repurchase Program, Class A Ordinary Shares may be repurchased through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions based on prevailing market conditions, and will be funded from available capital.
During 2017, the Company repurchased 18.0 million shares at an average priceactivity (in millions, except per share of $133.67, for a total cost of $2.4 billion and recorded an additional $12.0 million of costs associated with the repurchases to retained earnings. Included in the 18.0 million shares were 118 thousand shares that did not settle until January 2018. These shares were settled at an average price per share of $134.41 and total cost of $15.9 million. During 2016, the Company repurchased 12.2 million shares at an average pricedata):

Years Ended December 31
20212020
Shares repurchased12.4 8.5 
Average price per share$286.82 $206.28 
Costs recorded to retained earnings
Total repurchase cost$3,543 $1,761 
Additional associated costs— 
Total costs recorded to retained earnings$3,543 $1,763 

per share of $102.66 for a total cost of $1.3 billion and recorded an additional $6.0 million of costs associated with the repurchases to retained earnings. At December 31, 2017,2021, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the Repurchase Program was $5.4approximately $1.7 billion. Under the Repurchase Program, the Company haswe have repurchased a total of 108.2149.6 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $9.6$18.3 billion.
For information regarding share repurchases made during the fourth quarter of 2017, see Item 5, “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities,” as previously described.
Dividends
During 2017, 2016, and 2015, we paid dividends of $364 million, $345 million, and $323 million, respectively, to holders of our Class A Ordinary Shares. Dividends paid per Class A Ordinary Share were $1.41, $1.29, and $1.15 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
Distributable Reserves
As a company incorporated in England and Wales, we are required under U.K. law to have available “distributable reserves” to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable reserves may be created through the earnings of the U.K. parent company. Distributable reserves are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g., retained earnings). As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had distributable reserves in excess of $1.2 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable reserves to fund shareholder dividends, if and to the extent declared, for the foreseeable future.
Borrowings
Total debt at December 31, 20172021 was $6.0$9.4 billion, a decreasean increase of $239 million$1.7 billion compared to December 31, 2016.2020. Commercial paper activity during the years ended December 31, 20172021 and 20162020 is as follows:follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31
20212020
Total issuances (1)
$4,478 $3,162 
Total repayments(3,807)(3,275)
Net issuances (repayments)$671 $(113)
Years ended December 312017 2016
Total Issuances$1,648
 $2,710
Total Repayments$(1,997) $(2,424)
(1) The proceeds of the commercial paper issuances were used primarily for short-term working capital needs.
Commercial paper may be issued in aggregate principal amounts of up to $1 billion under the U.S. Program and €625 million under the European Program, not to exceed the amount of our committed credit facilities, which was $1.75 billion at December 31, 2021. The aggregate capacity of the U.S. Program was increased in the fourth quarter of 2021 from $900 million to $1 billion. The aggregate capacity of the Commercial Paper Program remains fully backed by our committed credit facilities.
Proceeds from commercial paper issued by Aon Corporation under the U.S. Program, where the aggregate principal was raised on July 26, 2021, were used to pay approximately $400 million of the Termination Fee on July 27, 2021.
On December 2, 2021, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Aon Global Holdings plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, co-issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.60% Senior Notes set to mature on December 2, 2031. We intend to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes.
In November 2021, the Company’s $500 million 2.20% Senior Notes due November 2022 were classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as the date of maturity is in less than one year as of December 31, 2021.
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On August 23, 2021, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Aon Global Holdings plc, a public limited company formed under the laws of England and Wales, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, co-issued $400 million of 2.05% Senior Notes due August 2031 and $600 million of 2.90% Senior Notes due August 2051. We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.
On January 13, 2021, Aon Global Limited, a limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales and a wholly owned subsidiary of Aon plc, issued an irrevocable notice of redemption to holders of its 2.80% Senior Notes for the redemption of all $400 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of the notes, which were set to mature in March 2021 and classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt as of December 31, 2020. The redemption date was on February 16, 2021 and resulted in an insignificant loss due to extinguishment.
On May 27, 2016, $50029, 2020, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued an irrevocable notice of redemption to holders of its 5.00% Senior Notes, which were set to mature on September 30, 2020, for the redemption of all $600 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of 3.125%the notes. The redemption date was on June 30, 2020 and resulted in a loss of $7 million due to extinguishment.
On May 12, 2020, Aon Corporation issued $1 billion 2.80% Senior Notes due May 2016 issued by2030. Aon Corporation matured and were repaid in full.
On March 1, 2016, Aon plc issued $750 millionused a portion of 3.875%the net proceeds on June 30, 2020 to repay its outstanding 5.00% Senior Notes, due December 2025. The Companywhich were set to mature on September 30, 2020. We used the proceeds of the issuanceremainder to repay other borrowings and for general corporate purposes.
Other Liquidity Matters
Distributable Profits
We are required under Irish law to have available “distributable profits” to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable profits are created through the earnings of the Irish parent company and, among other methods, through intercompany dividends or a reduction in share capital approved by the High Court of Ireland. Distributable profits are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g. retained earnings). On July 16, 2021, we received approval from the High Court of Ireland to complete a reduction in share premium to create distributable profits of $34.0 billion to support the payment of possible future dividends or future share repurchases, if and to the extent declared by the directors in compliance with their duties under Irish law. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had distributable profits in excess of $32.7 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable profits for the foreseeable future.
Credit Facilities
We expect cash generated by operations for 2021 to be sufficient to service our debt and contractual obligations, finance capital expenditures, and continue to pay dividends to our shareholders. Although cash from operations is expected to be sufficient to service these activities, we have the ability to access the commercial paper markets or borrow under our credit facilities to accommodate any timing differences in cash flows. Additionally, under current market conditions, we believe that we could access capital markets to obtain debt financing for longer-term funding, if needed.
As of December 31, 2017,2021, we had two primary committed credit facilities outstanding: its $900 millionour $1.0 billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in February 2021 (the “2021 Facility”)September 2026 and a $400our $750 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in October 2022 (the “2022 Facility”).2023. In aggregate, these two facilities provide $1.75 billion in available credit. The 2022 Facility$1.0 billion credit facility was entered into on October 19, 2017. September 28, 2021 and replaced the $900 million credit facility, which was scheduled to mature on February 2, 2022.
Each of these facilities is intended to support our commercial paper obligations and our general working capital needs.  In addition, each of theseprimary committed credit facilities includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including financial covenants that require us to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA, tested quarterly. At December 31, 2017,2021, we did not have borrowings under either the 2021 or the 2022 Facility,facility, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants and all other covenants contained therein during the twelve monthsrolling year ended December 31, 2017.2021.
Shelf Registration Statement
On September 3, 2015,May 12, 2020, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC, registering the offer and sale from time to time of an indeterminate amount of, among other securities, debt securities, preference shares, Class A Ordinary Shares and convertible securities. Our ability to access the market as a source of liquidity is dependent on investor demand, market conditions, and other factors.
41


Rating Agency Ratings
The major rating agencies’ ratings of our debt at February 20, 201818, 2022 appear in the table below.


Ratings
Senior Long-term DebtCommercial PaperOutlook
Standard & Poor’sA-A-2Stable
Moody’s Investor ServicesBaa2P-2Stable
Fitch, Inc.BBB+F-2Stable
A downgradeGuarantees in Connection with the credit ratings of our senior debt and commercial paper could increase our borrowing costs, reduce or eliminate our access to debt capital, reduce our financial flexibility, increase our commercial paper interest rates, or restrict our access to the commercial paper market altogether, and/or impact future pension contribution requirements.
Guarantees and Indemnifications
Sale of the Divested Business
In connection with the sale of the Divested Business, we guaranteed future operating lease commitments related to certain facilities assumed by the Buyer. We are obligated to perform under the guarantees if the Divested Business defaults on the leases at any time during the remainder of the lease agreements, which expire on various dates through 2024.2025. As of December 31, 2017,2021, the undiscounted maximum potential future payments under the lease guarantee were $100$40 million, with an estimated fair value of $23$5 million. No cash payments were made in connection to the lease commitments during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Additionally, we are subject to performance guarantee requirements under certain client arrangements that were assumed by the Buyer. Should the Divested Business fail to perform as required by the terms of the arrangements, we would be required to fulfill the remaining contract terms, which expire on various dates through 2023. As of December 31, 2017,2021, the undiscounted maximum potential future payments under the performance guarantees were $212$52 million, whichwith an estimated fair value of less than $1 million. No cash payments were made in connection to the performance guarantees during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Letters of Credit and Other GuaranteesGuarantees
We have entered into a number of arrangements whereby our performance on certain obligations is guaranteed by a third party through the issuance of a letter of credit (“LOCs”).an LOC. We had total LOCs outstanding of approximately $96$75 million at December 31, 2017,2021, compared to $90$79 million at December 31, 2016.2020. These LOCs cover the beneficiaries related to certain of our U.S. and Canadian non-qualified pension plan schemes and secure deductible retentions for our own workersworkers’ compensation program. We also have obtained LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at our international subsidiaries.
We have certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $95$153 million at December 31, 2017, which is unchanged as2021, compared to $113 million at December 31, 2016.
Other Liquidity Matters
We do not have material exposure related to off balance sheet arrangements. Our cash flows from operations, borrowing availability, and overall liquidity are subject to risks and uncertainties. See Item 1, “Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements,” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”2020.
Contractual Obligations
Summarized in the table below are ourOur contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2017. Payments by year due2021 are estimated as follows (in millions):comprised of principal payments on debt, interest payments on debt, operating leases, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and purchase obligations.
 Payments due in
 2018 2019-2020 2021-2022 2023 and
beyond
 Total
Principal payments on debt$299
 $600
 $400
 $4,770
 $6,069
Interest payments on debt267
 526
 442
 2,362
 3,597
Operating leases277
 463
 363
 613
 1,716
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans181
 388
 281
 757
 1,607
Purchase obligations191
 192
 30
 33
 446
Total$1,215
 $2,169
 $1,516
 $8,535
 $13,435


Operating leases are primarily comprised of leased office space throughout the world. As leases expire, we do not anticipate difficulty in negotiating renewals or finding other satisfactory space if the premise becomes unavailable. In certain circumstances, we may have unused space and may seek to sublet such space to third parties, depending upon the demands for office space in the locations involved. Refer to Note 8 “Lease Commitments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information.
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations include estimates of our minimum funding requirements pursuant to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”)ERISA and other regulations, as well as minimum funding requirements agreed with the trustees of our U.K. pension plans. Additional amounts may be agreed to with, or required by, the U.K. pension plan trustees. Nonqualified pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are based on estimated future benefit payments. We may make additional discretionary contributions.
In 2017, our principal U.K. subsidiary agreed with the trustees of one Refer to Note 11 “Employee Benefits” of the U.K. plansNotes to contribute £44 million ($59 million at December 31, 2017 exchange rates) through 2019 which is estimated to bring the plan to 100% funded basis.  Contributions were based on the 2016 valuation and noConsolidated Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further contributions are forecasted after 2019.  The trustees of the plan have certain rights to request that our U.K. subsidiary advance an amount equal to an actuarially determined winding-up deficit.  As of December 31, 2017, the estimated winding-up deficit was £122 million ($163 million at December 31, 2017 exchange rates).  The trustees of the plan have accepted in practice the agreed-upon schedule of contributions detailed above and have not requested the winding-up deficit be paid.information.
Purchase obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods and services that are enforceable and legally binding on us, and that specifies all significant terms, including the goods to be purchased or services to be rendered, the price at which the goods or services are to be rendered, and the timing of the transactions. Most of our purchase obligations are related to purchases of information technology services or other service contracts. Purchase
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We had no other cash requirements from known contractual obligations exclude $280 millionand commitments that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of liabilities for uncertain tax positions dueoperations, or liquidity.
Guarantee of Registered Securities
In connection with the Reorganization, on April 1, 2020 Aon plc and Aon Global Holdings plc, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, entered into various agreements pursuant to our inabilitywhich they agreed to reasonably estimateguarantee the period(s) when potential cash settlements willobligations of Aon Corporation arising under issued and outstanding debt securities, which were previously guaranteed solely by Aon Global Limited and the obligations of Aon Global Limited arising under issued and outstanding debt securities, which were previously guaranteed solely by Aon Corporation. Those agreements include: (1) Second Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, and Aon Global Holdings plc and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”) (amending and restating the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); (2) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated December 12, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited plc and the Trustee); (3) Second Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated May 20, 2015, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); (4) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated November 13, 2015, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); and (5) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated December 3, 2018, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee).
After the Reorganization, newly issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation are guaranteed by Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, and Aon Global Holdings plc, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Corporation Notes”):
Aon Corporation Notes
2.20% Senior Notes due November 2022
8.205% Junior Subordinated Notes due January 2027
4.50% Senior Notes due December 2028
3.75% Senior Notes due May 2029
2.80% Senior Notes due 2030
6.25% Senior Notes due September 2040

All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, and Aon Global Holdings plc of the Aon Corporation Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be made.subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the company. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Corporation Notes.
Financial Condition
At December 31, 2017, our net assets, representing total assets minus total liabilities, were $4.6 billion, a decrease from $5.5 billion at December 31, 2016.After the Reorganization, newly issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Global Limited are guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Global Limited Notes”):
Aon Global Limited Notes
4.00% Senior Notes due November 2023
3.50% Senior Notes due June 2024
3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025
2.875% Senior Notes due May 2026
4.25% Senior Notes due December 2042
4.45% Senior Notes due May 2043
4.60% Senior Notes due June 2044
4.75% Senior Notes due May 2045
All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation of the Aon Global Limited Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future
43


unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the company. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Global Limited Notes.
Newly co-issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc (together, the “Co-Issuers”) are guaranteed by Aon plc and Aon Global Limited and include the following (collectively, the “Co-Issued Notes”):
Co-Issued Notes - Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc
2.05% Senior Notes due August 2031
2.60% Senior Notes due December 2031
2.90% Senior Notes due August 2051
All guarantees of Aon plc and Aon Global Limited of the Co-Issued Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the Co-Issuers. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Co-Issued Notes.
Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, and Aon Global Holdings plc are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Aon plc. Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation together comprise the “Obligor group”. The decrease was due primarily to share repurchases of $2.4 billion, and dividends to shareholders of $364 million, partially offset by Net income of $1.3 billionfollowing tables set forth summarized financial information for the year ended December 31, 2017, and a decrease in Accumulated other comprehensive loss of $416 million related primarily to foreign currency translation. Working capital increased by $271 million from $651 million at December 31, 2016 to $922 million at December 31, 2017.Obligor group.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased $416 million to $3,496 million at December 31, 2017 as compared to $3,912 million at December 31, 2016, which was primarily driven by the following:
positive net foreign currency translation adjustments of $385 million, whichAdjustments are attributablemade to the weakeningtables to eliminate intercompany balances and transactions between the Obligor group. Intercompany balances and transactions between the Obligor group and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented as separate line items within the summarized financial information. These balances are presented on a net presentation basis, rather than a gross basis, as this better reflects the nature of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies;intercompany positions and presents the funding or funded position that is to be received or owed. No balances or transactions of non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented in the summarized financial information, including investments of the Obligor group in non-guarantor subsidiaries. Summarized Statement of Income information for the Obligor group is as follows (in millions):
a decrease
Obligor Group
Summarized Statement
of Income Information
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
Revenue$— 
Operating loss$(1,156)
Expense from non-guarantor subsidiaries before income taxes$(778)
Net loss$(2,120)
Net loss attributable to Aon shareholders$(2,120)
44


Summarized Statement of $19 million due toFinancial Position information for the amortization of net actuarial losses related to pension obligations; andObligor group is as follows (in millions):
net financial instrument gains of $12 million.
Obligor Group
Summarized Statement of Financial Position Information
As of
December 31, 2021
Receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$1,646 
Other current assets57 
Total current assets$1,703 
Non-current receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries$498 
Other non-current assets882 
Total non-current assets$1,380 
Payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$13,509 
Other current liabilities2,013 
Total current liabilities$15,522 
Non-current payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries$7,139 
Other non-current liabilities9,512 
Total non-current liabilities$16,651 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
OurThe Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To prepare these financial statements, we make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect what we report as our assets and liabilities, what we disclose as contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements,Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.
In accordance with our policies, we regularly evaluate our estimates, assumptions, and judgments, including, but not limited to, those concerning restructuring, revenue recognition, pensions, goodwill and other intangible assets, contingencies, share-based payments, and income taxes, and base our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on our historical experience and on factors we believe reasonable under the circumstances. The results involve judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. If our assumptions or conditions change, the actual results we report may differ from these estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments we use to prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Restructuring
Workforce reduction costs
The method used to account for workforce reduction costs depends on whether the costs result from an ongoing severance plan or are one-time costs. We account for relevant expenses as severance costs when we have an established severance policy, statutory requirements dictate the severance amounts, or we have an established pattern of paying by a specific formula. We recognize these costs when the likelihood of future settlement is probable and the amount of the related benefit is reasonably estimable, or on a straight-line basis over the remaining service period, if applicable.


We estimate our one-time workforce reduction costs related to exit and disposal activities not resulting from an ongoing severance plan based on the benefits available to the employees being terminated. We recognize these costs when we identify the specific classification (or functions) and locations of the employees being terminated, notify the employees who might be included in the termination, and expect to terminate employees within the legally required notification period. When employees are receiving incentives to stay beyond the legally required notification period, we record the cost of their severance over the remaining service period.
Lease consolidation costs
Where we have provided notice of cancellation pursuant to a lease agreement or abandoned space and have no intention of reoccupying it, we recognize a loss. The loss reflects our best estimate of the net present value of the future cash flows associated with the lease at the date we provide notice of cancellation in accordance with contractual terms, vacate the property, or sign a sublease arrangement. To determine the loss, we estimate sublease income based on current market quotes for similar properties. When we finalize definitive agreements with the sublessee, we adjust our sublease losses for actual outcomes.
Fair value concepts of one-time workforce reduction costs and lease losses
Accounting guidance requires that our exit and disposal accruals reflect the fair value of the liability. Where material, we discount the lease loss calculations to arrive at their net present value. Most workforce reductions happen over a short span of time, so no discounting is necessary.
For the remaining lease term, we decrease the liability for payments and increase the liability for accretion of the discount, if material. The discount reflects our incremental borrowing rate, which matches the lifetime of the liability. Significant changes in the discount rate selected or the estimations of sublease income in the case of leases could impact the amounts recorded.
Asset impairments
Asset impairments are accounted for in the period when they become known. Furthermore, we record impairments by reducing the book value to the net present value of future cash flows (in situations where the asset had an identifiable cash flow stream) or accelerating the depreciation to reflect the revised useful life. Asset impairments are included in Depreciation of fixed assets in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Other associated costs of exit and disposal activities
We recognize other costs associated with exit and disposal activities as they are incurred, including separation costs, moving costs and consulting and legal fees.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized when they are earned and realized or realizable. The Company considers revenuesrecognizes revenue when control of the promised services is transferred to the customer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be earned and realizedentitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements where control is transferred over time, an input or realizable when alloutput method is applied that represents a faithful depiction of the following four conditions are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) the arrangement fee is fixed or determinable, (3) delivery or performance has occurred, and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.
For brokerage commissions, revenue is typically recognized at theprogress towards completion of the placement process or overperformance obligation. For arrangements that include variable consideration, the Company assesses whether any amounts should be constrained. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates consideration based on their relative fair values.
Costs incurred by the Company in obtaining a period of time basedcontract are capitalized and amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of valuecontrol of the services to customers orwhich the asset relates, considering anticipated renewals when applicable. Certain contract related costs, including pre-placement brokerage costs, are capitalized as a cost to fulfill and are amortized on a systematic basis consistent with the remuneration becomes determinable, assuming all four criteria requiredtransfer of control of the services to recognize revenue have been met. The placement processwhich the asset relates, which is typically considered complete ongenerally less than one year.
Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the related policy. Commission revenuesunderlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services
45


to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units transferred and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded net of allowances for estimated policy cancellations, which are determined based on an evaluation of historical and current cancellation data. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced near the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period.
Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, and capital markets. Revenue primarily includes reinsurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the inception of the reinsurance period for certain reinsurance brokerage, or more commonly, over the term of the arrangement in installments based on deposit or minimum premiums for most treaty reinsurance arrangements.
Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, Human Capital, and voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. For brokerage commissions, revenue is predominantly recognized at the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services using input or output measures, including units delivered or time elapsed, to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For Human Capital, revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time upon completion of the services. For arrangements recognized over time, revenue is based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation, including units delivered or time elapsed. Input and output measures utilized vary based on the arrangement but typically include reports provided or days elapsed. Revenue from voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions arrangements are typically recognized upon successful enrollment of participants. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period. Payment terms for other services vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.
Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting, pension administration and investments. Revenue recognized for these arrangements is predominantly recognized over the term of the arrangement using input or output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For consulting arrangements recognized over time, revenue will be recognized based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer, utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including units delivered or time elapsed. Fees paid by clientscustomers for consulting or other non-brokerage services are typically charged on an hourly, project or fixed-fee basis. Revenuesbasis, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time incurred, days elapsed, or reports delivered. Revenue from time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements are recognized as services are performed assuming all four criteriausing input or output measures to recognize revenue have been met. Revenues from fixed-fee contracts are recognized as services are provided usingprovide a proportional-performance model or atreasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of a projectthe performance obligation including hours worked, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on factstime and circumstances of the client arrangement. Revenues from investment income on funds held on behalf of clients are recognized as services are performed, assuming all four criteria to recognize revenue have been met.materials incurred. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenues.
Revenues from health care exchange arrangementsrevenue. Payment terms vary but are typically recognized upon successful enrollment of participants, net of a reserve for estimated cancellations, assuming all four criteria to recognize revenue have been met.


over the contract term in installments.
Pensions
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans throughout the world. Our most significant plans are located in the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Canada, which are closed to new entrants. We have ceased crediting future benefits relating to salary and services for our U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and CanadianCanada plans to the extent statutorily permitted.
In 2016The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is reported in Compensation and 2017, webenefits and all other components are reported in Other income. We used a full-yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for our major pension and other postretirement benefit plans; this was obtained by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. In 2015 and prior years, we had estimated these components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost by applying a single weighted-average discount rate, derived from the yield curve and used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period.
46


Recognition of gainsGains and lossesLosses and prior servicePrior Service
Certain changes in the value of the obligation and in the value of plan assets, which may occur due to various factors such as changes in the discount rate and actuarial assumptions, actual demographic experience, and/or plan asset performance are not immediately recognized in net income. Such changes are recognized in Other comprehensive income and are amortized into net income as part of the net periodic benefit cost.
Unrecognized gains and losses that have been deferred in Other comprehensive income, as previously described, are amortized into Compensation and benefits expense as a component of periodic pension expense based on the average life expectancy of the U.S., theU.K., Netherlands, Canada, and U.K.Canada plan members. We amortize any prior service expense or credits that arise as a result of plan changes over a period consistent with the amortization of gains and losses.
As of December 31, 2017,2021, our pension plans have deferred losses that have not yet been recognized through income in the Consolidated Financial Statements. We amortize unrecognized actuarial losses outside of a corridor, which is defined as 10% of the greater of market-related value of plan assets or projected benefit obligation.PBO. To the extent not offset by future gains, incremental amortization as calculated above will continue to affect future pension expense similarly until fully amortized.
The following table discloses our unrecognized actuarial gains and losses,accumulated other comprehensive loss, the number of years over which we are amortizing the experience loss, and the estimated 20182022 amortization of loss by country (millions,(in millions, except amortization period):
U.K.U.S.Other
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$1,255 $1,551 $483 
Amortization period7 - 266 - 2311 - 35
Estimated 2022 amortization of loss$34 $67 $14 
 U.K. U.S. Other
Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses$1,236
 $1,706
 $452
Amortization period9 - 29
 6 - 24
 13 - 40
Estimated 2018 amortization of loss$30
 $61
 $12
The U.S. had no unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2021. The unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 20172021 was $5 million, $19$40 million, and $(7)$(6) million for the U.S., U.K. and other plans, respectively.
For the U.S. pension plans, we use a market-related valuation of assets approach to determine the expected return on assets, which is a component of net periodic benefit cost recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This approach recognizes 20% of any gains or losses in the current year’s value of market-related assets, with the remaining 80% spread over the next four years. As this approach recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets and therefore, our net periodic benefit cost will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded. As of December 31, 2017,2021, the market-related value of assets was $1.9$2.2 billion. We do not use the market-related valuation approach to determine the funded status of the U.S. plans recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Instead, we record and present the funded status in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position based on the fair value of the plan assets. As of December 31, 2017,2021, the fair value of plan assets was $2.0$2.4 billion.
Our non-U.S. plans use fair value to determine expected return on assets.


Rate of returnReturn on plan assetsPlan Assets and asset allocationAsset Allocation
The following table summarizes the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for future pension expense as of December 31, 2017:2021:
 U.K. U.S. Other
Expected return3.34% 7.71% 1.70 - 4.85%
U.K.U.S.Other
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses2.34%2.03 - 5.28%1.80 - 3.15%
In determining the expected rate of return for the plan assets, we analyze investment-communityinvestment community forecasts and current market conditions to develop expected returns for each of the asset classes used by the plans. In particular, we surveyed multiple third-party financial institutions and consultants to obtain long-term expected returns on each asset class, considered historical performance data by asset class over long periods, and weighted the expected returns for each asset class by target asset allocations of the plans.
The U.S. pension plan asset allocation is based on approved allocations following adopted investment guidelines. The investment policy for U.K. and other non-U.S. pension plans is generally determined by the plans’ trustees. Because there are several pension plans maintained in the U.K. and other non-U.S. categories, our target allocation presents a range of the target allocation of each plan. Target allocations are subject to change.
47


Impact of changing economic assumptionsChanging Economic Assumptions
Changes in the discount rate and expected return on assets can have a material impact on pension obligations and pension expense.
Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 basis pointBPS increase and decrease in our estimated discount rate would have on our projected benefit obligationPBO at December 31, 20172021 (in millions):
Increase (decrease) in projected benefit obligation (1)
25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
IncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(201)$219 
U.S. plans$(89)$93 
Other plans$(64)$69 
Estimated liability discount rate
Increase (decrease) in projected benefit obligation of December 31, 2017 (1)
25 bps Change in Discount Rate
Increase Decrease
U.K. plans$(209) $223
U.S. plans(95) 100
Other plans(58) 67
(1)Increases to the PBO reflect increases to our pension obligations, while decreases in the PBO are recoveries toward fully-funded status. A change in the discount rate has an inverse relationship to the PBO.
(1)Increases to the projected benefit obligation reflect increases to our pension obligations, while decreases in the projected benefit obligation are recoveries toward fully-funded status. A change in the discount rate has an inverse relationship to the projected benefit obligation.
Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 basis pointBPS increase and decrease in our estimated discount rate would have on our estimated 20182022 pension expense (in millions):
25 bps Change in Discount Rate 25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncrease DecreaseIncrease (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(2) $1
U.K. plans$(1)$
U.S. plans1
 (1)U.S. plans$$(2)
Other plans
 
Other plans$$(1)
Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 basis pointBPS increase and decrease in our estimated long-term rate of return on plan assets would have on our estimated 20182022 pension expense (in millions):
 25 BPS Change in Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(15)$15 
U.S. plans$(5)$
Other plans$(4)$
 25 bps Change in Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncrease Decrease
U.K. plans$(15) $15
U.S. plans(5) 5
Other plans(3) 3


The net unfunded pension balance has continued to improve in 2021, reflecting continued progress in reducing the funded status at risk. As a result, the potential impact of a hypothetical adverse change in discount rates and return seeking asset exposures would have a less significant impact as compared to prior years. A hypothetical discount rates decrease of 1% and return seeking assets decline of 10% would have resulted in expected balance sheet deterioration at 2021 of approximately $235 million, as compared to approximately $410 million in 2019, an improvement of approximately $175 million. This is largely due to greater amounts of liability matching assets and de-risking actions.
Estimated future contributionsFuture Contributions
We estimate cash contributions of approximately $177$74 million to our pension plans in 20182022 as compared with cash contributions of $146$87 million in 2017.2021.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of the net assets acquired. We classify our intangible assets acquired as either tradenames, customer-related and contract-based, or technology and other.
Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, we also test the acquired tradenames for impairment. We test more frequently if there are indicators of impairment or whenever business circumstances suggest that the carrying value of goodwill or trademarks may not be recoverable. These indicators may include a sustained significant decline in our share price and market capitalization, a decline in our expected future cash flows, or a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, among others. No events occurred during 2017 that indicate the existence of an impairment with respect to our reported goodwill or tradenames.
We perform impairment reviews at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a “component”). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component
48


constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. An operating segment shall be deemed to be a reporting unit if all of its components are similar, if none of its components isare a reporting unit, or if the segment comprises only a single component.
The goodwillWhen evaluating these assets for impairment, test is initiallywe may first perform a qualitative analysisassessment to determine ifwhether it is “moremore likely than not”not that a reporting unit is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of eachthe reporting unit exceeds theits carrying value, including goodwill, of the corresponding reporting unit. If the “more likely than not” threshold is not met,amount, then the goodwill impairment test becomes a two-stepquantitative analysis. Step 1 requires the fair value of each reporting unit to be compared to its book value. Management must apply judgment in determining the estimated fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill and trademarks areis deemed not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, we perform Step 2. Step 2 usesa goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the calculatedamount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value limited to the total amount of the reporting unitgoodwill allocated to perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The difference between the fair value of the reporting unit calculated in Step 1 and the fair value of the underlying assets and liabilities of the reporting unit is the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. A charge is recorded in the financial statements if the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is greater than its implied fair value.
In determining the fair value of our reporting units, we use a discounted cash flow (“DCF”)DCF model based on our most current forecasts. We discount the related cash flow forecasts using the weighted-averageweighted average cost of capital method at the date of evaluation. Preparation of forecasts and selection of the discount rate for use in the DCF model involve significant judgments, and changes in these estimates could affect the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period. We also use market multiples which are obtained from quoted prices of comparable companies to corroborate our DCF model results. The combined estimated fair value of our reporting units from our DCF model often results in a premium over our market capitalization, commonly referred to as a control premium. We believe the implied control premium determined by our impairment analysis is reasonable based upon historic data of premiums paid on actual transactions within our industry. Based on tests performed in both 2017 and 2016, there was no indication of goodwill impairment, and no further testing was required.
We review intangible assets that are being amortized for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. There were no indications that the carrying values of amortizable intangible assets were impaired as of December 31, 2017. If we are required to record impairment charges in the future, they could materially impact our results of operations.operations.
Contingencies
We define a contingency as an existing condition that involves a degree of uncertainty as to a possible gain or loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Under U.S. GAAP, we are required to establish reserves for loss contingencies when the loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate its financial impact. We are required to assess the likelihood of material adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges or probability of losses. We determine the amount of reserves required, if any, for contingencies after carefully analyzing each individual item. The required reserves may change due to new developments in each issue. We do not recognize gain contingencies until the contingency is resolved and amounts due are probable of collection.


Share-Based Payments
Share-based compensation expense is measured based on the estimated grant date fair value and recognized over the requisite service period for awards that we ultimately expect to vest. For purposes of measuring share-based compensation expense, we consider whether an adjustment to the observable market price is necessary to reflect material nonpublic information that is known to us at the time the award is granted. No adjustments were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, or 2019. We also estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on our actual experience to date and revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Restricted Share Units
Restricted share units (“RSUs”)RSUs are service-based awards for which we recognize the associated compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period where applicable.
Performance Share Awards
Performance share awards (“PSAs”)PSAs are performance-based awards for which vesting is dependent on the achievement of certain objectives. Such objectives may be made on a personal, group or company level. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying stockshare on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period.
Compensation costexpense is recognized over the performance period. The number of shares issued on the vesting date will vary depending on the actual performance objectives achieved.achieved, which are based on a fixed number of potential outcomes. We make assessments of future performance using subjective estimates, such as long-term plans. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions could have a material impact on the compensation expense recognized.
49


The largest performance-based share-based payment award plan is the Leadership Performance Plan (“LPP”),LPP, which has a three-year performance period. The 2015 to 2017 performance period ended on December 31, 2017, the 2014 to 2016 performance period ended on December 31, 2016 and the 2013 to 2015 performance period ended on December 31, 2015. The LPP currently has two open performance periods: 2016 to 2018 and 2017 to 2019. A 10% upward adjustment in our estimated performance achievement percentage for both open performance periods would have increased our 2017 expense by approximately $5.9 million, while a 10% downward adjustment would have decreased our expense by approximately $5.9 million. As the percent of expected performance increases or decreases, the potential change in expense can go from 0% to 200% of the targeted total expense. The 2019 to 2021 performance period ended on December 31, 2021, the 2018 to 2020 performance period ended on December 31, 2020, and the 2017 to 2019 performance period ended on December 31, 2019. The LPP currently has two open performance periods: 2020 to 2022 and 2021 to 2023. A 10% upward adjustment in our estimated performance achievement percentage for both open performance periods would not have increased our 2021 expense, while a 10% downward adjustment would have decreased our expense by approximately $7.6 million.
Income Taxes
We earn income in numerous countries and this income is subject to the laws of taxing jurisdictions within those countries.
The carrying values of deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the application of our income tax accounting policies and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates about future operating results and levels of taxable income, and judgments regarding the interpretation of the provisions of current accounting principles.
Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In this assessment, significant weightConsiderations with respect to the realizability of deferred tax assets include the period of expiration of the deferred tax asset, historical earnings and projected future taxable income by jurisdiction as well as tax liabilities for the tax jurisdiction to which the tax asset relates. Significant management judgment is givenrequired in determining the assumptions and estimates related to evidence that canthe amount and timing of future taxable income. Valuation allowances are evaluated periodically and will be objectively verified.subject to change in each future reporting period as a result of changes in various factors.
We assess carryforwards and tax credits for realization as a reduction of future taxable income by using a “more likely than not” determination.
We base the carrying values of liabilities and assets for income taxes currently payable and receivable on management’s interpretation of applicable tax laws and incorporate management’s assumptions and judgments about using tax planning strategies in various taxing jurisdictions. Using different estimates, assumptions, and judgments in accounting for income taxes, especially those that deploy tax planning strategies, may result in materially different carrying values of income tax assets and liabilities and changes in our results of operations.
Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 
On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was enacted into law and the new legislation contains several key tax provisions that impact the Company, including a reduction of the corporate income tax rate to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and a one-time mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings (the “Transition Tax”), among others. The Company is required to recognize the effect of the tax law changes in the period of enactment, including the determination of the transition tax and re-measuring of our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities. In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”), which allows registrants to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date. Since the Tax Reform Act was passed late in the fourth quarter of 2017 and ongoing guidance and accounting


interpretation is expected over the next 12 months, we consider the accounting for certain items to be provisional due to the forthcoming guidance and our ongoing analysis of final year-end data and tax positions. The Company expects to complete its analysis within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118. See Note 10 in these notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information and a detailed description of the items for which the accounting is provisional.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, including a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or future potential impact on our financial results, if determinable.
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to potential fluctuations in earnings, cash flows, and the fair values of certain of our assets and liabilities due to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. To manage the risk from these exposures, we enter into a variety of derivative instruments. We do not enter into derivatives or financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The following discussion describes our specific exposures and the strategies we use to manage these risks. Refer to Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for a discussion of our accounting policies for financial instruments and derivatives.
Foreign Exchange Risk
We are subject to foreign exchange rate risk. Our primary exposures include exchange rates between the U.S. Dollardollar and the Euro,euro, the British Pound,pound, the Canadian Dollar,dollar, the Australian Dollar,dollar, the Indian Rupee,rupee, and the Japanese Yen.yen. We use over-the-counter options and forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency risk to our financial statements.
Additionally, some of our non-U.S. brokerage subsidiaries receive revenuesrevenue in currencies that differ from their functional currencies. Our U.K. subsidiaries earn a portion of their revenue in U.S. Dollars, Euros,dollars, euro, and Japanese Yen,yen, but most of their expenses are incurred in British Pounds.pounds. At December 31, 2017,2021, we have hedged approximately 45% of our U.K. subsidiaries’ expected exposures to the U.S. Dollar, Euro,dollar, euro, and Japanese Yenyen transactions for the years ending December 31, 2018, 2019,2022 and 2020 respectively.2023. We generally do not hedge exposures beyond three years.
We also use forward and option contracts to economically hedge foreign exchange risk associated with monetary balance sheet exposures, such as inter-companyintercompany notes and short-termcurrent assets and liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency and are subject to remeasurement.
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The potential loss in future earnings from foreign exchange derivative instruments resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in year-end exchange rates would be $31$48 million and $14$10 million at December 31, 20182022 and 20192023, respectively.
The translated value of revenues and expenses from our international brokerage operations are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. If we were to translate prior year results at current year exchange rates, diluted earnings per share would have a favorable $0.17 impact during the year ended December 31, 2021. Further, adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure as defined and reconciled under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share,” would have a favorable $0.23 impact during the year ended December 31, 2021 if we were to translate prior year results at current quarter exchange rates.
Interest Rate Risk
Our fiduciary investment income is affected by changes in international and domestic short-term interest rates. We monitor our net exposure to short-term interest rates and, as appropriate, hedge our exposure with various derivative financial instruments. This activity primarily relates to brokerage funds held on behalf of clients in the North America,U.S. and in continental Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.Europe. A hypothetical, instantaneous parallel decrease in the year-end yield curve of 100 basis pointsBPS would cause a decrease, net of derivative positions, of $41.6$64 million to each of 20182022 and 20192023 pretax income. A corresponding increase in the year-end yield curve of 100 basis pointsBPS would cause an increase, net of derivative positions, of $41.6$64 million to each of 20182022 and 2019 pretax2023 pre-tax income.
We have long-term debt outstanding, excluding the current portion, with a fair market value of $6.3$9.2 billion atand $8.8 billion as of December 31, 20172021 and 2016. ThisDecember 31, 2020, respectively. The fair value was greater than the carrying value by $600 million$0.9 billion at December 31, 2017,2021, and $395 million$1.4 billion greater than the carrying value at December 31, 2016.2020. A hypothetical 1% increase or decrease in interest rates would change the fair value by a decrease of 8% or an increase of 9%, respectively, at December 31, 2017.2021.
We have selected hypothetical changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity market prices to illustrate the possible impact of these changes; we are not predicting market events.



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Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Aon plc


Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Aon plc (the Company) as of December 31, 20172021 and 2016, and2020, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders'shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 20172021 and 2016,2020, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework)framework), and our report dated February 20, 2018,18, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’sCompany's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.

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Realizability of Deferred Tax Assets
Description of the Matter
As discussed in Note 10 “Income Taxes” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $365 million at December 31, 2021. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of all available evidence, in management’s judgment it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Conclusions on the realizability of certain net deferred tax assets involve significant management judgement including assumptions and estimates related to the amount and timing of future taxable income. Auditing the deferred tax asset calculation and the related forecast of future taxable income was especially challenging as it involved a high degree of auditor judgement around management’s assumptions and estimates.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls that address the risks of material misstatement relating to the realizability of deferred tax assets, including controls over management’s projections of future taxable income and the related assumptions.

Among other audit procedures performed, we evaluated the assumptions used by the Company to develop projections of future taxable income by income tax jurisdiction and tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the projections. For example, we inspected the growth rate used in the calculation, the estimates of the reversal of cumulative temporary differences by year and the capital and debt requirements by jurisdiction. We compared the projections of future taxable income with the actual results of prior periods, as well as management’s considerations of current industry and economic trends. Further, we involved tax subject matter professionals in the review of the information identified.

aon-20211231_g1.jpg

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1986.

Chicago, Illinois
February 20, 2018

18, 2022

53


Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Income
 Years ended December 31Years Ended December 31
(millions, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015(millions, except per share data)202120202019
Revenue      Revenue   
Total revenue $9,998
 $9,409

$9,480
Total revenue $12,193 $11,066 $11,013 
Expenses      Expenses   
Compensation and benefits 6,089
 5,687
 5,605
Compensation and benefits 6,738 5,905 6,054 
Information technology 419
 386
 389
Information technology477 444 494 
Premises 348
 343
 362
Premises327 291 339 
Depreciation of fixed assets 187
 162
 164
Depreciation of fixed assets179 167 172 
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets 704
 157
 173
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets147 246 392 
Other general expenses 1,272
 1,036
 1,200
Other general expenseOther general expense 2,235 1,232 1,393 
Total operating expenses 9,019
 7,771
 7,893
Total operating expenses 10,103 8,285 8,844 
Operating income 979
 1,638
 1,587
Operating income 2,090 2,781 2,169 
Interest income 27
 9
 14
Interest income 11 
Interest expense (282) (282) (273)Interest expense (322)(334)(307)
Other income (expense) (39) 36
 100
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 685
 1,401
 1,428
Income taxes 250
 148
 175
Net income from continuing operations 435
 1,253
 1,253
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 828
 177
 169
Other incomeOther income 152 13 — 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes 1,931 2,466 1,870 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense 623 448 297 
Net income 1,263
 1,430
 1,422
Net income1,308 2,018 1,573 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 37
 34
 37
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 53 49 41 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,226
 $1,396
 $1,385
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,255 $1,969 $1,532 
      
Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholdersBasic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders     Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.59 $8.49 $6.42 
Continuing operations$1.54
 $4.55
 $4.33
Discontinued operations3.20
 0.66
 0.60
Net income$4.74
 $5.21
 $4.93
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholdersDiluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders     Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.55 $8.45 $6.37 
Continuing operations $1.53
 $4.51
 $4.28
Discontinued operations 3.17
 0.65
 0.60
Net income $4.70
 $5.16
 $4.88
Cash dividends per share paid on ordinary shares $1.41
 $1.29
 $1.15
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic 258.5
 268.1
 280.8
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic 224.7 231.9 238.6 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - dilutedWeighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted260.7
 270.3
 283.8
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted226.1 233.1 240.6 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

54



Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 Years Ended December 31Years Ended December 31
(millions) 2017 2016 2015(millions)202120202019
Net incomeNet income$1,263
 $1,430
 $1,422
Net income$1,308 $2,018 $1,573 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestsLess: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests37
 34
 37
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests53 49 41 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholdersNet income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,226
 $1,396
 $1,385
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders1,255 1,969 1,532 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:   
Change in fair value of financial instrumentsChange in fair value of financial instruments12
 (12) (8)Change in fair value of financial instruments13 
Foreign currency translation adjustmentsForeign currency translation adjustments390
 (495) (442)Foreign currency translation adjustments(289)263 14 
Postretirement benefit obligationPostretirement benefit obligation19
 16
 155
Postretirement benefit obligation277 (101)(141)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)Total other comprehensive income (loss)421
 (491) (295)Total other comprehensive income (loss)(11)175 (124)
Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests5
 (2) (6)
Less: Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interestsLess: Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(1)— 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholdersTotal other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders416
 (489) (289)Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders(10)172 (124)
Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholdersComprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,642
 $907
 $1,096
Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,245 $2,141 $1,408 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

55



Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(millions, except per share data)SharesOrdinary Shares and Additional Paid-in CapitalRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax
Non-controlling
Interests
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018240.1 $5,967 $2,093 $(3,909)$68 $4,219 
Net income— — 1,532 — 41 1,573 
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans2.5 (130)(1)— — (131)
Shares purchased(10.5) (1,960)— — (1,960)
Share-based compensation expense— 317 — — — 317 
Dividends to shareholders ($1.72 per share)— — (410)— — (410)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments— — — — 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments— — — 14 — 14 
Net postretirement benefit obligation— — — (141)— (141)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock— — — — (35)(35)
Balance at December 31, 2019232.1 6,154 1,254 (4,033)74 3,449 
Adoption of new accounting guidance— — (6)— — (6)
Balance at January 1, 2020232.1 6,154 1,248 (4,033)74 3,443 
Net income— — 1,969 — 49 2,018 
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans1.9 (154)— — — (154)
Shares purchased(8.5)— (1,763)— — (1,763)
Share-based compensation expense— 317 — — — 317 
Dividends to shareholders ($1.78 per share)— — (412)— — (412)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments— — — 13 — 13 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments— — — 260 263 
Net postretirement benefit obligation— — — (101)— (101)
Net purchases of shares from noncontrolling interests— (3)— — (6)(9)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock— — — — (32)(32)
Balance at December 31, 2020225.5 6,314 1,042 (3,861)88 3,583 
Net income— — 1,255 — 53 1,308 
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans1.7 (129)(1)— — (130)
Shares purchased(12.4)— (3,543)— — (3,543)
Share-based compensation expense— 449 — — — 449 
Dividends to shareholders ($1.99 per share)— — (447)— — (447)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments— — — — 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments— — — (288)(1)(289)
Net postretirement benefit obligation— — — 277 — 277 
Net purchases of shares from noncontrolling interests— (8)— — (5)(13)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock— — — — (38)(38)
Balance at December 31, 2021214.8 $6,626 $(1,694)$(3,871)$97 $1,158 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 As of December 31As of December 31
(millions, except nominal value) 2017 2016(millions, except nominal value)20212020
ASSETS   
CURRENT ASSETS   
AssetsAssets  
Current assetsCurrent assets  
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$756
 $426
Cash and cash equivalents$544 $884 
Short-term investmentsShort-term investments529
 290
Short-term investments292 308 
Receivables, netReceivables, net2,478
 2,106
Receivables, net3,094 3,070 
Fiduciary assetsFiduciary assets9,625
 8,959
Fiduciary assets14,386 13,798 
Other current assetsOther current assets289
 247
Other current assets716 624 
Current assets of discontinued operations
 1,118
Total Current Assets13,677
 13,146
Total current assetsTotal current assets19,032 18,684 
GoodwillGoodwill8,358
 7,410
Goodwill8,434 8,666 
Intangible assets, netIntangible assets, net1,733
 1,890
Intangible assets, net492 640 
Fixed assets, netFixed assets, net564
 550
Fixed assets, net529 599 
Operating lease right-of-use assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets786 911 
Deferred tax assetsDeferred tax assets389
 325
Deferred tax assets766 724 
Prepaid pensionPrepaid pension1,060
 858
Prepaid pension1,366 1,280 
Other non-current assetsOther non-current assets307
 360
Other non-current assets512 610 
Non-current assets of discontinued operations
 2,076
TOTAL ASSETS$26,088
 $26,615
   
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   
LIABILITIES   
CURRENT LIABILITIES   
Total assetsTotal assets$31,917 $32,114 
Liabilities and equityLiabilities and equity  
LiabilitiesLiabilities  
Current liabilitiesCurrent liabilities  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesAccounts payable and accrued liabilities$1,961
 $1,604
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$2,192 $2,016 
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debtShort-term debt and current portion of long-term debt299
 336
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt1,164 448 
Fiduciary liabilitiesFiduciary liabilities9,625
 8,959
Fiduciary liabilities14,386 13,798 
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities870
 656
Other current liabilities1,331 1,171 
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
 940
Total Current Liabilities12,755
 12,495
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities19,073 17,433 
Long-term debtLong-term debt5,667
 5,869
Long-term debt8,228 7,281 
Non-current operating lease liabilitiesNon-current operating lease liabilities772 897 
Deferred tax liabilitiesDeferred tax liabilities127
 101
Deferred tax liabilities401 262 
Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment liabilitiesPension, other postretirement, and postemployment liabilities1,789
 1,760
Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment liabilities1,375 1,763 
Other non-current liabilitiesOther non-current liabilities1,102
 719
Other non-current liabilities910 895 
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations
 139
TOTAL LIABILITIES21,440
 21,083
   
EQUITY   
Ordinary shares - $0.01 nominal value
Authorized: 750 shares (issued: 2017 - 247.6; 2016 - 262.0)
2
 3
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities30,759 28,531 
EquityEquity  
Ordinary shares - $0.01 nominal value
Authorized: 500.0 shares (issued: 2021 - 214.8; 2020 - 225.5)
Ordinary shares - $0.01 nominal value
Authorized: 500.0 shares (issued: 2021 - 214.8; 2020 - 225.5)
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital5,775
 5,577
Additional paid-in capital6,624 6,312 
Retained earnings2,302
 3,807
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)(1,694)1,042 
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(3,496) (3,912)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(3,871)(3,861)
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY4,583
 5,475
Total Aon shareholders' equityTotal Aon shareholders' equity1,061 3,495 
Noncontrolling interestsNoncontrolling interests65
 57
Noncontrolling interests97 88 
TOTAL EQUITY4,648
 5,532
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$26,088
 $26,615
Total equityTotal equity1,158 3,583 
Total liabilities and equityTotal liabilities and equity$31,917 $32,114 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
57
(millions) Shares Ordinary Shares and Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax
 
Non-controlling
Interests
 Total
Balance at January 1, 2015 280.0
 $5,100
 $4,501
 $(3,134) $60
 $6,527
Net income 
 
 1,385
 
 37
 1,422
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans 5.8
 (155) 
 
 
 (155)
Shares purchased (16.0) 
 (1,550) 
 
 (1,550)
Tax benefit — employee benefit plans 
 126
 
 
 
 126
Share-based compensation expense 
 340
 
 
 
 340
Dividends to shareholders 
 
 (323) 
 
 (323)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments 
 
 
 (8) 
 (8)
Net foreign currency translation adjustments 
 
 
 (436) (6) (442)
Net postretirement benefit obligation 
 
 
 155
 
 155
Net sales (purchases) of shares from noncontrolling interests 
 1
 
 
 (7) (6)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock 
 
 
 
 (27) (27)
Balance at December 31, 2015 269.8
 5,412
 4,013
 (3,423) 57
 6,059
Net income 
 
 1,396
 
 34
 1,430
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans 4.3
 (125) 
 
 
 (125)
Shares purchased (12.1) 
 (1,257) 
 
 (1,257)
Tax benefit — employee benefit plans 
 (4) 
 
 
 (4)
Share-based compensation expense 
 331
 
 
 
 331
Dividends to shareholders 
 
 (345) 
 
 (345)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments 
 
 
 (12) 
 (12)
Net foreign currency translation adjustments 
 
 
 (493) (2) (495)
Net postretirement benefit obligation 
 
 
 16
 
 16
Net sales (purchases) of shares from noncontrolling interests 
 (34) 
 
 (4) (38)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock 
 
 
 
 (28) (28)
Balance at December 31, 2016 262.0
 5,580
 3,807
 (3,912) 57
 5,532
Adoption of new accounting guidance 
 
 49
 
 
 49
Balance at January 1, 2017 262.0
 5,580
 3,856
 (3,912) 57
 5,581
Net income 
 
 1,226
 
 37
 1,263
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans 3.6
 (120) (1) 
 
 (121)
Shares purchased (18.0) 
 (2,415) 
 
 (2,415)
Share-based compensation expense 
 321
 
 
 
 321
Dividends to shareholders 
 
 (364) 
 
 (364)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments 
 
 
 12
 
 12
Net foreign currency translation adjustments 
 
 
 385
 5
 390
Net postretirement benefit obligation 
 
 
 19
 
 19
Net sales (purchases) of shares from noncontrolling interests 
 (4) 
 
 (7) (11)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock 
 

 
 
 (27) (27)
Balance at December 31, 2017 247.6
 $5,777
 $2,302
 $(3,496) $65
 $4,648

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  Years ended December 31
(millions) 2017 2016 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES     
Net income$1,263
 $1,430
 $1,422
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes828
 177
 169
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:                
Loss (gain) from sales of businesses and investments, net16
 (39) (81)
Depreciation of fixed assets187
 162
 164
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets704
 157
 174
Share-based compensation expense319
 306
 320
Deferred income taxes(18) (24) (223)
Change in assets and liabilities:     
Fiduciary receivables171
 595
 599
Short-term investments — funds held on behalf of clients(135) (540) 206
Fiduciary liabilities(36) (55) (805)
Receivables, net(254) (105) (97)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities96
 53
 88
Restructuring reserves172
 
 
Current income taxes(914) (42) 24
Pension, other postretirement and other postemployment liabilities(66) 42
 (230)
Other assets and liabilities(8) 66
 110
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations669
 1,829
 1,502
Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations65
 497
 507
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES734
 2,326
 2,009
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES     
Proceeds from investments68
 43
 220
Payments for investments(64) (64) (266)
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments — non-fiduciary(232) 61
 9
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired(1,029) (879) (16)
Sale of businesses, net of cash sold4,246
 107
 205
Capital expenditures(183) (156) (200)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities - continuing operations2,806
 (888) (48)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities - discontinued operations(19) (66) (90)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES2,787
 (954) (138)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES   �� 
Share repurchase(2,399) (1,257) (1,550)
Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans(121) (129) (30)
Issuance of debt1,654
 3,467
 5,351
Repayment of debt(1,999) (2,945) (5,098)
Cash dividends to shareholders(364) (345) (323)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities(36) (77) (39)
Cash used for financing activities - continuing operations(3,265) (1,286) (1,689)
Cash used for financing activities - discontinued operations
 
 
CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES(3,265) (1,286) (1,689)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS69
 (39) (172)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS325
 47
 10
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR431
 384
 374
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR$756
 $431
 $384
Supplemental disclosures:     
Interest paid$272
 $272
 $254
Income taxes paid, net of refunds$1,182
 $218
 $249
Years Ended December 31
(millions)20212020
(As Revised)
2019
(As Revised)
Cash flows from operating activities   
Net income$1,308 $2,018 $1,573 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:              
Gain from sales of businesses and investments(142)(25)(13)
Depreciation of fixed assets179 167 172 
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets147 246 392 
Share-based compensation expense449 312 317 
Deferred income taxes11 (36)
Change in assets and liabilities:   
Receivables, net(119)108 (371)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities264 186 (28)
Current income taxes200 (17)(20)
Pension, other postretirement and postemployment liabilities(119)(141)(156)
Other assets and liabilities(80)
Cash provided by operating activities2,182 2,783 1,835 
Cash flows from investing activities   
Proceeds from investments58 64 61 
Payments for investments(91)(97)(113)
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments - non fiduciary15 (167)35 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients(14)(368)(39)
Sale of businesses, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients218 30 52 
Capital expenditures(137)(141)(225)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities49 (679)(229)
Cash flows from financing activities   
Share repurchase(3,543)(1,763)(1,960)
Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans(130)(149)(131)
Issuance of debt5,973��4,153 6,052 
Repayment of debt(4,220)(3,882)(4,941)
Increase in fiduciary liabilities, net of fiduciary receivables568 316 1,246 
Cash dividends to shareholders(447)(412)(410)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities(125)(35)(103)
Cash used for financing activities(1,924)(1,772)(247)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients(235)297 63 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients72 629 1,422 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at beginning of year6,573 5,944 4,522 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at end of year$6,645 $6,573 $5,944 
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients:
Cash and cash equivalents$544 $884 $790 
Funds held on behalf of clients6,101 5,689 5,154 
Total cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$6,645 $6,573 $5,944 
Supplemental disclosures:   
Interest paid$328 $326 $289 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds$412 $455 $353 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1.    Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).GAAP. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Aon plc and all of its controlled subsidiaries (“Aon” or the “Company”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Consolidated Financial Statements include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and reclassifications) necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.
Discontinued OperationsReferences in this report to “Aon,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” for time periods prior to April 1, 2020 refer to Aon Global Limited. References in the Financial Statements to “Aon,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” for time periods on or after April 1, 2020, refer to Aon plc.
On February 9, 2017,Reclassification
Certain amounts in the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Tempo Acquisition, LLC (the “Buyer”), an entity formed and controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. Pursuantprior year's Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the Purchase Agreement,current year’s presentation. For the Company sold its benefits administrationyears ended December 31, 2020 and business process outsourcing business (the “Divested Business”) toDecember 31, 2019, there was $1 million of income and $1 million of loss, respectively, including the Buyer and certain designated purchasers that are direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Buyer (the “Transaction”). As a result, the Divested Business’s financial results are reflectedrelated tax effect, from discontinued operations recognized in Net Income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, retrospectively, as discontinued operations beginningFlows. These amounts are now included in Other income in the first quarterConsolidated Statements of 2017. Income and Other assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. There was no impact to the effective tax rate on Net income or earnings per share in either period.
Additionally, allfor the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, a cash outflow of $127 million and a cash inflow of $3 million, respectively, was classified as an adjustment to Net income from Restructuring reserves in the NotesConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows. These amounts are now included in Other assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. There was no impact on Cash provided by operating activities.
Disaggregation of Revenue
In 2021, the Company announced steps to further accelerate its Aon United strategy, which now includes 4 solution lines: Commercial Risk Solutions, Reinsurance Solutions, Health Solutions, and Wealth Solutions. Disaggregation of revenue by the new solution line’s structure is reflected in Note 3 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, where prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current periods’ presentation. The changes in the solution line structure affect only the manner in which the Company's revenue results for the Company’s principal service lines were previously reported and have no impact on the Company's previously reported Consolidated Financial Statements, have been retrospectively restated to only include the impactsresults of continuing operations, unless noted otherwise. The Transaction closed on May 1, 2017.or total organic revenue growth. Refer to Note 4 “Discontinued Operations”Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information.
Reportable Segments
Beginningmore information about the changes in the first quarterpresentation of 2017, theour principal service line reporting. The Company began operatingcontinues to operate as one1 segment that includes all of Aon’s continuing operations, which provides advice and solutions to clients focused on risk, retirement, and health through five revenue lines that make up the Company’s principal products and services. Referoperations, refer to Note 1716 “Segment Information” for additionalfurther information.
As a result of these initiatives, Aon made the following changes to its presentation of the Consolidated Statements of Income beginning in the first quarter of 2017:
Commissions, fees and other and Fiduciary investment income are now reported as one Total revenue line item; and
Other general expenses has been further broken out to provide greater clarity into charges related to Information technology, Premises, Depreciation of fixed assets, and Amortization and impairment of intangible assets.
Prior period comparable financial information has been reclassified to conform to this presentation.
The Company believes this presentation provides greater clarity into the risks and opportunities that management believes are important and allows users of the financial statements to assess the performance in the same way as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (the “CODM”).
Other
Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, the Company began presenting Shares issued - employee benefit plans and Shares issued - employee compensation as one line item on the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity titled Shares issued - employee stock compensation plans.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying 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, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements,Consolidated 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. Management believes its estimates to be reasonable given the current facts available. Aon adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, and foreign currency exchange rate movements, and the COVID-19 pandemic 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 would, if applicable, be reflected in the financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements in future periods.

Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements

During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company identified and corrected an immaterial presentation error related to funds held on behalf of clients in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
59


Based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative factors in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins 99 “Materiality” and 108 “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements”, the Company concluded that these errors were immaterial, individually and in the aggregate, to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as presented in the Company’s quarterly and annual financial statements previously filed in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K. There was no impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income, Statements of Comprehensive Income, Statements of Financial Position, or Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for any period presented.
In preparing the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made appropriate revisions to its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for historical periods. Such changes are reflected for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, included in these financial statements, and will also be reflected in the historical periods included in the Company’s subsequent quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements.
The impact to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows previously filed in Annual Reports on Form 10-K is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
As ReportedEffect of ChangeAs RevisedAs ReportedEffect of ChangeAs Revised
Cash provided by operating activities$2,783 $— $2,783 $1,835 $— $1,835 
Cash used for investing activities(679)— (679)(229)— (229)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities(2,088)316 (1,772)(1,493)1,246 (247)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients78 219 297 21 42 63 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients94 535 629 134 1,288 1,422 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at beginning of year790 5,154 5,944 656 3,866 4,522 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at end of year$884 $5,689 $6,573 $790 $5,154 $5,944 
The impact to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows previously filed in unaudited Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q is as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2021
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
As ReportedEffect of ChangeAs RevisedAs ReportedEffect of ChangeAs RevisedAs ReportedEffect of ChangeAs Revised
Cash provided by operating activities$561 $— $561 $1,345 $— $1,345 $1,251 $— $1,251 
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities102 — 102 (27)— (27)(116)— (116)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities(709)28 (681)(1,122)386 (736)(1,380)786 (594)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients(16)(18)(34)11 18 29 (30)(63)(93)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients(62)10 (52)207 404 611 (275)723 448 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at beginning of year884 5,689 6,573 884 5,689 6,573 884 5,689 6,573 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at end of year$822 $5,699 $6,521 $1,091 $6,093 $7,184 $609 $6,412 $7,021 
2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices
Principles of ConsolidationRevenue Recognition
The accompanying consolidated financial statementsCompany generates revenues primarily through commissions, compensation from insurance and reinsurance companies for services provided to them, and fees from customers. Commissions and fees for brokerage services vary depending upon several
60


factors, which may include the accountsamount of Aon plcpremium, the type of insurance or reinsurance coverage provided, the particular services provided to a client, insurer, or reinsurer, and those entitiesthe capacity in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. To determine if Aon holds a controlling financial interest inacts. Compensation from insurance and reinsurance companies includes: (1) fees for consulting and analytics services and (2) fees and commissions for administrative and other services provided to or on behalf of insurers. In Aon’s capacity as an entity,insurance and reinsurance broker, the Company first evaluates if it is required to apply the variable interest entity (VIE) modelservice promised to the entity, otherwise, the entitycustomer is evaluated under the voting interest model. Where Aon holds rights that give it the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance, combined with a variable interest that gives the right to receive potentially significant benefits or the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses, the Company has a controlling financial interest in that VIE. Aon holds a controlling financial interest in entities that are not VIEs where it, directly or indirectly, holds more than 50% of the voting rights or where it exercises control through substantive participating rights or as a general partner.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized when they are earned and realized or realizable. The Company considers revenues to be earned and realized or realizable when all of the following four conditions are met: (1) persuasive evidenceplacement of an arrangement exists, (2) the arrangement fee is fixedeffective insurance or determinable, (3) delivery or performance has occurred, and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured.
For brokerage commissions, revenue is typically recognized atreinsurance policy, respectively. At the completion of the insurance or reinsurance policy placement process once coverage is effective, the customer has obtained control over the services promised by the Company. Judgment is not typically required when assessing whether the coverage is effective. Fees from clients for advice and consulting services are dependent on the extent and value of the services provided. Payment terms for the Company’s principal service lines are discussed below; the Company believes these terms are consistent with current industry practices. Significant financing components are typically not present in Aon’s arrangements.
The Company recognizes revenue when control of the promised services is transferred to the customer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements where control is transferred over time, an input or overoutput method is applied that represents a periodfaithful depiction of timethe progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For arrangements that include variable consideration, the Company assesses whether any amounts should be constrained. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates consideration based on their relative fair values.
Costs incurred by the Company in obtaining a contract are capitalized and amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of valuecontrol of the services to customerswhich the asset relates, considering anticipated renewals when applicable. Certain contract related costs, including pre-placement brokerage costs, are capitalized as a cost to fulfill and are amortized on a systematic basis consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, which is generally less than one year.
The Company has elected to apply practical expedients to not disclose the revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations if (1) the contract has an original duration of 1 year or less, (2) the Company has recognized revenue for the amount in which it has the right to bill, and (3) the variable consideration is allocated entirely to an unsatisfied performance obligation which is recognized as a seriesof distinct goods or services that form a single performance obligation.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following is a description of principal service lines from which the remuneration becomes determinable, assuming all four criteria required to recognize revenue have been met. The placement processCompany generates its revenue:
Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is typically considered complete onpredominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the related policy. Commission revenuesunderlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units transferred and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded net of allowances for estimated policy cancellations, which are determined based on an evaluation of historical and current cancellation data. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced near the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period.
Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, and capital markets. Revenue primarily includes reinsurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the inception of the reinsurance period for certain reinsurance brokerage, or more commonly, over the term of the arrangement in installments based on deposit or minimum premiums for most treaty reinsurance arrangements.
Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, Human Capital, and voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. For brokerage commissions, revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services using input or output measures, including units delivered or time elapsed, to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue from health care exchange arrangements is typically recognized upon successful enrollment
61


of participants. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period. Payment terms for other services vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.
Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting and pension administration, as well as investments. Revenue recognized for these arrangements is predominantly recognized over the term of the arrangement using input or output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services, or for certain arrangements, at a point in time upon completion of the services. For consulting arrangements recognized over time, revenue will be recognized based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer, utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including units delivered or time elapsed. Fees paid by clientscustomers for consulting or other non-brokerage services are typically charged on an hourly, project or fixed-fee basis. Revenuesbasis, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time incurred, days elapsed, or reports delivered. Revenue from time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements are recognized as services are performed assuming all four criteriausing input or output measures to recognize revenue have been met. Revenues from fixed-fee contracts are recognized as services are provided usingprovide a proportional-performance model or atreasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of a projectthe performance obligation including hours worked, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on factstime and circumstances of the client arrangement. Revenues from investment income on funds held on behalf of clients are recognized as services are performed, assuming all four criteria to recognize revenue have been met.materials incurred. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenues.
Revenues from health care exchange arrangementsrevenue. Payment terms vary but are typically recognized upon successful enrollment of participants, net of a reserve for estimated cancellations, assuming all four criteria to recognize revenue have been met.over the contract term in installments.
Share-BasedShare-based Compensation CostsExpense
Share-based payments to employees, including grants of restricted share unitsRSUs and performance share awards,PSAs, are measured based on estimated grant date fair value. For purposes of measuring share-based compensation expense, the Company considered whether an adjustment to the observable market price is necessary to reflect material nonpublic information that is known to us at the time the award is granted. No adjustments were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, or 2019. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period for awards expected to ultimately vest. Forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant and revised if actual or expected forfeiture activity differs materially from original estimates.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company records net periodperiodic cost relating to its pension and other postretirement benefit plans based on calculations that include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return on plan assets, inflation rates, mortality rates, compensation increases, and turnover rates. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and modifies these assumptions based on current rates and trends. The effects of gains, losses, and prior service costs and credits are amortized over future service periods or future estimated lives if the plans are frozen.frozen as reflected in Other income within the Consolidated Statements of Income. The funded status of each plan, calculated as the fair value of plan assets less the benefit obligation, is reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position using a December 31 measurement date.
Net IncomeEarnings per Share
Basic net incomeearnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding, including participating securities, which consist of unvested share awards with non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Diluted net incomeearnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted-averageweighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, which have been adjusted for the dilutive effect of potentially issuable ordinary shares, (excluding those that are considered participating securities), including certain contingently issuable shares. The diluted earnings per share calculation reflects the more dilutive effect of either (1) the two-class method that assumes that the participating securities have not been exercised, or (2) the treasury stock method.
Potentially issuable shares are not included in the computation of diluted incomeearnings per share if their inclusion would be antidilutive.


Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
Cash and cash equivalents include cash balances and all highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less. Short-term investments consist of money market funds. The estimated fair value of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximates their carrying values.
At December 31, 2017,2021, Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments totaled $1,285$836 million compared to $716$1,192 million at December 31, 2016.2020, a decrease of $356 million. Of the total balance, $96$160 million and $82$102 million was restricted as to its use at December 31, 20172021 and 2016,2020, respectively. Included within theShort-term investments as of December 31, 20172021 and 20162020 balances, respectively, were £42.7£84.3 million ($57.1112.8 million at December 31, 20172021 exchanges rates) and £43.3£44.4 million ($53.2 60.2
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million at December 31, 20162020 exchange rates) of operating funds required to be held by the Company in the U.K. by the FCA, which were included in Short-term investments. a U.K.-based regulator. During 2021, following discussions with the FCA, and to take into consideration the potential future effects from market volatility due to COVID-19, the Company changed the basis of calculating its liquidity requirement and increased the amount of funds held by £34.3 million ($45.9 million at December 31, 2021 exchange rates).
Fiduciary Assets and Liabilities
In its capacity as an insurance agent and broker, Aon collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its commission, remits the premiums to the respective insurers. Aon also collects claims or refunds from insurers on behalf of insureds. Uncollected premiums from insureds and uncollected claims or refunds from insurers are recorded as Fiduciary assets in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held in a fiduciary capacity and the obligation to remit these funds is recorded as Fiduciary liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Funds held on behalf of clients represent fiduciary assets held by Aon maintained premium trust balances for premiums collected from insureds but not yet remitted to insurance companies and claims collected from insurance companies but not yet remitted to insureds of $3.7$6.1 billion and $3.3$5.7 billion at December 31, 20172021 and 2016,2020, respectively. Fiduciary receivables were $8.3 billion and $8.1 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These funds and a corresponding liability are included in Fiduciary assets and Fiduciary liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company’s estimate for allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses with respect to receivables is based on a combination of factors, including evaluation of forward-looking information, historical write-offs, aging of balances, and other qualitative and quantitative analyses. Receivables, net included an allowance for doubtful accounts of $59$90 million and $56$98 million at December 31, 20172021 and 2016,2020, respectively.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Included in this category is internal use software, which is software that is acquired, internally-developed or modified solely to meet internal needs, with no plan to market externally. Costsare certain capitalized costs incurred during the application development stage related to directly obtaining, developing, or upgradingenhancing internal use software are capitalized.software. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are generally as follows:
Asset DescriptionExpectedEstimated Useful Life
SoftwareLesser of the life of an associated license, or 4 to 7 years
Leasehold improvementsLesser of estimated useful life or lease term, not to exceed 10 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment4 to 10 years
Computer equipment4 to 6 years
Buildings35 years
Automobiles6 years
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired in the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is allocated to variousapplicable reporting units, which are one reporting level below the operating segment.units. Upon disposition of a business entity, goodwill is allocated to the disposed entity based on the fair value of that entity compared to the fair value of the reporting unit in which it was included. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment at least annually. The goodwill impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level. The Company may initially performsperform a qualitative analysis to determine if it is more likely than not that the goodwill balance is impaired. If sucha qualitative assessment is not performed or if a determination is made that it is not more likely than not that their value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the Company will perform a two-step quantitative analysis. First, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than itsthe carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the Company performsamount that the carrying amount of a hypothetical purchase price allocation based onreporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value limited to the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit’s fair value to determine the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill.unit. Any resulting difference will be a charge to Amortization and impairment of intangible assets in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the period in which the determination is made. Fair value is determined using a combination of present value techniques and market prices of comparable businesses.

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IntangibleWe classify our intangible assets are comprised primarily ofacquired as either tradenames, customer-related and contract-based, tradenamesor technology and technology assets.other. Amortization basis and estimated useful lives by intangible asset type are generally as follows:
Intangible Asset DescriptionAmortization BasisExpectedEstimated Useful Life
Customer relatedCustomer-related and contract basedcontract-basedIn line with underlying cash flows7 to 20 years
TradenamesTechnology and otherStraight-line
5 to 7 years
TradenamesStraight-line1 to 3 years
TechnologyStraight-line
5 to 7 years
Derivatives
Derivative instruments are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at fair value. Where the Company has entered into master netting agreements with counterparties, the derivative positions are netted by counterpartycounterparties and are reported accordingly in Otherother assets or Otherother liabilities. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recognized in earnings each period, unless the derivative is designated and qualifies as a cash flow or net investment hedge.
The Company has historically designated the following hedging relationships for certain transactions: (i)(1) a hedge of the change in fair value of a recognized asset or liability or firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), (ii)(2) a hedge of the variability in cash flows from a recognized variable-rate asset or liability or forecasted transaction (“cash flow hedge”), and (iii)(3) a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation (“net investment hedge”).
In order for a derivative to qualify for hedge accounting, the derivative must be formally designated as a fair value, cash flow, or a net investment hedge by documenting the relationship between the derivative and the hedged item. The documentation must include a description of the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the risk being hedged, Aon’s risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, and the method for assessing the effectiveness of the hedge, and the method for measuring hedge ineffectiveness.hedge. Additionally, the hedge relationship must be expected to be highly effective at offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item at both the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis. Aon assesses the ongoing effectiveness of its hedges and measures and records hedge ineffectiveness, if any, at the end of each quarterquarterly or more frequently if facts and circumstances require.
For a derivative designated as a fair value hedging instrument, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. The effect is to reflect in earnings the extent to which the hedge is not effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value. For a cash flow hedge that qualifies for hedge accounting, the effective portion of the change in fair value of a hedging instrument is recognized in Accumulated Other comprehensive income (“OCI”)Comprehensive Income and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the same period the hedged item impacts earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value is recognized immediately in earnings. For a net investment hedge, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the hedging instrument is recognized in OCIAccumulate Other Comprehensive Income as part of the cumulative translation adjustment, while the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in earnings.adjustment.
Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is not designated as part of a hedging relationship (commonly referred to as an “economic hedge”) are recorded in Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Income.Income in the period of change.
The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (1) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, (2) the qualifying criteria are no longer met, or (3) management removes the designation of the hedging relationship.
Foreign CurrencyRevenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when control of the promised services is transferred to the customer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements where control is transferred over time, an input or output method is applied that represents a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For arrangements that include variable consideration, the Company assesses whether any amounts should be constrained. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates consideration based on their relative fair values.
Costs incurred by the Company in obtaining a contract are capitalized and amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, considering anticipated renewals when applicable. Certain contract related costs, including pre-placement brokerage costs, are capitalized as a cost to fulfill and are amortized on a systematic basis consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, which is generally less than one year.
Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services
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to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units transferred and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded net of allowances for estimated policy cancellations, which are determined based on an evaluation of historical and current cancellation data. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced near the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period.
Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, and capital markets. Revenue primarily includes reinsurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the inception of the reinsurance period for certain reinsurance brokerage, or more commonly, over the term of the arrangement in installments based on deposit or minimum premiums for most treaty reinsurance arrangements.
Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, Human Capital, and voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. For brokerage commissions, revenue is predominantly recognized at the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services using input or output measures, including units delivered or time elapsed, to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For Human Capital, revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time upon completion of the services. For arrangements recognized over time, revenue is based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation, including units delivered or time elapsed. Input and output measures utilized vary based on the arrangement but typically include reports provided or days elapsed. Revenue from voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions arrangements are typically recognized upon successful enrollment of participants. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period. Payment terms for other services vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.
Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting, pension administration and investments. Revenue recognized for these arrangements is predominantly recognized over the term of the arrangement using input or output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For consulting arrangements recognized over time, revenue will be recognized based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer, utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including units delivered or time elapsed. Fees paid by customers for consulting services are typically charged on an hourly, project or fixed-fee basis, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time incurred, days elapsed, or reports delivered. Revenue from time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements are recognized as services are performed using input or output measures to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including hours worked, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time and materials incurred. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Payment terms vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.
Pensions
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans throughout the world. Our most significant plans are located in the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Canada, which are closed to new entrants. We have ceased crediting future benefits relating to salary and services for our U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plans to the extent statutorily permitted.
The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is reported in Compensation and benefits and all other components are reported in Other income. We used a full-yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for our major pension and other postretirement benefit plans; this was obtained by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.
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Recognition of Gains and Losses and Prior Service
Certain changes in the value of the Company’s non-U.S. operations use their respective local currencyobligation and in the value of plan assets, which may occur due to various factors such as their functional currency. These operationschanges in the discount rate and actuarial assumptions, actual demographic experience, and/or plan asset performance are not immediately recognized in net income. Such changes are recognized in Other comprehensive income and are amortized into net income as part of the net periodic benefit cost.
Unrecognized gains and losses that dohave been deferred in Other comprehensive income, as previously described, are amortized into expense as a component of periodic pension expense based on the average life expectancy of the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plan members. We amortize any prior service expense or credits that arise as a result of plan changes over a period consistent with the amortization of gains and losses.
As of December 31, 2021, our pension plans have deferred losses that have not haveyet been recognized through income in the Consolidated Financial Statements. We amortize unrecognized actuarial losses outside of a corridor, which is defined as 10% of the greater of market-related value of plan assets or PBO. To the extent not offset by future gains, incremental amortization as calculated above will continue to affect future pension expense similarly until fully amortized.
The following table discloses our accumulated other comprehensive loss, the number of years over which we are amortizing the loss, and the estimated 2022 amortization of loss by country (in millions, except amortization period):
U.K.U.S.Other
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$1,255 $1,551 $483 
Amortization period7 - 266 - 2311 - 35
Estimated 2022 amortization of loss$34 $67 $14 
The U.S. had no unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2021. The unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2021 was $40 million, and $(6) million for the U.K. and other plans, respectively.
For the U.S. dollar as their functional currency translate their financial statements atpension plans, we use a market-related valuation of assets approach to determine the current ratesexpected return on assets, which is a component of exchangenet periodic benefit cost recognized in effect at the balance sheet date and revenues and expenses using rates that approximate those in effect during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in net foreign currency translation adjustments within the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. Gains andIncome. This approach recognizes 20% of any gains or losses fromin the remeasurementcurrent year’s value of monetarymarket-related assets, with the remaining 80% spread over the next four years. As this approach recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets and liabilities thattherefore, our net periodic benefit cost will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are denominatedrecorded. As of December 31, 2021, the market-related value of assets was $2.2 billion. We do not use the market-related valuation approach to determine the funded status of the U.S. plans recorded in a non-functional currency are included in Other income (expense) within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.Financial Position. Instead, we record and present the funded status in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position based on the fair value of the plan assets. As of December 31, 2021, the fair value of plan assets was $2.4 billion. Our non-U.S. plans use fair value to determine expected return on assets.
Rate of Return on Plan Assets and Asset Allocation
The following table summarizes the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for future pension expense as of December 31, 2021:
U.K.U.S.Other
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses2.34%2.03 - 5.28%1.80 - 3.15%
In determining the expected rate of return for the plan assets, we analyze investment community forecasts and current market conditions to develop expected returns for each of the asset classes used by the plans. In particular, we surveyed multiple third-party financial institutions and consultants to obtain long-term expected returns on each asset class, considered historical performance data by asset class over long periods, and weighted the expected returns for each asset class by target asset allocations of the plans.
The U.S. pension plan asset allocation is based on approved allocations following adopted investment guidelines. The investment policy for U.K. and other non-U.S. pension plans is generally determined by the plans’ trustees. Because there are several pension plans maintained in the U.K. and other non-U.S. categories, our target allocation presents a range of the target allocation of each plan. Target allocations are subject to change.
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Impact of Changing Economic Assumptions
Changes in the discount rate and expected return on assets can have a material impact on pension obligations and pension expense.
Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our PBO at December 31, 2021 (in millions):
Increase (decrease) in projected benefit obligation (1)
25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
IncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(201)$219 
U.S. plans$(89)$93 
Other plans$(64)$69 
(1)Increases to the PBO reflect increases to our pension obligations, while decreases in the PBO are recoveries toward fully-funded status. A change in the discount rate has an inverse relationship to the PBO.
Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our estimated 2022 pension expense (in millions):
 25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(1)$
U.S. plans$$(2)
Other plans$$(1)
Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our long-term rate of return on plan assets would have on our estimated 2022 pension expense (in millions):
 25 BPS Change in Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(15)$15 
U.S. plans$(5)$
Other plans$(4)$
The net unfunded pension balance has continued to improve in 2021, reflecting continued progress in reducing the funded status at risk. As a result, the potential impact of a hypothetical adverse change in discount rates and return seeking asset exposures would have a less significant impact as compared to prior years. A hypothetical discount rates decrease of 1% and return seeking assets decline of 10% would have resulted in expected balance sheet deterioration at 2021 of approximately $235 million, as compared to approximately $410 million in 2019, an improvement of approximately $175 million. This is largely due to greater amounts of liability matching assets and de-risking actions.
Estimated Future Contributions
We estimate cash contributions of approximately $74 million to our pension plans in 2022 as compared with cash contributions of $87 million in 2021.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of the net assets acquired. We classify our intangible assets acquired as either tradenames, customer-related and contract-based, or technology and other.
Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter. We test more frequently if there are indicators of impairment or whenever business circumstances suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. These indicators may include a sustained significant decline in our share price and market capitalization, a decline in our expected future cash flows, or a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, among others.
We perform impairment reviews at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a “component”). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component
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constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. An operating segment shall be deemed to be a reporting unit if all of its components are similar, if none of its components are a reporting unit, or if the segment comprises only a single component.
When evaluating these assets for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the goodwill impairment test becomes a quantitative analysis. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value limited to the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
In determining the fair value of our reporting units, we use a DCF model based on our most current forecasts. We discount the related cash flow forecasts using the weighted average cost of capital method at the date of evaluation. Preparation of forecasts and selection of the discount rate for use in the DCF model involve significant judgments, and changes in these estimates could affect the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period. We also use market multiples which are obtained from quoted prices of comparable companies to corroborate our DCF model results. The combined estimated fair value of our reporting units from our DCF model often results in a premium over our market capitalization, commonly referred to as a control premium. We believe the implied control premium determined by our impairment analysis is reasonable based upon historic data of premiums paid on actual transactions within our industry.
We review intangible assets that are being amortized for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If we are required to record impairment charges in the future, they could materially impact our results of operations.
Contingencies
We define a contingency as an existing condition that involves a degree of uncertainty as to a possible gain or loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Under U.S. GAAP, we are required to establish reserves for loss contingencies when the loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate its financial impact. We are required to assess the likelihood of material adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges or probability of losses. We determine the amount of reserves required, if any, for contingencies after carefully analyzing each individual item. The required reserves may change due to new developments in each issue. We do not recognize gain contingencies until the contingency is resolved and amounts due are probable of collection.
Share-Based Payments
Share-based compensation expense is measured based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the requisite service period for awards that we ultimately expect to vest. For purposes of measuring share-based compensation expense, we consider whether an adjustment to the observable market price is necessary to reflect material nonpublic information that is known to us at the time the award is granted. No adjustments were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, or 2019. We also estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on our actual experience to date and revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Restricted Share Units
RSUs are service-based awards for which we recognize the associated compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period where applicable.
Performance Share Awards
PSAs are performance-based awards for which vesting is dependent on the achievement of certain objectives. Such objectives may be made on a personal, group or company level. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period.
Compensation expense is recognized over the performance period. The number of shares issued on the vesting date will vary depending on the actual performance objectives achieved, which are based on a fixed number of potential outcomes. We make assessments of future performance using subjective estimates, such as long-term plans. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions could have a material impact on the compensation expense recognized.
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The largest plan is the LPP, which has a three-year performance period. As the percent of expected performance increases or decreases, the potential change in expense can go from 0% to 200% of the targeted total expense. The 2019 to 2021 performance period ended on December 31, 2021, the 2018 to 2020 performance period ended on December 31, 2020, and the 2017 to 2019 performance period ended on December 31, 2019. The LPP currently has two open performance periods: 2020 to 2022 and 2021 to 2023. A 10% upward adjustment in our estimated performance achievement percentage for both open performance periods would not have increased our 2021 expense, while a 10% downward adjustment would have decreased our expense by approximately $7.6 million.
Income Taxes
DeferredWe earn income taxes are recognized forin numerous countries and this income is subject to the effectlaws of temporary differences between financial reporting and tax basistaxing jurisdictions within those countries.
The carrying values of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted marginal tax rates and laws that are currently in effect. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities from a change inreflect the application of our income tax rates is recognized inaccounting policies and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates about future operating results and levels of taxable income, and judgments regarding the period wheninterpretation of the rate change is enacted.provisions of current accounting principles.
Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Significant weight is givenConsiderations with respect to evidence that can be objectively


verified. Deferred tax assets are realized by having sufficient future taxable income to allow the related tax benefits to reduce taxes otherwise payable. The sources of taxable income that may be available to realize the benefitrealizability of deferred tax assets are future reversalsinclude the period of existing taxable temporary differences,expiration of the deferred tax asset, historical earnings and projected future taxable income exclusiveby jurisdiction as well as tax liabilities for the tax jurisdiction to which the tax asset relates. Significant management judgment is required in determining the assumptions and estimates related to the amount and timing of reversing temporary differencesfuture taxable income. Valuation allowances are evaluated periodically and carry-forwards,will be subject to change in each future reporting period as a result of changes in various factors.
We assess carryforwards and tax credits for realization as a reduction of future taxable income in carry-back years,by using a “more likely than not” determination.
We base the carrying values of liabilities and assets for income taxes currently payable and receivable on management’s interpretation of applicable tax laws and incorporate management’s assumptions and judgments about using tax planning strategies in various taxing jurisdictions. Using different estimates, assumptions, and judgments in accounting for income taxes, especially those that deploy tax planning strategies, may result in materially different carrying values of income tax assets and liabilities and changes in our results of operations.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, including a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or future potential impact on our financial results, if determinable.
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to potential fluctuations in earnings, cash flows, and the fair values of certain of our assets and liabilities due to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. To manage the risk from these exposures, we enter into a variety of derivative instruments. We do not enter into derivatives or financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The following discussion describes our specific exposures and the strategies we use to manage these risks. Refer to Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for a discussion of our accounting policies for financial instruments and derivatives.
Foreign Exchange Risk
We are subject to foreign exchange rate risk. Our primary exposures include exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the euro, the British pound, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar, the Indian rupee, and the Japanese yen. We use over-the-counter options and forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency risk to our financial statements.
Additionally, some of our non-U.S. brokerage subsidiaries receive revenue in currencies that differ from their functional currencies. Our U.K. subsidiaries earn a portion of their revenue in U.S. dollars, euro, and Japanese yen, but most of their expenses are incurred in British pounds. At December 31, 2021, we have hedged approximately 45% of our U.K. subsidiaries’ expected exposures to the U.S. dollar, euro, and Japanese yen transactions for the years ending December 31, 2022 and 2023. We generally do not hedge exposures beyond three years.
We also use forward and option contracts to economically hedge foreign exchange risk associated with monetary balance sheet exposures, such as intercompany notes and current assets and liabilities that are both prudentdenominated in a non-functional currency and feasible.are subject to remeasurement.
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The potential loss in future earnings from foreign exchange derivative instruments resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in year-end exchange rates would be $48 million and $10 million at December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
The translated value of revenues and expenses from our international brokerage operations are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. If we were to translate prior year results at current year exchange rates, diluted earnings per share would have a favorable $0.17 impact during the year ended December 31, 2021. Further, adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure as defined and reconciled under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share,” would have a favorable $0.23 impact during the year ended December 31, 2021 if we were to translate prior year results at current quarter exchange rates.
Interest Rate Risk
Our fiduciary investment income is affected by changes in international and domestic short-term interest rates. We monitor our net exposure to short-term interest rates and, as appropriate, hedge our exposure with various derivative financial instruments. This activity primarily relates to brokerage funds held on behalf of clients in the U.S. and in continental Europe. A hypothetical, instantaneous parallel decrease in the year-end yield curve of 100 BPS would cause a decrease, net of derivative positions, of $64 million to each of 2022 and 2023 pretax income. A corresponding increase in the year-end yield curve of 100 BPS would cause an increase, net of derivative positions, of $64 million to each of 2022 and 2023 pre-tax income.
We have long-term debt outstanding, excluding the current portion, with a fair market value of $9.2 billion and $8.8 billion as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The fair value was greater than the carrying value by $0.9 billion at December 31, 2021, and $1.4 billion greater than the carrying value at December 31, 2020. A hypothetical 1% increase or decrease in interest rates would change the fair value by a decrease of 8% or an increase of 9%, respectively, at December 31, 2021.
We have selected hypothetical changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity market prices to illustrate the possible impact of these changes; we are not predicting market events.

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Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Aon plc

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Aon plc (the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 18, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.

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Realizability of Deferred Tax Assets
Description of the Matter
As discussed in Note 10 “Income Taxes” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $365 million at December 31, 2021. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of all available evidence, in management’s judgment it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Conclusions on the realizability of certain net deferred tax assets involve significant management judgement including assumptions and estimates related to the amount and timing of future taxable income. Auditing the deferred tax asset calculation and the related forecast of future taxable income was especially challenging as it involved a high degree of auditor judgement around management’s assumptions and estimates.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls that address the risks of material misstatement relating to the realizability of deferred tax assets, including controls over management’s projections of future taxable income and the related assumptions.

Among other audit procedures performed, we evaluated the assumptions used by the Company to develop projections of future taxable income by income tax jurisdiction and tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the projections. For example, we inspected the growth rate used in the calculation, the estimates of the reversal of cumulative temporary differences by year and the capital and debt requirements by jurisdiction. We compared the projections of future taxable income with the actual results of prior periods, as well as management’s considerations of current industry and economic trends. Further, we involved tax subject matter professionals in the review of the information identified.

aon-20211231_g1.jpg

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1986.

Chicago, Illinois
February 18, 2022
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Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31
(millions, except per share data)202120202019
Revenue    
Total revenue $12,193 $11,066 $11,013 
Expenses    
Compensation and benefits 6,738 5,905 6,054 
Information technology477 444 494 
Premises327 291 339 
Depreciation of fixed assets179 167 172 
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets147 246 392 
Other general expense 2,235 1,232 1,393 
Total operating expenses 10,103 8,285 8,844 
Operating income 2,090 2,781 2,169 
Interest income 11 
Interest expense (322)(334)(307)
Other income 152 13 — 
Income before income taxes 1,931 2,466 1,870 
Income tax expense 623 448 297 
Net income1,308 2,018 1,573 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 53 49 41 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,255 $1,969 $1,532 
Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.59 $8.49 $6.42 
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.55 $8.45 $6.37 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic 224.7 231.9 238.6 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted226.1 233.1 240.6 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years Ended December 31
(millions)202120202019
Net income$1,308 $2,018 $1,573 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests53 49 41 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders1,255 1,969 1,532 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:   
Change in fair value of financial instruments13 
Foreign currency translation adjustments(289)263 14 
Postretirement benefit obligation277 (101)(141)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)(11)175 (124)
Less: Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(1)— 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders(10)172 (124)
Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,245 $2,141 $1,408 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(millions, except per share data)SharesOrdinary Shares and Additional Paid-in CapitalRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax
Non-controlling
Interests
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018240.1 $5,967 $2,093 $(3,909)$68 $4,219 
Net income— — 1,532 — 41 1,573 
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans2.5 (130)(1)— — (131)
Shares purchased(10.5) (1,960)— — (1,960)
Share-based compensation expense— 317 — — — 317 
Dividends to shareholders ($1.72 per share)— — (410)— — (410)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments— — — — 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments— — — 14 — 14 
Net postretirement benefit obligation— — — (141)— (141)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock— — — — (35)(35)
Balance at December 31, 2019232.1 6,154 1,254 (4,033)74 3,449 
Adoption of new accounting guidance— — (6)— — (6)
Balance at January 1, 2020232.1 6,154 1,248 (4,033)74 3,443 
Net income— — 1,969 — 49 2,018 
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans1.9 (154)— — — (154)
Shares purchased(8.5)— (1,763)— — (1,763)
Share-based compensation expense— 317 — — — 317 
Dividends to shareholders ($1.78 per share)— — (412)— — (412)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments— — — 13 — 13 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments— — — 260 263 
Net postretirement benefit obligation— — — (101)— (101)
Net purchases of shares from noncontrolling interests— (3)— — (6)(9)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock— — — — (32)(32)
Balance at December 31, 2020225.5 6,314 1,042 (3,861)88 3,583 
Net income— — 1,255 — 53 1,308 
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans1.7 (129)(1)— — (130)
Shares purchased(12.4)— (3,543)— — (3,543)
Share-based compensation expense— 449 — — — 449 
Dividends to shareholders ($1.99 per share)— — (447)— — (447)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments— — — — 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments— — — (288)(1)(289)
Net postretirement benefit obligation— — — 277 — 277 
Net purchases of shares from noncontrolling interests— (8)— — (5)(13)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock— — — — (38)(38)
Balance at December 31, 2021214.8 $6,626 $(1,694)$(3,871)$97 $1,158 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
As of December 31
(millions, except nominal value)20212020
Assets  
Current assets  
Cash and cash equivalents$544 $884 
Short-term investments292 308 
Receivables, net3,094 3,070 
Fiduciary assets14,386 13,798 
Other current assets716 624 
Total current assets19,032 18,684 
Goodwill8,434 8,666 
Intangible assets, net492 640 
Fixed assets, net529 599 
Operating lease right-of-use assets786 911 
Deferred tax assets766 724 
Prepaid pension1,366 1,280 
Other non-current assets512 610 
Total assets$31,917 $32,114 
Liabilities and equity  
Liabilities  
Current liabilities  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$2,192 $2,016 
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt1,164 448 
Fiduciary liabilities14,386 13,798 
Other current liabilities1,331 1,171 
Total current liabilities19,073 17,433 
Long-term debt8,228 7,281 
Non-current operating lease liabilities772 897 
Deferred tax liabilities401 262 
Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment liabilities1,375 1,763 
Other non-current liabilities910 895 
Total liabilities30,759 28,531 
Equity  
Ordinary shares - $0.01 nominal value
    Authorized: 500.0 shares (issued: 2021 - 214.8; 2020 - 225.5)
Additional paid-in capital6,624 6,312 
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)(1,694)1,042 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(3,871)(3,861)
Total Aon shareholders' equity1,061 3,495 
Noncontrolling interests97 88 
Total equity1,158 3,583 
Total liabilities and equity$31,917 $32,114 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31
(millions)20212020
(As Revised)
2019
(As Revised)
Cash flows from operating activities   
Net income$1,308 $2,018 $1,573 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:              
Gain from sales of businesses and investments(142)(25)(13)
Depreciation of fixed assets179 167 172 
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets147 246 392 
Share-based compensation expense449 312 317 
Deferred income taxes11 (36)
Change in assets and liabilities:   
Receivables, net(119)108 (371)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities264 186 (28)
Current income taxes200 (17)(20)
Pension, other postretirement and postemployment liabilities(119)(141)(156)
Other assets and liabilities(80)
Cash provided by operating activities2,182 2,783 1,835 
Cash flows from investing activities   
Proceeds from investments58 64 61 
Payments for investments(91)(97)(113)
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments - non fiduciary15 (167)35 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients(14)(368)(39)
Sale of businesses, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients218 30 52 
Capital expenditures(137)(141)(225)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities49 (679)(229)
Cash flows from financing activities   
Share repurchase(3,543)(1,763)(1,960)
Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans(130)(149)(131)
Issuance of debt5,973��4,153 6,052 
Repayment of debt(4,220)(3,882)(4,941)
Increase in fiduciary liabilities, net of fiduciary receivables568 316 1,246 
Cash dividends to shareholders(447)(412)(410)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities(125)(35)(103)
Cash used for financing activities(1,924)(1,772)(247)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients(235)297 63 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients72 629 1,422 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at beginning of year6,573 5,944 4,522 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at end of year$6,645 $6,573 $5,944 
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients:
Cash and cash equivalents$544 $884 $790 
Funds held on behalf of clients6,101 5,689 5,154 
Total cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$6,645 $6,573 $5,944 
Supplemental disclosures:   
Interest paid$328 $326 $289 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds$412 $455 $353 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1.    Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Aon plc and all of its controlled subsidiaries (“Aon” or the “Company”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Consolidated Financial Statements include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and reclassifications) necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.
References in this report to “Aon,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” for time periods prior to April 1, 2020 refer to Aon Global Limited. References in the Financial Statements to “Aon,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” for time periods on or after April 1, 2020, refer to Aon plc.
Reclassification
Certain amounts in the prior year's Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there was $1 million of income and $1 million of loss, respectively, including the related tax effect, from discontinued operations recognized in Net Income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. These amounts are now included in Other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Other assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. There was no impact to the effective tax rate on Net income or earnings per share in either period.
Additionally, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, a cash outflow of $127 million and a cash inflow of $3 million, respectively, was classified as an adjustment to Net income from Restructuring reserves in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. These amounts are now included in Other assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. There was no impact on Cash provided by operating activities.
Disaggregation of Revenue
In 2021, the Company announced steps to further accelerate its Aon United strategy, which now includes 4 solution lines: Commercial Risk Solutions, Reinsurance Solutions, Health Solutions, and Wealth Solutions. Disaggregation of revenue by the new solution line’s structure is reflected in Note 3 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, where prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current periods’ presentation. The changes in the solution line structure affect only the manner in which the Company's revenue results for the Company’s principal service lines were previously reported and have no impact on the Company's previously reported Consolidated Financial Statements, results of operations, or total organic revenue growth. Refer to Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for more information about the changes in the presentation of our principal service line reporting. The Company continues to operate as 1 segment that includes all of the Company’s operations, refer to Note 16 “Segment Information” for further information.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying 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, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated 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. Management believes its estimates to be reasonable given the current facts available. Aon adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, foreign currency exchange rate movements, and the COVID-19 pandemic 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 would, if applicable, be reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods.
Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements
During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company identified and corrected an immaterial presentation error related to funds held on behalf of clients in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
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Based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative factors in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins 99 “Materiality” and 108 “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements”, the Company concluded that these errors were immaterial, individually and in the aggregate, to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as presented in the Company’s quarterly and annual financial statements previously filed in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K. There was no impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income, Statements of Comprehensive Income, Statements of Financial Position, or Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for any period presented.
In preparing the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made appropriate revisions to its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for historical periods. Such changes are reflected for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, included in these financial statements, and will also be reflected in the historical periods included in the Company’s subsequent quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements.
The impact to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows previously filed in Annual Reports on Form 10-K is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
As ReportedEffect of ChangeAs RevisedAs ReportedEffect of ChangeAs Revised
Cash provided by operating activities$2,783 $— $2,783 $1,835 $— $1,835 
Cash used for investing activities(679)— (679)(229)— (229)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities(2,088)316 (1,772)(1,493)1,246 (247)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients78 219 297 21 42 63 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients94 535 629 134 1,288 1,422 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at beginning of year790 5,154 5,944 656 3,866 4,522 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at end of year$884 $5,689 $6,573 $790 $5,154 $5,944 
The impact to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows previously filed in unaudited Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q is as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2021
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
As ReportedEffect of ChangeAs RevisedAs ReportedEffect of ChangeAs RevisedAs ReportedEffect of ChangeAs Revised
Cash provided by operating activities$561 $— $561 $1,345 $— $1,345 $1,251 $— $1,251 
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities102 — 102 (27)— (27)(116)— (116)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities(709)28 (681)(1,122)386 (736)(1,380)786 (594)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients(16)(18)(34)11 18 29 (30)(63)(93)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients(62)10 (52)207 404 611 (275)723 448 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at beginning of year884 5,689 6,573 884 5,689 6,573 884 5,689 6,573 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at end of year$822 $5,699 $6,521 $1,091 $6,093 $7,184 $609 $6,412 $7,021 
2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices
Revenue Recognition
The Company generates revenues primarily through commissions, compensation from insurance and reinsurance companies for services provided to them, and fees from customers. Commissions and fees for brokerage services vary depending upon several
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factors, which may include the amount of premium, the type of insurance or reinsurance coverage provided, the particular services provided to a client, insurer, or reinsurer, and the capacity in which the Company acts. Compensation from insurance and reinsurance companies includes: (1) fees for consulting and analytics services and (2) fees and commissions for administrative and other services provided to or on behalf of insurers. In Aon’s capacity as an insurance and reinsurance broker, the service promised to the customer is placement of an effective insurance or reinsurance policy, respectively. At the completion of the insurance or reinsurance policy placement process once coverage is effective, the customer has obtained control over the services promised by the Company. Judgment is not typically required when assessing whether the coverage is effective. Fees from clients for advice and consulting services are dependent on the extent and value of the services provided. Payment terms for the Company’s principal service lines are discussed below; the Company believes these terms are consistent with current industry practices. Significant financing components are typically not present in Aon’s arrangements.
The Company recognizes revenue when control of the effectpromised services is transferred to the customer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements where control is transferred over time, an input or output method is applied that represents a faithful depiction of income tax positions onlythe progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For arrangements that include variable consideration, the Company assesses whether any amounts should be constrained. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates consideration based on their relative fair values.
Costs incurred by the Company in obtaining a contract are capitalized and amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, considering anticipated renewals when applicable. Certain contract related costs, including pre-placement brokerage costs, are capitalized as a cost to fulfill and are amortized on a systematic basis consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, which is generally less than one year.
The Company has elected to apply practical expedients to not disclose the revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations if sustaining(1) the contract has an original duration of 1 year or less, (2) the Company has recognized revenue for the amount in which it has the right to bill, and (3) the variable consideration is allocated entirely to an unsatisfied performance obligation which is recognized as a seriesof distinct goods or services that form a single performance obligation.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following is a description of principal service lines from which the Company generates its revenue:
Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those positionsservices. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units transferred and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded net of allowances for estimated policy cancellations, which are determined based on an evaluation of historical and current cancellation data. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced near the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period.
Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, and capital markets. Revenue primarily includes reinsurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the inception of the reinsurance period for certain reinsurance brokerage, or more likely than not. Tax positionscommonly, over the term of the arrangement in installments based on deposit or minimum premiums for most treaty reinsurance arrangements.
Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, Human Capital, and voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. For brokerage commissions, revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that meetreflects the more likely than not recognition thresholdconsideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services using input or output measures, including units delivered or time elapsed, to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue from health care exchange arrangements is typically recognized upon successful enrollment
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of participants. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period. Payment terms for other services vary but are not highlytypically over the contract term in installments.
Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting and pension administration, as well as investments. Revenue recognized for these arrangements is predominantly recognized over the term of the arrangement using input or output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services, or for certain arrangements, at a point in time upon completion of the services. For consulting arrangements recognized over time, revenue will be recognized based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer, utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including units delivered or time elapsed. Fees paid by customers for consulting services are initiallytypically charged on an hourly, project or fixed-fee basis, and subsequentlyrevenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time incurred, days elapsed, or reports delivered. Revenue from time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements are recognized as services are performed using input or output measures to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including hours worked, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time and materials incurred. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Payment terms vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.
Share-based Compensation Expense
Share-based payments to employees, including grants of RSUs and PSAs, are measured based on grant date fair value. For purposes of measuring share-based compensation expense, the largest amount of benefit thatCompany considered whether an adjustment to the observable market price is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authority.  Onlynecessary to reflect material nonpublic information that is availableknown to us at the reportingtime the award is granted. No adjustments were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, or 2019. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period for awards expected to ultimately vest. Forfeitures are estimated on the date is considered in the Company’s recognitionof grant and measurement analysis,revised if actual or expected forfeiture activity differs materially from original estimates.
Pension and events or changes in facts and circumstances are accounted for in the period in which the event or change in circumstance occurs. Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company records penaltiesnet periodic cost relating to its pension and interest related to unrecognized tax benefitsother postretirement benefit plans based on calculations that include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return on plan assets, inflation rates, mortality rates, compensation increases, and turnover rates. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and modifies these assumptions based on current rates and trends. The effects of gains, losses, and prior service costs and credits are amortized over future service periods or future estimated lives if the plans are frozen as reflected in Income taxesOther income within the Consolidated Statements of Income. The funded status of each plan, calculated as the fair value of plan assets less the benefit obligation, is reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was enacted into law and the new legislation contains several key tax provisions that impact the Company, includingFinancial Position using a reduction of the corporate income tax rate to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31 2017 andmeasurement date.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to ordinary shareholders by the Transition Tax, among others. The Companyweighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding, including participating securities, which consist of unvested share awards with non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Diluted earnings per share is requiredcomputed by dividing net income available to recognizeordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, which have been adjusted for the dilutive effect of potentially issuable ordinary shares, including certain contingently issuable shares. The diluted earnings per share calculation reflects the tax law changesmore dilutive effect of either (1) the two-class method that assumes that the participating securities have not been exercised, or (2) the treasury stock method.
Potentially issuable shares are not included in the periodcomputation of enactment, includingdiluted earnings per share if their inclusion would be antidilutive.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
Cash and cash equivalents include cash balances and all highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less. Short-term investments consist of money market funds. The estimated fair value of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximates their carrying values.
At December 31, 2021, Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments totaled $836 million compared to $1,192 million at December 31, 2020, a decrease of $356 million. Of the determinationtotal balance, $160 million and $102 million was restricted as to its use at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Included within Short-term investments as of the Transition TaxDecember 31, 2021 and re-measuring our U.S. deferred tax assets2020 balances, respectively, were £84.3 million ($112.8 million at December 31, 2021 exchanges rates) and liabilities. In£44.4 million ($60.2
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million at December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications31, 2020 exchange rates) of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”), which allows registrants to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date. Since the Tax Reform Act was passed late in the fourth quarter of 2017 and ongoing guidance and accounting interpretation is expected over the next 12 months, we consider the accounting for certain items to be provisional due to the forthcoming guidance and our ongoing analysis of final year-end data and tax positions. The Company expects to complete its analysis within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118. Refer to Note 10 “Income Taxes” for additional information and a detailed description of the items for which the accounting is provisional.
Share-based Compensation
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows.  The new guidance requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and treated as discrete items in the reporting period.  Further, excess tax benefits areoperating funds required to be classified alongheld by the Company in the U.K. by the FCA, a U.K.-based regulator. During 2021, following discussions with other income tax cash flowsthe FCA, and to take into consideration the potential future effects from market volatility due to COVID-19, the Company changed the basis of calculating its liquidity requirement and increased the amount of funds held by £34.3 million ($45.9 million at December 31, 2021 exchange rates).
Fiduciary Assets and Liabilities
In its capacity as an operating activity.  Amendments relatedinsurance agent and broker, Aon collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its commission, remits the premiums to the timingrespective insurers. Aon also collects claims or refunds from insurers on behalf of when excess tax benefitsinsureds. Uncollected premiums from insureds and uncollected claims or refunds from insurers are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value should be applied using a modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equityrecorded as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares to meet the minimum statutory withholding requirement should be applied retrospectively. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficienciesFiduciary assets in the income statementCompany’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held in a fiduciary capacity and the practical expedient for estimating expected term should be applied prospectively. An entity may electobligation to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method.
The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017, with the following impacts:
An increase to Deferred tax assets on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of $49 million through a cumulative-effect adjustment to Retained earnings for excess tax benefits not previously recognized, and
The recognition of $54 million, or $0.21 per share, income tax benefit from continuing operations related to excess tax benefitsremit these funds is recorded as Fiduciary liabilities in the Consolidated StatementStatements of IncomeFinancial Position.
Funds held on behalf of clients represent fiduciary assets held by Aon for the year endedpremiums collected from insureds but not yet remitted to insurance companies and claims collected from insurance companies but not yet remitted to insureds of $6.1 billion and $5.7 billion at December 31, 2017.2021 and 2020, respectively. Fiduciary receivables were $8.3 billion and $8.1 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These funds and a corresponding liability are included in Fiduciary assets and Fiduciary liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
AdoptionAllowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company’s estimate for allowance for credit losses with respect to receivables is based on a combination of factors, including evaluation of forward-looking information, historical write-offs, aging of balances, and other qualitative and quantitative analyses. Receivables, net included an allowance for doubtful accounts of $90 million and $98 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Included in this category are certain capitalized costs incurred during the application development stage related to directly obtaining, developing, or enhancing internal use software. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the guidance was applied prospectivelyassets, which are generally as follows:
Asset DescriptionEstimated Useful Life
SoftwareLesser of the life of an associated license, or 4 to 7 years
Leasehold improvementsLesser of estimated useful life or lease term, not to exceed 10 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment4 to 10 years
Computer equipment4 to 6 years
Buildings35 years
Automobiles6 years
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired in the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is allocated to applicable reporting units. Upon disposition of a business entity, goodwill is allocated to the disposed entity based on the Consolidated Statementfair value of Cash Flows and prior period comparable information was not restated. Other elementsthat entity compared to the fair value of the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.


Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Adopted
Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
In August 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities. The new guidance amends its hedge accounting model to enable entities to better portray their risk management activities in the financial statements. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and requires the effect of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. An entity will apply the new guidance on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Changes to income statement presentation and financial statement disclosures will be applied prospectively. The new guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements and the periodreporting unit in which it planswas included. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment at least annually. The goodwill impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level. The Company may initially perform a qualitative analysis to adopt. 
Presentation of Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
In March 2017,determine if it is more likely than not that the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The new guidance requiresgoodwill balance is impaired. If a qualitative assessment is not performed or if a determination is made that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. It also requires the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if oneit is presented. Additionally, only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization, when applicable. An entity will apply the new guidance retrospectively for the presentationnot more likely than not that their value of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the Consolidated Statement of Income and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension costs and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in assets. The new guidance allows a practical expedient that permits an employer to use the amounts disclosed inreporting unit exceeds its pension and other postretirement benefit plan note for the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The Company does not expect to apply the practical expedient upon adoption of the guidance. The new guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this guidance will have no impact on the net income of the Company. 
Upon adoption of the guidance,carrying amount, then the Company expects the presentation of results to reflect a change in operating income offset by an equal and offsetting change in other income (expense) for each period, as follows:
  Years ended December 31
  2017 2016
  As Reported 
Adjustments (1)
 As Adjusted As Reported 
Adjustments (1)
 As Adjusted
Operating income (2)
 979
 86
 1,065
 1,638
 173
 1,811
Other income (expense) (39) (86) (125) 36
 (173) (137)
(1)The years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, include non-cash settlement expenses of $128 million and $220 million, respectively, related to certain pension plans. Refer to Note 12 “Employee Benefits” for further information.
(2)Reclassification from operating income is recorded in Compensation and benefits.
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
In January 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on simplifying the test for goodwill impairment. Currently the standard requires an entity towill perform a two-step test to determine the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment. In Step 1, an entity comparesquantitative analysis. If the fair value of a reporting unit with itsis determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount including goodwill. Ifthat the carrying amount of thea reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value the entity performs Step 2 and compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill for that reporting unit. An impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill for the reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill is recorded, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The new guidance removes Step 2. An entity will apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The new guidance does not amend the optional qualitative assessmentAny resulting difference will be a charge to Amortization and impairment of goodwill impairment. An entity will apply the new guidance on a prospective basis. The new guidance is effective for Aonintangible assets in the first quarter of 2020 and early adoption is permitted for annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact and period of adoption that the standard will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements.


Income Tax Consequences of Intercompany Transactions
In October 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the income tax consequences of intra-entity asset transfers other than inventory.  The guidance will require that the seller and buyer recognize the consolidated current and deferred income tax consequences of a transaction in the period the transaction occurs rather than deferring to a future period and recognizing those consequences when the asset has been sold to an outside party or otherwise recovered through use (i.e. depreciated, amortized, or impaired).  An entity will apply the new guidance on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption.  The new guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2018.  Upon the adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2018, the Company expects to recognize adjustments to Deferred tax assets, Deferred tax liabilities, and Other non-current assets on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position through a cumulative adjustment to Retained earnings of approximately $15 million.
Statement of Cash Flows
In August 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments. Under the new guidance, an entity will no longer have discretion to choose the classification for a number of transactions, including contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, and distributions received from equity method investees. The new standard will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018, with early application permitted. An entity will apply the new guidance through retrospective adjustment to all periods presented. The retrospective approach includes a practical expedient that entities may apply should retrospective application be impracticable; in this case, the amendments for these issues may be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Credit Losses
In June 2016,Income in the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. An entity will apply the new guidance through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidancedetermination is effective. The guidancemade. Fair value is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2020 and early adoption is permitted beginning in the first quarter of 2019. Aon is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the method of transition and period of adoption.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on leases, which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases. Under the new guidance, a lessee should recognize in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from current U.S. GAAP standards. The new standard will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2019, with early application permitted. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presenteddetermined using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a numbercombination of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. These practical expedients relatepresent value techniques and market prices of comparable businesses.
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We classify our intangible assets acquired as either tradenames, customer-related and contract-based, or technology and other. Amortization basis and estimated useful lives by intangible asset type are generally as follows:
Intangible Asset DescriptionAmortization BasisEstimated Useful Life
Customer-related and contract-basedIn line with underlying cash flows7 to 20 years
Technology and otherStraight-line5 to 7 years
TradenamesStraight-line1 to 3 years
Derivatives
Derivative instruments are recognized in the identification and classification of leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs for leases that commenced before the effective date, and the ability to use hindsight in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or to purchase the underlying asset. The Company is currently evaluating the period of adoption.
A preliminary assessment to determine the impacts of the new accounting standard has been performed and it is expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at fair value. Where the Company has entered into master netting agreements with counterparties, the derivative positions are netted by counterparties and related disclosures.  are reported accordingly in other assets or other liabilities. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recognized in earnings each period, unless the derivative is designated and qualifies as a cash flow or net investment hedge.
The Company is also currently implementing accountinghas historically designated the following hedging relationships for certain transactions: (1) a hedge of the change in fair value of a recognized asset or liability or firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of the variability in cash flows from a recognized variable-rate asset or liability or forecasted transaction (“cash flow hedge”), and operational processes which will be impacted by(3) a hedge of the new standard.
Financial Assets and Liabilitiesnet investment in a foreign operation (“net investment hedge”).
In January 2016,order for a derivative to qualify for hedge accounting, the FASB issued new accounting guidancederivative must be formally designated as a fair value, cash flow, or a net investment hedge by documenting the relationship between the derivative and the hedged item. The documentation must include a description of the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the risk being hedged, Aon’s risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, and the method for assessing the effectiveness of the hedge. Additionally, the hedge relationship must be expected to be highly effective at offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item at both the inception of the hedge and on recognitionan ongoing basis. Aon assesses the ongoing effectiveness of its hedges quarterly or more frequently if facts and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The amendmentscircumstances require.
For a derivative designated as a fair value hedging instrument, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the new guidance make targeted improvements,period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. The effect is to reflect in earnings the extent to which include the requirement to measure equity investments with readily determinablehedge is not effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair values atvalue. For a cash flow hedge that qualifies for hedge accounting, the change in fair value throughof a hedging instrument is recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the same period the hedged item impacts earnings. For a net income, simplificationinvestment hedge, the change in fair value of the impairment assessment for equity investments without readily determinablehedging instrument is recognized in Accumulate Other Comprehensive Income as part of the cumulative translation adjustment.
Changes in the fair values, adjustments to existing and additional disclosure requirements, and additional tax considerations. An entity should apply the amendments by meansvalue of a cumulative-effect adjustmentderivative that is not designated as part of a hedging relationship (commonly referred to as an “economic hedge”) are recorded in Other income in the balance sheet asConsolidated Statements of Income in the period of change.
The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (1) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, (2) the qualifying criteria are no longer met, or (3) management removes the designation of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values, including disclosure requirements, should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption of the guidance. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 and early adoptionhedging relationship.


is permitted. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2018 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard onThe Company recognizes revenue from contracts with customers, which, when effective, will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP.  The core principalcontrol of the standardpromised services is transferred to the customer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements where control is transferred over time, an entityinput or output method is applied that represents a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For arrangements that include variable consideration, the Company assesses whether any amounts should recognize revenuebe constrained. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates consideration based on their relative fair values.
Costs incurred by the Company in obtaining a contract are capitalized and amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, considering anticipated renewals when it transfers promised goodsapplicable. Certain contract related costs, including pre-placement brokerage costs, are capitalized as a cost to fulfill and are amortized on a systematic basis consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, which is generally less than one year.
Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services
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to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units transferred and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded net of allowances for estimated policy cancellations, which are determined based on an evaluation of historical and current cancellation data. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced near the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period.
Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, and capital markets. Revenue primarily includes reinsurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entityCompany expects to be entitled in exchange for those goodsservices. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the inception of the reinsurance period for certain reinsurance brokerage, or services.  The standard also requires additional disclosure aboutmore commonly, over the nature,term of the arrangement in installments based on deposit or minimum premiums for most treaty reinsurance arrangements.
Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, Human Capital, and voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. For brokerage commissions, revenue is predominantly recognized at the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments, changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurredthat reflects the consideration to obtain or fulfill a contract. The standard is effective for Aon inwhich the first quarter of 2018. Two methods of transition are permitted upon adoption: full retrospective and modified retrospective. The Company will adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2018 using a modified retrospective adoption approach. Under this approach, prior periods will not be restated. Rather, revenues and other disclosures for prior periods will be provided in the notes to the financial statements as previously reported under the current revenue standard, and the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard will be recognized as an increase to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The Company estimates this adjustmentexpects to be approximately $400-600 million.
The Company has assessed the impactsentitled in exchange for those services using input or output measures, including units delivered or time elapsed, to provide a faithful depiction of the new accounting standard and has implemented accounting and operational processes and controls to ensure compliance with the new standard.
The most significant impactsprogress towards completion of the new standard to the Company are expected to be as follows:
The Company currently recognizesperformance obligation. For Human Capital, revenue eitheris recognized over time or at a point in time upon completion of the services. For arrangements recognized over time, revenue is based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer utilizing an appropriate input or overoutput measure to provide a periodfaithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation, including units delivered or time elapsed. Input and output measures utilized vary based on the transferarrangement but typically include reports provided or days elapsed. Revenue from voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions arrangements are typically recognized upon successful enrollment of value to customers or as the remuneration becomes determinable. Under the new standard, the revenue related to certainparticipants. Commissions and fees for brokerage services recognized over a period of time willmay be recognized oninvoiced at the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period. Payment terms for other services vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.
Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting, pension administration and investments. Revenue recognized for these arrangements is predominantly recognized over the term of the arrangement using input or output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For consulting arrangements recognized over time, revenue will be recognized based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer, utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including units delivered or time elapsed. Fees paid by customers for consulting services are typically charged on an hourly, project or fixed-fee basis, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time incurred, days elapsed, or reports delivered. Revenue from time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements are recognized as services are performed using input or output measures to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including hours worked, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time and materials incurred. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Payment terms vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.
Pensions
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans throughout the world. Our most significant plans are located in the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Canada, which are closed to new entrants. We have ceased crediting future benefits relating to salary and services for our U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plans to the extent statutorily permitted.
The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is reported in Compensation and benefits and all other components are reported in Other income. We used a full-yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for our major pension and other postretirement benefit plans; this was obtained by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.
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Recognition of Gains and Losses and Prior Service
Certain changes in the value of the obligation and in the value of plan assets, which may occur due to various factors such as changes in the discount rate and actuarial assumptions, actual demographic experience, and/or plan asset performance are not immediately recognized in net income. Such changes are recognized in Other comprehensive income and are amortized into net income as part of the net periodic benefit cost.
Unrecognized gains and losses that have been deferred in Other comprehensive income, as previously described, are amortized into expense as a component of periodic pension expense based on the average life expectancy of the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada plan members. We amortize any prior service expense or credits that arise as a result of plan changes over a period consistent with the amortization of gains and losses.
As of December 31, 2021, our pension plans have deferred losses that have not yet been recognized through income in the Consolidated Financial Statements. We amortize unrecognized actuarial losses outside of a corridor, which is defined as 10% of the greater of market-related value of plan assets or PBO. To the extent not offset by future gains, incremental amortization as calculated above will continue to affect future pension expense similarly until fully amortized.
The following table discloses our accumulated other comprehensive loss, the number of years over which we are amortizing the loss, and the estimated 2022 amortization of loss by country (in millions, except amortization period):
U.K.U.S.Other
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$1,255 $1,551 $483 
Amortization period7 - 266 - 2311 - 35
Estimated 2022 amortization of loss$34 $67 $14 
The U.S. had no unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2021. The unrecognized prior service cost (credit) at December 31, 2021 was $40 million, and $(6) million for the U.K. and other plans, respectively.
For the U.S. pension plans, we use a market-related valuation of assets approach to determine the expected return on assets, which is a component of net periodic benefit cost recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This approach recognizes 20% of any gains or losses in the current year’s value of market-related assets, with the remaining 80% spread over the next four years. As this approach recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets and therefore, our net periodic benefit cost will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded. As of December 31, 2021, the market-related value of assets was $2.2 billion. We do not use the market-related valuation approach to determine the funded status of the U.S. plans recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Instead, we record and present the funded status in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position based on the fair value of the plan assets. As of December 31, 2021, the fair value of plan assets was $2.4 billion. Our non-U.S. plans use fair value to determine expected return on assets.
Rate of Return on Plan Assets and Asset Allocation
The following table summarizes the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for future pension expense as of December 31, 2021:
U.K.U.S.Other
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses2.34%2.03 - 5.28%1.80 - 3.15%
In determining the expected rate of return for the plan assets, we analyze investment community forecasts and current market conditions to develop expected returns for each of the asset classes used by the plans. In particular, we surveyed multiple third-party financial institutions and consultants to obtain long-term expected returns on each asset class, considered historical performance data by asset class over long periods, and weighted the expected returns for each asset class by target asset allocations of the plans.
The U.S. pension plan asset allocation is based on approved allocations following adopted investment guidelines. The investment policy for U.K. and other non-U.S. pension plans is generally determined by the plans’ trustees. Because there are several pension plans maintained in the U.K. and other non-U.S. categories, our target allocation presents a range of the target allocation of each plan. Target allocations are subject to change.
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Impact of Changing Economic Assumptions
Changes in the discount rate and expected return on assets can have a material impact on pension obligations and pension expense.
Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our PBO at December 31, 2021 (in millions):
Increase (decrease) in projected benefit obligation (1)
25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
IncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(201)$219 
U.S. plans$(89)$93 
Other plans$(64)$69 
(1)Increases to the PBO reflect increases to our pension obligations, while decreases in the PBO are recoveries toward fully-funded status. A change in the discount rate has an inverse relationship to the PBO.
Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our discount rate would have on our estimated 2022 pension expense (in millions):
 25 BPS Change in Discount Rate
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(1)$
U.S. plans$$(2)
Other plans$$(1)
Holding all other assumptions constant, the following table reflects what a 25 BPS increase and decrease in our long-term rate of return on plan assets would have on our estimated 2022 pension expense (in millions):
 25 BPS Change in Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Increase (decrease) in expenseIncreaseDecrease
U.K. plans$(15)$15 
U.S. plans$(5)$
Other plans$(4)$
The net unfunded pension balance has continued to improve in 2021, reflecting continued progress in reducing the funded status at risk. As a result, the potential impact of a hypothetical adverse change in discount rates and return seeking asset exposures would have a less significant impact as compared to prior years. A hypothetical discount rates decrease of 1% and return seeking assets decline of 10% would have resulted in expected balance sheet deterioration at 2021 of approximately $235 million, as compared to approximately $410 million in 2019, an improvement of approximately $175 million. This is largely due to greater amounts of liability matching assets and de-risking actions.
Estimated Future Contributions
We estimate cash contributions of approximately $74 million to our pension plans in 2022 as compared with cash contributions of $87 million in 2021.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of the net assets acquired. We classify our intangible assets acquired as either tradenames, customer-related and contract-based, or technology and other.
Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter. We test more frequently if there are indicators of impairment or whenever business circumstances suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. These indicators may include a sustained significant decline in our share price and market capitalization, a decline in our expected future cash flows, or a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, among others.
We perform impairment reviews at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a “component”). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component
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constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. An operating segment shall be deemed to be a reporting unit if all of its components are similar, if none of its components are a reporting unit, or if the segment comprises only a single component.
When evaluating these assets for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the goodwill impairment test becomes a quantitative analysis. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value limited to the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
In determining the fair value of our reporting units, we use a DCF model based on our most current forecasts. We discount the related cash flow forecasts using the weighted average cost of capital method at the date of evaluation. Preparation of forecasts and selection of the discount rate for use in the DCF model involve significant judgments, and changes in these estimates could affect the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period. We also use market multiples which are obtained from quoted prices of comparable companies to corroborate our DCF model results. The combined estimated fair value of our reporting units from our DCF model often results in a premium over our market capitalization, commonly referred to as a control premium. We believe the implied control premium determined by our impairment analysis is reasonable based upon historic data of premiums paid on actual transactions within our industry.
We review intangible assets that are being amortized for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If we are required to record impairment charges in the future, they could materially impact our results of operations.
Contingencies
We define a contingency as an existing condition that involves a degree of uncertainty as to a possible gain or loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Under U.S. GAAP, we are required to establish reserves for loss contingencies when the loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate its financial impact. We are required to assess the likelihood of material adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges or probability of losses. We determine the amount of reserves required, if any, for contingencies after carefully analyzing each individual item. The required reserves may change due to new developments in each issue. We do not recognize gain contingencies until the contingency is resolved and amounts due are probable of collection.
Share-Based Payments
Share-based compensation expense is measured based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the requisite service period for awards that we ultimately expect to vest. For purposes of measuring share-based compensation expense, we consider whether an adjustment to the observable market price is necessary to reflect material nonpublic information that is known to us at the time the award is granted. No adjustments were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, or 2019. We also estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on our actual experience to date and revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Restricted Share Units
RSUs are service-based awards for which we recognize the associated compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period where applicable.
Performance Share Awards
PSAs are performance-based awards for which vesting is dependent on the achievement of certain objectives. Such objectives may be made on a personal, group or company level. We estimate the fair value of the awards based on the market price of the underlying share on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the vesting period.
Compensation expense is recognized over the performance period. The number of shares issued on the vesting date will vary depending on the actual performance objectives achieved, which are based on a fixed number of potential outcomes. We make assessments of future performance using subjective estimates, such as long-term plans. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions could have a material impact on the compensation expense recognized.
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The largest plan is the LPP, which has a three-year performance period. As the percent of expected performance increases or decreases, the potential change in expense can go from 0% to 200% of the targeted total expense. The 2019 to 2021 performance period ended on December 31, 2021, the 2018 to 2020 performance period ended on December 31, 2020, and the 2017 to 2019 performance period ended on December 31, 2019. The LPP currently has two open performance periods: 2020 to 2022 and 2021 to 2023. A 10% upward adjustment in our estimated performance achievement percentage for both open performance periods would not have increased our 2021 expense, while a 10% downward adjustment would have decreased our expense by approximately $7.6 million.
Income Taxes
We earn income in numerous countries and this income is subject to the laws of taxing jurisdictions within those countries.
The carrying values of deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the application of our income tax accounting policies and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates about future operating results and levels of taxable income, and judgments regarding the interpretation of the provisions of current accounting principles.
Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Considerations with respect to the realizability of deferred tax assets include the period of expiration of the deferred tax asset, historical earnings and projected future taxable income by jurisdiction as well as tax liabilities for the tax jurisdiction to which the tax asset relates. Significant management judgment is required in determining the assumptions and estimates related to the amount and timing of future taxable income. Valuation allowances are evaluated periodically and will be subject to change in each future reporting period as a result of changes in various factors.
We assess carryforwards and tax credits for realization as a reduction of future taxable income by using a “more likely than not” determination.
We base the carrying values of liabilities and assets for income taxes currently payable and receivable on management’s interpretation of applicable tax laws and incorporate management’s assumptions and judgments about using tax planning strategies in various taxing jurisdictions. Using different estimates, assumptions, and judgments in accounting for income taxes, especially those that deploy tax planning strategies, may result in materially different carrying values of income tax assets and liabilities and changes in our results of operations.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, including a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or future potential impact on our financial results, if determinable.
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to potential fluctuations in earnings, cash flows, and the fair values of certain of our assets and liabilities due to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. To manage the risk from these exposures, we enter into a variety of derivative instruments. We do not enter into derivatives or financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The following discussion describes our specific exposures and the strategies we use to manage these risks. Refer to Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for a discussion of our accounting policies for financial instruments and derivatives.
Foreign Exchange Risk
We are subject to foreign exchange rate risk. Our primary exposures include exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the euro, the British pound, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar, the Indian rupee, and the Japanese yen. We use over-the-counter options and forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency risk to our financial statements.
Additionally, some of our non-U.S. brokerage subsidiaries receive revenue in currencies that differ from their functional currencies. Our U.K. subsidiaries earn a portion of their revenue in U.S. dollars, euro, and Japanese yen, but most of their expenses are incurred in British pounds. At December 31, 2021, we have hedged approximately 45% of our U.K. subsidiaries’ expected exposures to the U.S. dollar, euro, and Japanese yen transactions for the years ending December 31, 2022 and 2023. We generally do not hedge exposures beyond three years.
We also use forward and option contracts to economically hedge foreign exchange risk associated with monetary balance sheet exposures, such as intercompany notes and current assets and liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency and are subject to remeasurement.
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The potential loss in future earnings from foreign exchange derivative instruments resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in year-end exchange rates would be $48 million and $10 million at December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
The translated value of revenues and expenses from our international brokerage operations are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. If we were to translate prior year results at current year exchange rates, diluted earnings per share would have a favorable $0.17 impact during the year ended December 31, 2021. Further, adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure as defined and reconciled under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share,” would have a favorable $0.23 impact during the year ended December 31, 2021 if we were to translate prior year results at current quarter exchange rates.
Interest Rate Risk
Our fiduciary investment income is affected by changes in international and domestic short-term interest rates. We monitor our net exposure to short-term interest rates and, as appropriate, hedge our exposure with various derivative financial instruments. This activity primarily relates to brokerage funds held on behalf of clients in the U.S. and in continental Europe. A hypothetical, instantaneous parallel decrease in the year-end yield curve of 100 BPS would cause a decrease, net of derivative positions, of $64 million to each of 2022 and 2023 pretax income. A corresponding increase in the year-end yield curve of 100 BPS would cause an increase, net of derivative positions, of $64 million to each of 2022 and 2023 pre-tax income.
We have long-term debt outstanding, excluding the current portion, with a fair market value of $9.2 billion and $8.8 billion as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The fair value was greater than the carrying value by $0.9 billion at December 31, 2021, and $1.4 billion greater than the carrying value at December 31, 2020. A hypothetical 1% increase or decrease in interest rates would change the fair value by a decrease of 8% or an increase of 9%, respectively, at December 31, 2021.
We have selected hypothetical changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity market prices to illustrate the possible impact of these changes; we are not predicting market events.

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Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Aon plc

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Aon plc (the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 18, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.

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Realizability of Deferred Tax Assets
Description of the Matter
As discussed in Note 10 “Income Taxes” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $365 million at December 31, 2021. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of all available evidence, in management’s judgment it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Conclusions on the realizability of certain net deferred tax assets involve significant management judgement including assumptions and estimates related to the amount and timing of future taxable income. Auditing the deferred tax asset calculation and the related forecast of future taxable income was especially challenging as it involved a high degree of auditor judgement around management’s assumptions and estimates.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls that address the risks of material misstatement relating to the realizability of deferred tax assets, including controls over management’s projections of future taxable income and the related assumptions.

Among other audit procedures performed, we evaluated the assumptions used by the Company to develop projections of future taxable income by income tax jurisdiction and tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the projections. For example, we inspected the growth rate used in the calculation, the estimates of the reversal of cumulative temporary differences by year and the capital and debt requirements by jurisdiction. We compared the projections of future taxable income with the actual results of prior periods, as well as management’s considerations of current industry and economic trends. Further, we involved tax subject matter professionals in the review of the information identified.

aon-20211231_g1.jpg

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1986.

Chicago, Illinois
February 18, 2022
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Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31
(millions, except per share data)202120202019
Revenue    
Total revenue $12,193 $11,066 $11,013 
Expenses    
Compensation and benefits 6,738 5,905 6,054 
Information technology477 444 494 
Premises327 291 339 
Depreciation of fixed assets179 167 172 
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets147 246 392 
Other general expense 2,235 1,232 1,393 
Total operating expenses 10,103 8,285 8,844 
Operating income 2,090 2,781 2,169 
Interest income 11 
Interest expense (322)(334)(307)
Other income 152 13 — 
Income before income taxes 1,931 2,466 1,870 
Income tax expense 623 448 297 
Net income1,308 2,018 1,573 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 53 49 41 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,255 $1,969 $1,532 
Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.59 $8.49 $6.42 
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders$5.55 $8.45 $6.37 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic 224.7 231.9 238.6 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted226.1 233.1 240.6 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years Ended December 31
(millions)202120202019
Net income$1,308 $2,018 $1,573 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests53 49 41 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders1,255 1,969 1,532 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:   
Change in fair value of financial instruments13 
Foreign currency translation adjustments(289)263 14 
Postretirement benefit obligation277 (101)(141)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)(11)175 (124)
Less: Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(1)— 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders(10)172 (124)
Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders$1,245 $2,141 $1,408 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(millions, except per share data)SharesOrdinary Shares and Additional Paid-in CapitalRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax
Non-controlling
Interests
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018240.1 $5,967 $2,093 $(3,909)$68 $4,219 
Net income— — 1,532 — 41 1,573 
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans2.5 (130)(1)— — (131)
Shares purchased(10.5) (1,960)— — (1,960)
Share-based compensation expense— 317 — — — 317 
Dividends to shareholders ($1.72 per share)— — (410)— — (410)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments— — — — 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments— — — 14 — 14 
Net postretirement benefit obligation— — — (141)— (141)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock— — — — (35)(35)
Balance at December 31, 2019232.1 6,154 1,254 (4,033)74 3,449 
Adoption of new accounting guidance— — (6)— — (6)
Balance at January 1, 2020232.1 6,154 1,248 (4,033)74 3,443 
Net income— — 1,969 — 49 2,018 
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans1.9 (154)— — — (154)
Shares purchased(8.5)— (1,763)— — (1,763)
Share-based compensation expense— 317 — — — 317 
Dividends to shareholders ($1.78 per share)— — (412)— — (412)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments— — — 13 — 13 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments— — — 260 263 
Net postretirement benefit obligation— — — (101)— (101)
Net purchases of shares from noncontrolling interests— (3)— — (6)(9)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock— — — — (32)(32)
Balance at December 31, 2020225.5 6,314 1,042 (3,861)88 3,583 
Net income— — 1,255 — 53 1,308 
Shares issued — employee stock compensation plans1.7 (129)(1)— — (130)
Shares purchased(12.4)— (3,543)— — (3,543)
Share-based compensation expense— 449 — — — 449 
Dividends to shareholders ($1.99 per share)— — (447)— — (447)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments— — — — 
Net foreign currency translation adjustments— — — (288)(1)(289)
Net postretirement benefit obligation— — — 277 — 277 
Net purchases of shares from noncontrolling interests— (8)— — (5)(13)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock— — — — (38)(38)
Balance at December 31, 2021214.8 $6,626 $(1,694)$(3,871)$97 $1,158 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
As of December 31
(millions, except nominal value)20212020
Assets  
Current assets  
Cash and cash equivalents$544 $884 
Short-term investments292 308 
Receivables, net3,094 3,070 
Fiduciary assets14,386 13,798 
Other current assets716 624 
Total current assets19,032 18,684 
Goodwill8,434 8,666 
Intangible assets, net492 640 
Fixed assets, net529 599 
Operating lease right-of-use assets786 911 
Deferred tax assets766 724 
Prepaid pension1,366 1,280 
Other non-current assets512 610 
Total assets$31,917 $32,114 
Liabilities and equity  
Liabilities  
Current liabilities  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$2,192 $2,016 
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt1,164 448 
Fiduciary liabilities14,386 13,798 
Other current liabilities1,331 1,171 
Total current liabilities19,073 17,433 
Long-term debt8,228 7,281 
Non-current operating lease liabilities772 897 
Deferred tax liabilities401 262 
Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment liabilities1,375 1,763 
Other non-current liabilities910 895 
Total liabilities30,759 28,531 
Equity  
Ordinary shares - $0.01 nominal value
    Authorized: 500.0 shares (issued: 2021 - 214.8; 2020 - 225.5)
Additional paid-in capital6,624 6,312 
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)(1,694)1,042 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(3,871)(3,861)
Total Aon shareholders' equity1,061 3,495 
Noncontrolling interests97 88 
Total equity1,158 3,583 
Total liabilities and equity$31,917 $32,114 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31
(millions)20212020
(As Revised)
2019
(As Revised)
Cash flows from operating activities   
Net income$1,308 $2,018 $1,573 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:              
Gain from sales of businesses and investments(142)(25)(13)
Depreciation of fixed assets179 167 172 
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets147 246 392 
Share-based compensation expense449 312 317 
Deferred income taxes11 (36)
Change in assets and liabilities:   
Receivables, net(119)108 (371)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities264 186 (28)
Current income taxes200 (17)(20)
Pension, other postretirement and postemployment liabilities(119)(141)(156)
Other assets and liabilities(80)
Cash provided by operating activities2,182 2,783 1,835 
Cash flows from investing activities   
Proceeds from investments58 64 61 
Payments for investments(91)(97)(113)
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments - non fiduciary15 (167)35 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients(14)(368)(39)
Sale of businesses, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients218 30 52 
Capital expenditures(137)(141)(225)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities49 (679)(229)
Cash flows from financing activities   
Share repurchase(3,543)(1,763)(1,960)
Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans(130)(149)(131)
Issuance of debt5,973��4,153 6,052 
Repayment of debt(4,220)(3,882)(4,941)
Increase in fiduciary liabilities, net of fiduciary receivables568 316 1,246 
Cash dividends to shareholders(447)(412)(410)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities(125)(35)(103)
Cash used for financing activities(1,924)(1,772)(247)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients(235)297 63 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients72 629 1,422 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at beginning of year6,573 5,944 4,522 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at end of year$6,645 $6,573 $5,944 
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients:
Cash and cash equivalents$544 $884 $790 
Funds held on behalf of clients6,101 5,689 5,154 
Total cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients$6,645 $6,573 $5,944 
Supplemental disclosures:   
Interest paid$328 $326 $289 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds$412 $455 $353 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1.    Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Aon plc and all of its controlled subsidiaries (“Aon” or the “Company”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Consolidated Financial Statements include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and reclassifications) necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.
References in this report to “Aon,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” for time periods prior to April 1, 2020 refer to Aon Global Limited. References in the Financial Statements to “Aon,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” for time periods on or after April 1, 2020, refer to Aon plc.
Reclassification
Certain amounts in the prior year's Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there was $1 million of income and $1 million of loss, respectively, including the related tax effect, from discontinued operations recognized in Net Income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. These amounts are now included in Other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Other assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. There was no impact to the effective tax rate on Net income or earnings per share in either period.
Additionally, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, a cash outflow of $127 million and a cash inflow of $3 million, respectively, was classified as an adjustment to Net income from Restructuring reserves in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. These amounts are now included in Other assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. There was no impact on Cash provided by operating activities.
Disaggregation of Revenue
In 2021, the Company announced steps to further accelerate its Aon United strategy, which now includes 4 solution lines: Commercial Risk Solutions, Reinsurance Solutions, Health Solutions, and Wealth Solutions. Disaggregation of revenue by the new solution line’s structure is reflected in Note 3 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, where prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current periods’ presentation. The changes in the solution line structure affect only the manner in which the Company's revenue results for the Company’s principal service lines were previously reported and have no impact on the Company's previously reported Consolidated Financial Statements, results of operations, or total organic revenue growth. Refer to Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for more information about the changes in the presentation of our principal service line reporting. The Company continues to operate as 1 segment that includes all of the Company’s operations, refer to Note 16 “Segment Information” for further information.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying 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, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated 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. Management believes its estimates to be reasonable given the current facts available. Aon adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, foreign currency exchange rate movements, and the COVID-19 pandemic 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 would, if applicable, be reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods.
Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements
During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company identified and corrected an immaterial presentation error related to funds held on behalf of clients in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
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Based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative factors in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins 99 “Materiality” and 108 “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements”, the Company concluded that these errors were immaterial, individually and in the aggregate, to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as presented in the Company’s quarterly and annual financial statements previously filed in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K. There was no impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income, Statements of Comprehensive Income, Statements of Financial Position, or Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for any period presented.
In preparing the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made appropriate revisions to its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for historical periods. Such changes are reflected for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, included in these financial statements, and will also be reflected in the historical periods included in the Company’s subsequent quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements.
The impact to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows previously filed in Annual Reports on Form 10-K is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
As ReportedEffect of ChangeAs RevisedAs ReportedEffect of ChangeAs Revised
Cash provided by operating activities$2,783 $— $2,783 $1,835 $— $1,835 
Cash used for investing activities(679)— (679)(229)— (229)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities(2,088)316 (1,772)(1,493)1,246 (247)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients78 219 297 21 42 63 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients94 535 629 134 1,288 1,422 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at beginning of year790 5,154 5,944 656 3,866 4,522 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at end of year$884 $5,689 $6,573 $790 $5,154 $5,944 
The impact to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows previously filed in unaudited Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q is as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2021
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
As ReportedEffect of ChangeAs RevisedAs ReportedEffect of ChangeAs RevisedAs ReportedEffect of ChangeAs Revised
Cash provided by operating activities$561 $— $561 $1,345 $— $1,345 $1,251 $— $1,251 
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities102 — 102 (27)— (27)(116)— (116)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities(709)28 (681)(1,122)386 (736)(1,380)786 (594)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients(16)(18)(34)11 18 29 (30)(63)(93)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients(62)10 (52)207 404 611 (275)723 448 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at beginning of year884 5,689 6,573 884 5,689 6,573 884 5,689 6,573 
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at end of year$822 $5,699 $6,521 $1,091 $6,093 $7,184 $609 $6,412 $7,021 
2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices
Revenue Recognition
The Company generates revenues primarily through commissions, compensation from insurance and reinsurance companies for services provided to them, and fees from customers. Commissions and fees for brokerage services vary depending upon several
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factors, which may include the amount of premium, the type of insurance or reinsurance coverage provided, the particular services provided to a client, insurer, or reinsurer, and the capacity in which the Company acts. Compensation from insurance and reinsurance companies includes: (1) fees for consulting and analytics services and (2) fees and commissions for administrative and other services provided to or on behalf of insurers. In Aon’s capacity as an insurance and reinsurance broker, the service promised to the customer is placement of an effective insurance or reinsurance policy, respectively. At the completion of the insurance or reinsurance policy placement process once coverage is effective, the customer has obtained control over the services promised by the Company. Judgment is not typically required when assessing whether the coverage is effective. Fees from clients for advice and consulting services are dependent on the extent and value of the services provided. Payment terms for the Company’s principal service lines are discussed below; the Company believes these terms are consistent with current industry practices. Significant financing components are typically not present in Aon’s arrangements.
The Company recognizes revenue when control of the policy transferspromised services is transferred to the customer. Ascustomer in the amount that best reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements where control is transferred over time, an input or output method is applied that represents a result, revenue from thesefaithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For arrangements willthat include variable consideration, the Company assesses whether any amounts should be recognizedconstrained. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates consideration based on their relative fair values.
Costs incurred by the Company in earlier periods under the new standard in comparison to the current guidance and will change the timing and amount of revenue recognized for annual and interim periods. This change is anticipated to result in a significant shift in timing of interim revenue for Reinsurance Solutions and to a lesser extent, certain other brokerage services.
The new standard provides guidance on accounting for certain revenue-related costs including when to capitalize costs associated with obtaining and fulfilling a contract. The majority of these costs are currently expensed as incurred under existing U.S. GAAP. Assets recognized for the costs to obtain a contract which includes certain sales commissions, will beare capitalized and amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, considering anticipated renewals when applicable. For situations where the renewal period is one year or less and renewalCertain contract related costs, including pre-placement brokerage costs, are commensurate with the initial contract, the Company plans to applycapitalized as a practical expedient and recognize the costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred. Assets recognized as costscost to fulfill a contract, which includes internal costs related to pre-placement broking activities, as well as other costs, will beand are amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of control of the services to which the asset relates, which is generally expected to be less than one year.

The Company has elected to apply practical expedients to not disclose the revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations if (1) the contract has an original duration of 1 year or less, (2) the Company has recognized revenue for the amount in which it has the right to bill, and (3) the variable consideration is allocated entirely to an unsatisfied performance obligation which is recognized as a seriesof distinct goods or services that form a single performance obligation.

Disaggregation of Revenue
The following is a description of principal service lines from which the Company generates its revenue:
Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, specialty solutions, global risk consulting and captives management, and Affinity programs. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units transferred and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded net of allowances for estimated policy cancellations, which are determined based on an evaluation of historical and current cancellation data. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced near the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period.
Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty reinsurance, facultative reinsurance, and capital markets. Revenue primarily includes reinsurance commissions and fees for services rendered. Revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement using output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. For arrangements recognized over time, various output measures, including units delivered and time elapsed, are utilized to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the inception of the reinsurance period for certain reinsurance brokerage, or more commonly, over the term of the arrangement in installments based on deposit or minimum premiums for most treaty reinsurance arrangements.
Health Solutions includes consulting and brokerage, Human Capital, and voluntary benefits and enrollment solutions. Revenue primarily includes insurance commissions and fees for services rendered. For brokerage commissions, revenue is predominantly recognized at a point in time upon the effective date of the underlying policy (or policies), or for a limited number of arrangements, over the term of the arrangement to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services using input or output measures, including units delivered or time elapsed, to provide a faithful depiction of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation. Revenue from health care exchange arrangements is typically recognized upon successful enrollment
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of participants. Commissions and fees for brokerage services may be invoiced at the effective date of the underlying policy or over the term of the arrangement in installments during the policy period. Payment terms for other services vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.
Wealth Solutions includes retirement consulting and pension administration, as well as investments. Revenue recognized for these arrangements is predominantly recognized over the term of the arrangement using input or output measures to depict the transfer of control of the services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services, or for certain arrangements, at a point in time upon completion of the services. For consulting arrangements recognized over time, revenue will be recognized based on a measure of progress that depicts the transfer of control of the services to the customer, utilizing an appropriate input or output measure to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including units delivered or time elapsed. Fees paid by customers for consulting services are typically charged on an hourly, project or fixed-fee basis, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time incurred, days elapsed, or reports delivered. Revenue from time-and-materials or cost-plus arrangements are recognized as services are performed using input or output measures to provide a reasonable assessment of the progress towards completion of the performance obligation including hours worked, and revenue for these arrangements is typically recognized based on time and materials incurred. Reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses are generally recorded as a component of revenue. Payment terms vary but are typically over the contract term in installments.
Share-based Compensation Expense
Share-based payments to employees, including grants of RSUs and PSAs, are measured based on grant date fair value. For purposes of measuring share-based compensation expense, the Company considered whether an adjustment to the observable market price is necessary to reflect material nonpublic information that is known to us at the time the award is granted. No adjustments were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, or 2019. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period for awards expected to ultimately vest. Forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant and revised if actual or expected forfeiture activity differs materially from original estimates.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company records net periodic cost relating to its pension and other postretirement benefit plans based on calculations that include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return on plan assets, inflation rates, mortality rates, compensation increases, and turnover rates. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and modifies these assumptions based on current rates and trends. The effects of gains, losses, and prior service costs and credits are amortized over future service periods or future estimated lives if the plans are frozen as reflected in Other income within the Consolidated Statements of Income. The funded status of each plan, calculated as the fair value of plan assets less the benefit obligation, is reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position using a December 31 measurement date.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding, including participating securities, which consist of unvested share awards with non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, which have been adjusted for the dilutive effect of potentially issuable ordinary shares, including certain contingently issuable shares. The diluted earnings per share calculation reflects the more dilutive effect of either (1) the two-class method that assumes that the participating securities have not been exercised, or (2) the treasury stock method.
Potentially issuable shares are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share if their inclusion would be antidilutive.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
Cash and cash equivalents include cash balances and all highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less. Short-term investments consist of money market funds. The estimated fair value of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximates their carrying values.
At December 31, 2021, Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments totaled $836 million compared to $1,192 million at December 31, 2020, a decrease of $356 million. Of the total balance, $160 million and $102 million was restricted as to its use at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Included within Short-term investments as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 balances, respectively, were £84.3 million ($112.8 million at December 31, 2021 exchanges rates) and £44.4 million ($60.2
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million at December 31, 2020 exchange rates) of operating funds required to be held by the Company in the U.K. by the FCA, a U.K.-based regulator. During 2021, following discussions with the FCA, and to take into consideration the potential future effects from market volatility due to COVID-19, the Company changed the basis of calculating its liquidity requirement and increased the amount of funds held by £34.3 million ($45.9 million at December 31, 2021 exchange rates).
Fiduciary Assets and Liabilities
In its capacity as an insurance agent and broker, Aon collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its commission, remits the premiums to the respective insurers. Aon also collects claims or refunds from insurers on behalf of insureds. Uncollected premiums from insureds and uncollected claims or refunds from insurers are recorded as Fiduciary assets in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held in a fiduciary capacity and the obligation to remit these funds is recorded as Fiduciary liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Funds held on behalf of clients represent fiduciary assets held by Aon for premiums collected from insureds but not yet remitted to insurance companies and claims collected from insurance companies but not yet remitted to insureds of $6.1 billion and $5.7 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Fiduciary receivables were $8.3 billion and $8.1 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These funds and a corresponding liability are included in Fiduciary assets and Fiduciary liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company’s estimate for allowance for credit losses with respect to receivables is based on a combination of factors, including evaluation of forward-looking information, historical write-offs, aging of balances, and other qualitative and quantitative analyses. Receivables, net included an allowance for doubtful accounts of $90 million and $98 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Included in this category are certain capitalized costs incurred during the application development stage related to directly obtaining, developing, or enhancing internal use software. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are generally as follows:
Asset DescriptionEstimated Useful Life
SoftwareLesser of the life of an associated license, or 4 to 7 years
Leasehold improvementsLesser of estimated useful life or lease term, not to exceed 10 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment4 to 10 years
Computer equipment4 to 6 years
Buildings35 years
Automobiles6 years
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired in the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is allocated to applicable reporting units. Upon disposition of a business entity, goodwill is allocated to the disposed entity based on the fair value of that entity compared to the fair value of the reporting unit in which it was included. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment at least annually. The goodwill impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level. The Company may initially perform a qualitative analysis to determine if it is more likely than not that the goodwill balance is impaired. If a qualitative assessment is not performed or if a determination is made that it is not more likely than not that their value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the Company will perform a quantitative analysis. If the fair value of a reporting unit is determined to be greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired and no further testing is necessary. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value limited to the total amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Any resulting difference will be a charge to Amortization and impairment of intangible assets in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the period in which the determination is made. Fair value is determined using a combination of present value techniques and market prices of comparable businesses.
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We classify our intangible assets acquired as either tradenames, customer-related and contract-based, or technology and other. Amortization basis and estimated useful lives by intangible asset type are generally as follows:
Intangible Asset DescriptionAmortization BasisEstimated Useful Life
Customer-related and contract-basedIn line with underlying cash flows7 to 20 years
Technology and otherStraight-line5 to 7 years
TradenamesStraight-line1 to 3 years
Derivatives
Derivative instruments are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at fair value. Where the Company has entered into master netting agreements with counterparties, the derivative positions are netted by counterparties and are reported accordingly in other assets or other liabilities. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recognized in earnings each period, unless the derivative is designated and qualifies as a cash flow or net investment hedge.
The Company has historically designated the following hedging relationships for certain transactions: (1) a hedge of the change in fair value of a recognized asset or liability or firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of the variability in cash flows from a recognized variable-rate asset or liability or forecasted transaction (“cash flow hedge”), and (3) a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation (“net investment hedge”).
In order for a derivative to qualify for hedge accounting, the derivative must be formally designated as a fair value, cash flow, or a net investment hedge by documenting the relationship between the derivative and the hedged item. The documentation must include a description of the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the risk being hedged, Aon’s risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, and the method for assessing the effectiveness of the hedge. Additionally, the hedge relationship must be expected to be highly effective at offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item at both the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis. Aon assesses the ongoing effectiveness of its hedges quarterly or more frequently if facts and circumstances require.
For a derivative designated as a fair value hedging instrument, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. The effect is to reflect in earnings the extent to which the hedge is not effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value. For a cash flow hedge that qualifies for hedge accounting, the change in fair value of a hedging instrument is recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the same period the hedged item impacts earnings. For a net investment hedge, the change in fair value of the hedging instrument is recognized in Accumulate Other Comprehensive Income as part of the cumulative translation adjustment.
Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is not designated as part of a hedging relationship (commonly referred to as an “economic hedge”) are recorded in Other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the period of change.
The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (1) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, (2) the qualifying criteria are no longer met, or (3) management removes the designation of the hedging relationship.
Foreign Currency
Certain of the Company’s non-U.S. operations use their respective local currency as their functional currency. These operations that do not have the U.S. dollar as their functional currency translate their financial statements at the current rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date and revenues and expenses using rates that approximate those in effect during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in Net foreign currency translation adjustments within the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. Further, gains and losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency of that entity are included in Other income within the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the effect of temporary differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted marginal tax rates and laws that are currently in effect. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in the period when the rate change is enacted.
Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Deferred tax assets are realized by having sufficient future taxable income to allow the related tax benefits to reduce taxes otherwise payable. The sources of taxable income that may be available to realize the benefit of deferred tax assets are future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences,
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future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carry-forwards, taxable income in carry-back years, and tax planning strategies that are both prudent and feasible.
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if sustaining those positions is more likely than not. Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold but are not highly certain are initially and subsequently measured based on the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authority. Only information that is available at the reporting date is considered in the Company’s recognition and measurement analysis, and events or changes in facts and circumstances are accounted for in the period in which the event or change in circumstance occurs.
The Company records penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income taxes in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Leases
The Company leases office facilities, equipment, and automobiles under operating and finance leases. The Company’s lease obligations are primarily for the use of office facilities. The Company evaluates if a leasing arrangement exists upon inception of a contract. A contract contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified tangible assets for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Identified property, plant, or equipment may include a physically distinct portion of a larger asset, or a portion of an asset that represents substantially all of the capacity of the asset but is not physically distinct. The Company assesses whether a contract implicitly contains the right to control the use of a tangible asset that is not already owned. In addition, the Company subleases certain real estate properties to third parties, which are classified as operating leases.
The Company’s leases expire at various dates and may contain renewal, expansion or termination options. The exercise of lease renewal and expansion options are typically at the Company’s sole discretion and are only included in the determination of the lease term if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise the option. In addition, the Company’s lease agreements typically do not contain any material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.
ROU assets and lease liabilities are based on the present value of the minimum lease payments over the lease term. The Company has elected the practical expedient related to lease and non-lease components, as an accounting policy election for all asset classes, which allows a lessee to not separate non-lease components from lease components and instead account for consideration received in a contract as a single lease component.
The Company made a policy election to not recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities that arise from leases with an initial term of twelve months or less in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. However, the Company recognized these lease payments in the Consolidated Statements of Income on a straight-line basis over the lease term and variable lease payments in the period in which the expense was incurred. The Company chose to apply this accounting policy across all classes of underlying assets.
A portion of the Company’s lease agreements include variable lease payments that are not recorded in the initial measurement of the lease liability and ROU asset balances. For real estate arrangements, base rental payments may be escalated according to annual changes in the CPI or other indices. The escalated rental payments based on the estimated CPI at the lease commencement date are included within minimum rental payments; however, changes in CPI are considered variable in nature and are recognized as variable lease costs in the period in which the obligation is incurred. Additionally, real estate lease agreements may include other variable payments related to operating expenses charged by the landlord based on actual expenditures. Information technology equipment agreements may include variable payments based on usage of the equipment. These expenses are also recognized as variable lease costs in the period in which the expense is incurred.
The Company utilizes discount rates to determine the present value of the lease payments based on information available at the commencement date of the lease. As the rate implicit in each lease is not typically readily available, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on factors such as the lease term and the economic environment where the lease exists to determine the appropriate present value of future lease payments. When determining the incremental borrowing rate, the Company considers the rate of interest it would pay on a secured borrowing in an amount equal to the lease payments for the underlying asset under similar terms.
Operating leases are included in Operating lease ROU assets, Other current liabilities, and Non-current operating lease liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Finance leases are included in Other non-current assets, Other current liabilities, and Other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
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Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Aon plc and those entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. To determine if Aon holds a controlling financial interest in an entity, the Company first evaluates if it is required to apply the VIE model to the entity, otherwise, the entity is evaluated under the voting interest model. Where Aon holds rights that give it the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, combined with a variable interest that gives the right to receive potentially significant benefits or the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses, the Company has a controlling financial interest in that VIE. The Company does not consolidate the VIEs and Aon’s interest in VIEs as of December 31, 2021 was insignificant. Aon holds a controlling financial interest in entities that are not VIEs where it, directly or indirectly, holds more than 50% of the voting rights or where it exercises control through substantive participating rights or as a general partner.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities Acquired in a Business Combination
In October 2021, FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the accounting for contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers acquired in a business combination. The new guidance improves the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in practice and inconsistency. The new guidance requires an entity to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with the current accounting standard on revenue from contracts with customers, ASC 606. The new guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2023, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance in the fourth quarter of 2021. The Company adopted the new guidance on a prospective basis while applying the amendments to all business combinations that occurred during 2021 as required by the new guidance. The early adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
3.    Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table summarizes revenue from contracts with customers by principal service line (in millions). Prior year amounts from the Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Refer to Note 1 “Basis of Presentation” for further information regarding the changes to the Company’s principal service lines.
Years Ended December 31
202120202019
Commercial Risk Solutions$6,635 $5,861 $5,857 
Reinsurance Solutions1,997 1,814 1,686 
Health Solutions2,154 2,067 2,104 
Wealth Solutions1,426 1,341 1,380 
Elimination(19)(17)(14)
Total revenue$12,193 $11,066 $11,013 
Consolidated revenue from contracts with customers by geographic area, which is attributed on the basis of where the services are performed, is as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31
202120202019
U.S.$5,459 $5,032 $5,016 
Americas other than U.S.1,027 911 919 
U.K.1,681 1,579 1,502 
Ireland127 84 75 
Europe, Middle East, & Africa other than U.K. and Ireland2,565 2,236 2,263 
Asia Pacific1,334 1,224 1,238 
Total revenue$12,193 $11,066 $11,013 
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Contract Costs
Changes in the net carrying amount of costs to fulfill contracts with customers are as follows (in millions):
20212020
Balance at beginning of period$339 $335 
Additions1,504 1,360 
Amortization(1,478)(1,360)
Impairment— — 
Foreign currency translation and other(4)
Balance at end of period$361 $339 
Changes in the net carrying amount of costs to obtain contracts with customers are as follows (in millions):
20212020
Balance at beginning of period$184 $171 
Additions59 61 
Amortization(48)(47)
Impairment— — 
Foreign currency translation and other(16)(1)
Balance at end of period$179 $184 

4.    Other Financial Data
Consolidated Statements of Income Information
Other Income (Expense)
The components of Other income (expense) consists of the followingare as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31
202120202019
Foreign currency remeasurement$26 $(12)$
Gain from disposals of business142 25 13 
Pension and other postretirement21 13 
Equity earnings
Extinguishment of debt— (7)— 
Financial instruments(45)(10)(35)
Total$152 $13 $— 
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Years ended December 312017 2016 2015
Foreign currency remeasurement gain (loss)$(37) $(2) $30
Net gain (loss) on disposal of businesses(16) 39
 82
Equity earnings12
 13
 13
Income (loss) on financial instruments2
 (14) (24)
Other
 
 (1)
Total$(39) $36
 $100

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Information
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
An analysisChanges in the net carrying amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts isare as follows (in millions):
202120202019
Balance at beginning of period$98 $70 $62 
Adoption of new accounting guidance (1)
— — 
Adjusted balance at beginning of period98 77 62 
Provision26 29 27 
Accounts written off, net of recoveries(37)(6)(19)
Foreign currency translation and other(2)— 
Balance at end of period$90 $98 $70 
 2017 2016 2015
Balance at January 1$56
 $58
 $72
Provision charged to Other general expenses18
 10
 12
Accounts written off, net of recoveries(18) (15) (32)
Foreign currency translation3
 3
 6
Balance at December 31$59
 $56
 $58
(1) The adoption of the new accounting standard on the measurement of credit losses on January 1, 2020 resulted in addition to the Allowance for doubtful accounts of $7 million. After tax impacts, this resulted in a $6 million decrease to Retained earnings. Refer to Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” for further information.
Other Current Assets
The components of Other current assets are as follows (in millions):
As of December 312017 2016
Taxes receivable$114
 $100
Prepaid expenses126
 102
Receivables from the Divested Business (1)
28
 
Other21
 45
Total$289
 $247
(1)Refer to Note 4 “Discontinued Operations” for additional information.

As of December 3120212020
Costs to fulfill contracts with customers(1)
$361 $339 
Taxes receivable53 95 
Prepaid expenses137 111 
Other165 79 
Total$716 $624 

(1)Refer to Note 3 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for further information.
Fixed Assets, net
The components of Fixed assets, net are as follows (in millions):
As of December 312017 2016As of December 3120212020
Software$680
 $677
Software$797 $808 
Leasehold improvements349
 369
Leasehold improvements425 375 
Computer equipment295
 258
Computer equipment268 249 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment240
 252
Furniture, fixtures and equipment279 246 
Construction in progress79
 75
Construction in progress45 155 
Other90
 115
Other33 34 
Fixed assets, gross1,733
 1,746
Fixed assets, gross1,847 1,867 
Less: Accumulated depreciation1,169
 1,196
Less: Accumulated depreciation1,318 1,268 
Fixed assets, net$564
 $550
Fixed assets, net$529 $599 
Depreciation expense, which includes software amortization, was $187$179 million, $162$167 million, and $164$172 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2021, 2020, and 2015,2019, respectively.
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Other Non-CurrentNon-current Assets
The components of Other non-current assets are as follows (in millions):
As of December 3120212020
Costs to obtain contracts with customers (1)
$179 $184 
Investments64 74 
Leases (2)
63 89 
Taxes receivable95 125 
Other111 138 
Total$512 $610 
As of December 312017 2016
Investments$57
 $119
Taxes receivable84
 82
Other166
 159
Total$307
 $360
(1)    Refer to Note 3 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for further information.
(2) Refer to Note 8 “Lease Commitments” for further information.
Other Current Liabilities
The components of Other current liabilities are as follows (in millions):
As of December 3120212020
Deferred revenue (1)
$321 $296 
Taxes payable149 80 
Leases (2)
213 234 
Other648 561 
Total$1,331 $1,171 
As of December 312017 2016
Deferred revenue$311
 $199
Taxes payable (1)
139
 77
Other420
 380
Total$870
 $656
(1)$553 million and $454 million was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income during the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(1)Includes a provisional estimate of $42 million for the current portion of the Transition Tax. Refer to Note 10 “Income Taxes” for further information.
(2)Refer to Note 8 “Lease Commitments” for further information.
Other Non-CurrentNon-current Liabilities
The components of Other non-current liabilities are as follows (in millions):
As of December 3120212020
Taxes payable (1)
$609 $561 
Leases (2)
46 65 
Compensation and benefits58 53 
Deferred revenue70 76 
Other127 140 
Total$910 $895 
 2017 2016
Taxes payable (1)
$529
 $288
Leases153
 136
Compensation and benefits67
 56
Deferred revenue49
 49
Other304
 190
Total$1,102
 $719
(1)Includes a provisional estimate of $222(1)Includes $145 million for the Transition Tax. Refer to Note 10 “Income Taxes” for further information.


4.Discontinued Operations
On February 9, 2017, the Company entered into the Purchase Agreement with Tempo Acquisition, LLC to sell its benefits administration and business process outsourcing business to the Buyer.
On May 1, 2017, the Buyer purchased allnon-current portion of the outstanding equity interests of the Divested Business, plus certain related assets and liabilities, for a purchase price of $4.3 billion in cash paid at closing, subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement, and deferred consideration of up to $500 million. Cash proceeds after customary adjustments and before taxes due were $4.2 billion.
Aon and the Buyer entered into certain transaction related agreements at the closing, including two commercial agreements, a transition services agreement, certain intellectual property license agreements, sub-leases, and other customary agreements. Aon expects to continue to be a significant client of the Divested Business and the Divested Business has agreed to use Aon for its broking and other services for a specified period of time.
In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded an estimated gain on sale, net of taxes, of $779 million and a non-cash impairment charge to its tradenames associated with the Divested Business of $380 million as these assets were not sold to the Buyer. The impairment charge is included in Amortization and impairment of intangible assets on the Consolidated Statement of Income for year ended December 31, 2017.
The Company has classified the results of the Divested Business as discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods presented. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of the Divested Business were retrospectively classified as discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position upon triggering held for sale criteria in February 2017. These assets and liabilities were sold on May 1, 2017.
The financial results of the Divested Business for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 are presented as Income from discontinued operations, net of tax on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table presents the financial results of the Divested Business (in millions):
  Years ended December 31
  2017 2016 2015
Revenue      
Total revenue $698
 $2,218
 $2,202
Expenses      
Total operating expenses 656
 1,950
 1,941
Operating Income from discontinued operations 42
 268
 261
Other income 10
 
 
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 52
 268
 261
Income taxes 3
 91
 92
Income from discontinued operations excluding gain, net of tax 49
 177
 169
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax 779
 
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $828
 $177
 $169
Upon triggering held for sale criteria in February 2017, Aon ceased depreciating and amortizing all long-lived assets included in discontinued operations. Total operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 include, respectively, $8 million, $70 million, and $65 million of depreciation of fixed assets and $11 million, $120 million, and $141 million of intangible asset amortization.


The following table presents the aggregate carrying amounts of the classes of assets and liabilities presented as discontinued operations within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (in millions):
  
December 31, 2017 (1)
 December 31,
2016
ASSETS  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $
 $5
Receivables, net 
 483
Fiduciary assets 
 526
Goodwill 
 1,337
Intangible assets, net 
 333
Fixed assets, net 
 215
Other assets 
 295
TOTAL ASSETS $
 $3,194
     
LIABILITIES  
  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $
 $197
Fiduciary liabilities 
 526
Other liabilities 
 356
TOTAL LIABILITIES $
 $1,079
(1)All assets and liabilities associated with the Divested Business were sold on May 1, 2017.
The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows present the operating, investing, and financing cash flows of the Divested Business as discontinued operations.  Aon uses a centralized approach to cash management and financing of its operations. Prior to the closing of the transaction, portions of the Divested Business’s cash were transferred to Aon daily, and Aon would fund the Divested Business as needed. Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at December 31, 2016 was $5 million. Total proceeds received for the sale of the divested business and taxes paid as a result of the sale are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Cash provided by investing activities - continuing operations and Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations, respectively.
5. Restructuring
In 2017, Aon initiated a global restructuring plan (the “Restructuring Plan”) in connection with the sale of the Divested Business. The Restructuring Plan is intended to streamline operations across the organization and deliver greater efficiency, insight, and connectivity. The Company expects these restructuring activities and related expenses to affect continuing operations through 2019, including an estimated 4,200 to 4,800 role eliminations. The Restructuring Plan is expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $1,025 million through the end of the plan, consisting of approximately $450 million in employee termination costs, $130 million in technology rationalization costs, $85 million in lease consolidation costs, $50 million in non-cash asset impairments, and $310 million in other costs, including certain separation costs associated with the sale of the Divested Business.
From the inception of the Restructuring Plan through December 31, 2017, the Company has eliminated 2,630 positions and incurred total expenses of $497 million for restructuring and related separation costs.  These charges are included in Compensation and benefits, Information technology, Premises, Depreciation of fixed assets, and Other general expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.


The following table summarizes restructuring and separation costs by type that have been incurred through December 31, 2017 and are estimated to be incurred through the end of the Restructuring Plan (in millions). Estimated costs may be revised in future periods as these assumptions are updated:
  Year Ended December 31, 2017 Estimated Remaining Costs 
Estimated Total Cost (1)
Workforce reduction $299
 $151
 $450
Technology rationalization (2)
 33
 97
 130
Lease consolidation (2)
 8
 77
 85
Asset impairments 26
 24
 50
Other costs associated with restructuring and separation (2) (3)
 131
 179
 310
Total restructuring and related expenses $497
 $528
 $1,025
(1)Actual costs, when incurred, may vary due to changes in the assumptions built into the Restructuring Plan.  Significant assumptions that may 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)Contract termination costs included within Technology rationalization for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $1 million. Contract termination costs included within Lease consolidations for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $8 million. Contract termination costs included within Other costs associated with restructuring and separation were $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Total estimated contract termination costs to be incurred under the Restructuring Plan associated with Technology rationalizations, Lease consolidations, and Other costs associated with restructuring and separation, respectively, are $10 million, $80 million, and $10 million.
(3)Other costs associated with the Restructuring Plan include primarily those to separate the Divested Business, as well as moving costs and consulting and legal fees. These costs are generally recognized when incurred.
The changes in the Company’s liabilities for the Restructuring Plan as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (in millions):2021 and December 31, 2020. Refer to Note 9 “Income Taxes” for further information on the transition tax.
(2)Refer to Note 8 “Lease Commitments” for further information.
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  Restructuring Plan
Balance at December 31, 2016 $
Expensed 452
Cash payments (280)
Foreign currency translation and other 14
Balance at December 31, 2017 $186


6.    5.    Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses
Completed Acquisitions
The Company completed seventeen2 acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 20172021 and eight6 acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2016.2020. The following table includes the preliminary fair values of consideration transferred, assets acquired, and liabilities assumed as a result of the Company’s acquisitions (in millions):
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
Consideration transferred
Cash$27 
Deferred, contingent, and other consideration17 
Aggregate consideration transferred$44 
Assets acquired
Goodwill17 
Other intangible assets13 
Other assets (1)
26 
Total assets acquired56 
Liabilities assumed
Total liabilities assumed12 
Net assets acquired$44 
 For the year ended December 31, 2017
Cash$1,136
Deferred and contingent consideration63
Aggregate consideration transferred$1,199
  
Assets acquired: 
Cash and cash equivalents$108
Receivables, net47
Goodwill619
Intangible assets, net567
Fixed assets, net18
Other assets200
Total assets acquired1,559
Liabilities assumed: 
Current liabilities230
Other liabilities130
Total liabilities assumed360
Net assets acquired$1,199
(1)     In the year ended December 31, 2021, cash and cash equivalents of $12 million and funds held on behalf of client of $1 million were acquired.
Intangible assets are primarilyacquired include customer-related and contract-based assets. ThoseThe intangible assets acquired as part of a business acquisitionacquisitions in 20172021 had a weighted average useful economic life of 169 years. Acquisition related costs for completed acquisitions incurred and recognized within Other general expensesexpense for the year ended December 31, 20172021 were $13 million. Total revenue for these acquisitions included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was approximately $50 million.insignificant.
The results of operations of these acquisitions are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of the respective acquisition dates. The Company’s results of operations of the Company would not have been materially different if these acquisitions had been reported from the beginning of the period in which they were acquired.
20172021 Acquisitions
On December 29, 2017,22, 2021, the Company completed the transaction to acquire the Townsend Group,100% share capital of For Welfare S.r.l, a U.S.-based provider of global investment management and advisory services primarilycompany focused on real estate.
bancassurance programs in Italy.
On December 29, 2017,September 1, 2021, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Baltolink UADBB,51% of Aon India Insurance Brokers Limited (formerly known as Anviti Insurance Brokers Private Limited). Prior to the acquisition date, the Company accounted for its 49% interest in Anviti as an equity-method investment. The acquisition-date fair value of the previous equity interest was $15 million and is included in the measurement of consideration transferred. There was no significant impact as a regional broker basedresult of remeasuring the carrying value of the Company’s prior equity interest in Lithuania.Anviti held before the business combination.
2020 Acquisitions
On December 19, 2017,April 6, 2020, the Company completed the transaction to acquireacquisition of 100% share capital of Farmington Administrative Services LLC, a client registerU.S.-based national provider of Grant Liddell Financial Advisor Services Pty Ltd in Australia.
enrollment solutions and voluntary benefits, and certain assets of other Farmington companies.
On December 1, 2017,January 31, 2020, the Company completed the transactionacquisition of 100% share capital of Cytelligence Inc., a Canadian-based cyber security firm that provides incident response advisory, digital forensic expertise, security consulting services, and cyber security training for employees to acquire Henderson Insurance Brokers Limited, an independent insurance broking firm based in the United Kingdom.
help organizations respond to cyber security threats and strengthen their security position.
On November 30, 2017,January 3, 2020, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Unidelta AG, anacquisition of 100% share capital of CoverWallet, Inc., a U.S.-based digital insurance broker located in Switzerland.
platform for small- and medium-sized businesses.
On October 31, 2017,January 1, 2020, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Unirobe Meeùs Groep,acquisition of 100% share capital of TRIUM GmbH Insurance Broker, an insurance broker based in the Netherlands.Germany.
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On October 31, 2017,January 1, 2020, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Lenzi Paolo Broker di Assicurazioni S.r.l.,acquisition of 100% share capital of Assimedia SA, an insurance broker based in Italy.
Switzerland.
On October 26, 2017,January 1, 2020, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Nauman Insurance Brokers Limited,acquisition of 100% share capital of Apollo Conseil et Courtage, an insurance broker based in New Zealand.France.
Completed Dispositions
On October 2, 2017, theThe Company completed the transaction to acquire Portus Consulting, an independent employee benefits firm based in the United Kingdom.
On August 31, 2017, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Mark Kelly Insurance and Financial Services PTY LTD, an Australia-based broker servicing the insurance needs of commercial clients in and around the Townsville regional center.
On August 28, 2017, the Company completed the transaction to acquire a certain portfolio in the Charlotte office of The Hays Group, Inc. d/b/a Hays Companies.
On July 27, 2017, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Grupo Innovac Sociedad de Correduría de Seguros, S.A, an insurance broker based in Valencia, Spain.
On July 3, 2017, the Company completed the transaction to acquire PWZ AG, an independent insurance broker based in Zurich, Switzerland.
On May 31, 2017, the Company completed the transaction to acquire SchneiderGolling IFFOXX Assekuranzmakler AG and SchneiderGolling Industrie Assekuranzmaklergesellschaft mbH from SchneiderGolling Gruppe, a property and casualty broker based in Southern Germany.
On May 2, 2017, the Company completed the transaction to acquire cut-e Assessment Global Holdings Limited, a high-volume online psychometric assessments provider based in Ireland.
On March 3, 2017, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Finaccord Limited, a market research, publishing and consulting company based in the United Kingdom.
On January 19, 2017, the Company completed the transaction to acquire VERO Management AG, an insurance broker and risk advisor based in Austria.
2016 Acquisitions
On December 26, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Admix, a leading health and benefits brokerage and solutions firm based in Brazil.
On November 11, 2016 the Company completed the transaction to acquire CoCubes, a leading hiring assessment company based in India.
On October 31, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Stroz, Friedberg, Inc., a leading global cyber risk management firm based in New York City, with offices across the U.S. and in London, Zurich, Dubai and Hong Kong.
On August 19, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Cammack Health LLC, a leading health and benefits consulting firm that serves large health care organizations in the Eastern region of the U.S., including health plans, health systems and employers.
On June 1, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Univers Workplace Solutions, a leading elective benefit enrollment and communication services firm based in New Jersey.
On April 11, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Nexus Insurance Brokers Limited and Bayfair Insurance Centre Limited, insurance brokerage firms located in New Zealand.
On February 1, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Modern Survey, an employee survey and talent analytics solutions provider based in Minneapolis.
On January 1, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Globe Events Management, an insurance, retirement, and investment consulting business based in Australia.


Dispositions
In addition to the Divested Business described in Note 4 “Discontinued Operations”, the Company completed nine6 dispositions during the year ended December 31, 2017.2021, including the sale of Aon’s Retiree Health ExchangeTM business. The Company completed five1 disposition during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 8 dispositions during the year ended December 31, 2016 and seven dispositions during the year ended December 31, 2015.2019.
Total pretax losses, net of gains, for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $16 million. TotalThe pretax gains net of losses,recognized related to dispositions were $142 million, $25 million, and $13 million for the years ended December 31, 2016,2021, December 31, 2020 and 2015, were $39 million, and $82 million,December 31, 2019, respectively. Gains and losses recognized as a result of a disposition are included in Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The pretax losses recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income related to these dispositions were insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Other Significant Activity
7.    On March 9, 2020, Aon and WTW, an Irish public limited company, entered into a business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) with respect to a combination of the parties (the “Combination”). On July 26, 2021, Aon and WTW mutually agreed to terminate the Business Combination Agreement, (the “Termination Agreement”). Aon Corporation paid a $1 billion termination fee pursuant to the Termination Agreement. Refer to “Termination of Business Combination Agreement” within Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further information.
6.    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 20172021 and 2016,2020, respectively, are as follows (in millions):
Balance as of January 1, 2016$7,068
Goodwill related to current year acquisitions642
Goodwill related to disposals(34)
Goodwill related to prior year acquisitions4
Foreign currency translation(270)
Balance as of December 31, 2016$7,410
Goodwill related to current year acquisitions619
Goodwill related to disposals(5)
Goodwill related to prior year acquisitions(13)
Foreign currency translation347
Balance as of December 31, 2017$8,358
Balance as of January 1, 2020$8,165 
Goodwill related to current year acquisitions314 
Goodwill related to disposals(3)
Foreign currency translation and other190 
Balance as of December 31, 2020$8,666 
Goodwill related to current year acquisitions17 
Goodwill related to disposals(37)
Foreign currency translation and other(212)
Balance as of December 31, 2021$8,434 
Other intangible assets by asset class are as follows (in millions):
As of December 3120212020
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated Amortization and ImpairmentNet
Carrying
Amount
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated Amortization and ImpairmentNet
Carrying
Amount
Customer-related and contract-based$2,289 $1,848 $441 $2,337 $1,775 $562 
Technology and other407 357 50 435 358 77 
Tradenames (1)
14 13 14 13 
Total$2,710 $2,218 $492 $2,786 $2,146 $640 
 As of December 31
 2017 2016
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated Amortization and Impairment 
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated Amortization and Impairment 
Net
Carrying
Amount
Customer related and contract based2,550
 1,415
 1,135
 2,023
 1,198
 825
Tradenames (1)
1,047
 533
 514
 1,027
 7
 1,020
Technology and other (1)
416
 332
 84
 347
 302
 45
Total$4,013
 $2,280
 $1,733
 $3,397
 $1,507
 $1,890
(1)
Prior to May 1, 2017, finite lived tradenames were classified within Technology and other. As of December 31, 2016, $29 million of gross carrying amount and $7 million of accumulated amortization related to finite-lived tradenames were reclassified from Technology and other to Tradenames.
(1)In 2020, Aon wrote off $1.0 billion of fully amortized tradenames, including the second quarter of 2017,Hewitt and in connection with the completion of the sale of the Divested Business, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment chargeBenfield tradenames. The company no longer expects to the associated tradenames of $380 million. The fair value of the tradenames was determined using the Reliefreceive economic benefits from Royalty Method. This impairment was included in Amortization and impairment of intangible assets on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Refer to Note 4 “Discontinued Operations” for further information.
Additionally, effective May 1, 2017, and consistent with operating as one segment, the Company implemented a three-year strategy to transition to a unified Aon brand. As a result, Aon commenced amortization of all indefinite-lived tradenames and prospectively accelerated amortization of its finite lived tradenames over the three-year period. The change in estimated useful life resulted in additional amortization expense, net of tax, to continuing operations of $116 million, or $0.44 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2017.these tradenames.
Amortization expense and impairment charges from finite lived intangible assets were $704$147 million, $157$246 million, and $173$392 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2021, 2020, and 20152019, respectively.

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The estimated future amortization for finite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 20172021 is as follows (in millions):
Estimated Future Amortization
For the years ended
2022$100 
202389 
202472 
202559 
202637 
Thereafter135 
Total$492 
2018 $410
2019 420
2020 253
2021 140
2022 98
Thereafter 412
Total $1,733
8.    7.    Debt
The following is a summary of outstanding debt (in millions):
As of December 3120212020
Commercial paper$665 $— 
2.80% Senior Notes due March 2021 (1)
— 400 
2.20% Senior Notes due November 2022 (2)
499 498 
4.00% Senior Notes due November 2023349 349 
3.50% Senior Notes due June 2024598 597 
3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025748 747 
2.875% Senior Notes due May 2026 (EUR 500M)563 606 
8.205% Junior Subordinated Notes due January 2027521 521 
4.50% Senior Notes due December 2028347 347 
3.75% Senior Notes due May 2029745 744 
2.80% Senior Notes due May 2030993 992 
2.05% Senior Notes due August 2031396 — 
2.60% Senior Notes due December 2031496 — 
6.25% Senior Notes due September 2040296 296 
4.25% Senior Notes due December 2042201 200 
4.45% Senior Notes due May 2043247 247 
4.60% Senior Notes due June 2044544 544 
4.75% Senior Notes due May 2045593 593 
2.90% Senior Notes due August 2051591 — 
Other— 48 
Total debt9,392 7,729 
Less: Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt1,164 448 
Total long-term debt$8,228 $7,281 
As of December 312017
2016
3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025$745
 $744
5.00% Senior Notes due September 2020598
 598
3.50% Senior Notes due June 2024595
 594
4.75% Senior Notes due May 2045592
 592
2.875% Senior Notes due May 2026 (EUR 500M)587
 516
4.60% Senior Notes due June 2044544
 543
8.205% Junior Subordinated Notes due January 2027521
 521
2.80% Senior Notes due March 2021398
 397
4.00% Senior Notes due November 2023348
 347
6.25% Senior Notes due September 2040296
 295
4.76% Senior Notes due March 2018 (CAD 375M)296
 277
4.45% Senior Notes due May 2043246
 246
4.25% Senior Notes due December 2042197
 197
Commercial paper
 329
Other3
 9
Total debt5,966
 6,205
Less: Short-term and current portion of long-term debt299
 336
Total long-term debt$5,667
 $5,869
Notes
During the first quarter of 2017, the CAD 375 million ($296 million at December 31, 2017 exchange rates) 4.76%(1)The 2.80% Senior Notes due March 20182021 were classifiedrepaid in full on February 16, 2021.
(2)The 2.20% Senior Notes due November 2021 were reclassified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated StatementsStatement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2021.
Notes
On December 2, 2021, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Aon Global Holdings plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the company, co-issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.60% Senior Notes set to mature on December 2, 2031. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes.
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On August 23, 2021, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Aon Global Holdings plc, a public limited company formed under the laws of England and Wales, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, co-issued $400 million 2.05% Senior Notes due August 2031 and $600 million of 2.90% Senior Notes due August 2051. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes.
On January 13, 2021, Aon Global Limited, a limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales and a wholly owned subsidiary of Aon plc, issued an irrevocable notice of redemption to holders of its 2.80% Senior Notes for the redemption of all $400 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of the notes, which were set to mature in March 2021 and classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt as of December 31, 2020. The redemption date of maturity is less than one year.was on February 16, 2021 and resulted in an insignificant loss due to extinguishment.
On May 27, 2016, $50029, 2020, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Aon Corporation, issued an irrevocable notice of redemption to holders of its 5.00% Senior Notes, which were set to mature on September 30, 2020, for the redemption of all $600 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of 3.125%the notes. The redemption date was on June 30, 2020 and resulted in a loss of $7 million due to extinguishment.
On May 12, 2020, Aon Corporation issued $1 billion 2.80% Senior Notes due May 2016 issued by2030. Aon Corporation matured and were repaid in full.
On March 1, 2016, Aon plc issued $750 millionused a portion of 3.875%the net proceeds on June 30, 2020 to repay its outstanding 5.00% Senior Notes, due December 2025.which were set to mature on September 30, 2020. The Company used the proceeds of the issuanceremainder to repay other borrowings and for general corporate purposes.
Each of the notes issued by Aon plc and described aboveCorporation is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Aon Corporation. The 4.76% Senior Notes due March 2018 identified inGlobal Limited, Aon plc, and Aon Global Holding plc. Each of the table above werenotes issued by a Canadian subsidiary of Aon Corporation and areGlobal Limited is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation. All guarantees of Aon plc and Aon Global Limited of the Co-Issued Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the Co-Issuers. Refer to Note 18 “Guarantee of Registered Securities” within Part II Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additionalfurther information regarding guarantees of outstanding debt securities. Each of the notes described above and identified in the table above contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants, and the Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of December 31, 2017.


2021.
Repayments of total debt as of December 31, 2021 are as follows (in millions):
2018$299
2019
2020600
2021400
2022
Thereafter4,770
Total Repayments6,069
Unamortized discount, premium, and debt issuance cost(103)
Total Debt$5,966
2022$1,165 
2023350 
2024600 
2025750 
2026566 
Thereafter6,077 
Total Repayments9,508 
Unamortized discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs(116)
Total Debt$9,392 
Revolving Credit Facilities
As of December 31, 2017,2021, Aon plc had two2 primary committed credit facilityfacilities outstanding: its $900 million$1.0 billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in February 2021 (the “2021 Facility”)September 2026 and its $400$750 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in October 2022 (the “2022 Facility”).2023. In aggregate, these 2 facilities provide $1.75 billion in available credit. The 2022 Facility$1.0 billion credit facility was entered into on October 19, 2017.September 28, 2021 and replaced the $900 million credit facility, which was scheduled to mature on February 2, 2022.
Each of these primary committed credit facilities includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including financial covenants that require Aon plc to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”)EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA, in each case, tested quarterly. At December 31, 2017,2021, Aon plc did not have borrowings under either the 2021 Facility or the 2022 Facility,of these primary committed credit facilities, and was in compliance with the financial covenants and all other covenants contained therein during the twelve monthsrolling year ended December 31, 2017.2021.
Commercial Paper
Aon Corporation a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aon plc, has established a U.S. commercial paper program (the “U.S. Program”) and Aon Global Holdings plc has established a European multi-currency commercial paper program (collectively “the CP(the “European Program” and, together with the U.S. Program, the “Commercial Paper Programs”). Commercial paper may be issued in an aggregate principal amountamounts of up to $1.3
73


$1 billion under the CP Programs, allocated betweenU.S. Program and €625 million under the two programs as determined by management,European Program, not to exceed the amount of the Company’s committed credit facilities, which was $1.3$1.75 billion as ofat December 31, 2017.2021. The aggregate capacity of the U.S. Program was increased in the fourth quarter of 2021 from $900 million to $1 billion. The aggregate capacity of the Commercial Paper Program remains fully backed by the Company’s committed credit facilities. The U.S. commercial paper program isProgram was fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, and Aon Global Holdings plc and the European commercial paper program isProgram was fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, and Aon Corporation.
Approximately $400 million of the Termination Fee (as defined in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations) was paid on July 27, 2021 using proceeds of commercial paper issued by Aon Corporation under the U.S. Program, where the aggregate principal was raised on July 26, 2021.
Commercial paper outstanding, which is included in Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, is as follows (in millions):
As of December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
As of December 31As of December 3120212020
Commercial paper outstanding $
 $329
Commercial paper outstanding$665 $— 
The weighted average commercial paper outstanding and its related interest rates are as follows:follows (in millions, except percentages):
Years Ended December 31
20212020
Weighted average commercial paper outstanding$273 $343 
Weighted average interest rate of commercial paper outstanding0.01 %1.47 %
Years ended December 31 2017 2016
Weighted average commercial paper outstanding $170
 $265
Weighted average interest rate of commercial paper outstanding 0.18% 0.22%
9.    8.    Lease Commitments
The Company leases office facilities, equipment,classification of operating and automobiles under non-cancelable operating leases. These leases expire at various datesfinance lease asset and may contain renewal and expansion options. In addition to base rental costs, occupancy lease agreements generally provide for rent escalations resulting from increased assessments for real estate taxes and other charges. The Company’s lease obligations are primarily forliability balances within the useConsolidated Statements of office space.


Rental expenses (including amounts applicable to taxes, insurance, and maintenance) for operating leasesFinancial Position are as follows (in millions):
As of December 3120212020
Assets
Operating lease assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets$786 $911 
Finance lease assetsOther non-current assets63 89 
Total lease assets$849 $1,000 
Liabilities
Current lease liabilities
   OperatingOther current liabilities$194 $204 
   FinanceOther current liabilities19 30 
Non-current lease liabilities
   OperatingNon-current operating lease liabilities772 897 
   FinanceOther non-current liabilities46 65 
Total lease liabilities$1,031 $1,196 
74


Years Ended December 312017 2016 2015
Rental expense$377
 $358
 $413
Sub lease rental income(57) (52) (73)
Net rental expense$320
 $306
 $340
At December 31, 2017, future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelableThe components of lease terms in excess of one yearcosts are as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31
20212020
Operating lease cost$217 $221 
Finance lease costs
   Amortization of leased assets26 25 
   Interest on lease liabilities
Variable lease cost49 48 
Short-term lease cost (1)
11 10 
Sublease income(31)(32)
Net lease cost$273 $275 
Year Ended December 31, 2017Gross rental commitments Rentals from subleases Net rental commitments
2018$318
 $(41) $277
2019291
 (42) 249
2020249
 (35) 214
2021226
 (34) 192
2022205
 (34) 171
Thereafter631
 (18) 613
Total minimum payments required$1,920
 $(204) $1,716
10.    Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Reform Act was enacted. The Tax Reform Act includes a number of changes to existing U.S. tax laws that impact the Company, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and the Transition Tax.

On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued SAB 118 to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant(1) Short-term lease cost does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act in the reporting period in which the Tax Reform Act was enacted. SAB 118 allows registrants to record provisional amounts during a one year “measurement period”. However, the measurement period is deemed to have ended earlier when the registrant has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting. During the measurement period, impacts of the law are expected to be recorded at the time a reasonable estimate for all or a portion of the effects can be made, and provisional amounts can be recognized and adjusted as information becomes available, prepared, or analyzed.

SAB 118 summarizes three categories to be applied to each component of tax reform at each reporting period to account for and qualitatively disclose: (1) the effects of the change in tax law for which accounting is complete; (2) provisional amounts (or adjustments to provisional amounts) for the effects of the tax law where accounting is not complete, but that a reasonable estimate has been determined; and (3) a reasonable estimate cannot yet be made and therefore taxes are reflected in accordance with law prior to the enactment of the Tax Reform Act.

The Company has recognized provisional estimates in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 for the items described below. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly by a material amount, due to additional analysis of the law, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and/or actions the Company may take as a result of the Tax Reform Act.

The Company recorded a provisional estimate of $264 million income tax expense for the Transition Tax. The Company expects to pay additional U.S. federal cash taxes of approximately $264 million on the deemed mandatory repatriation, payable over eight years. The Transition Tax is based on estimates of post-1986 earnings and profits and related foreign tax credits of its U.S.-owned foreign subsidiaries as of November 2, 2017 and December 31, 2017, whichever amount is higher, and may change materially as the Company refines those estimates and as the Company further analyzes present and future regulations and other guidance interpreting the Transition Tax provision.  It could also change depending on certain events that could occur after December 31, 2017
The Company recorded a provisional estimate of $86 million income tax expense for the re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. The Company


continues to refine its calculation as it gains a more thorough understanding of the impact of the Tax Reform Act, particularly as it applies to deductionsinclude expenses related to executive compensationleases with a lease term of one month or less.
Weighted average remaining lease term and purchased assets.discount rate related to operating and finance leases are as follows:
The Company has changed its assertion
As of December 3120212020
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)
   Operating leases6.97.4
   Finance leases3.64.2
Weighted average discount rate
   Operating leases2.8 %2.9 %
   Finance leases1.0 %1.0 %
Other cash and is no longer permanently reinvested on the earnings subject to the Transition Tax. non-cash related activities are as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31
20212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
   Operating cash flows for operating leases$244 $236 
   Financing cash flows for finance leases$23 $12 
Non-cash related activities
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities$44 $146 
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities$— $13 
Operating lease ROU asset expense (1)
$142 $178 
Changes in Non-current operating lease liabilities (1)
$(125)$(47)
(1)The Company has recorded a provisional estimatenon-cash changes in Operating lease ROU assets and Non-current operating lease liabilities through Other assets and liabilities in Cash flows from operations within the Consolidated Statements of local country income taxes, state income taxes,Cash Flows.
Maturity analysis of operating and withholding taxes in the amount of $39 millionfinance leases as of December 31, 2017. The tax estimate is provisional due to the fact that additional analysis of the Company’s complex legal entity structure is required2021 are as well as a more detailed analysis of the local country tax laws where the pools of undistributed earnings exist.follows (in millions):

Operating LeasesFinance LeasesTotal
2022$207 $26 $233 
2023175 20 195 
2024144 18 162 
2025121 10 131 
2026110 — 110 
Thereafter299 — 299 
Total undiscounted future minimum lease payments1,056 74 1,130 
Less: Imputed interest(90)(9)(99)
Present value of lease liabilities$966 $65 $1,031 
The Company was not able to make a reasonable estimate of the allocation between continuing and discontinued operations of the tax benefit from foreign tax credits and related valuation allowance release. As a result, the Company continued to account for this item based on our existing accounting under GAAP and the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect prior to enactment of the Tax Reform Act.
75



Other significant provisions of the Tax Reform Act that are not yet effective but may impact income taxes in future years include: an exemption from U.S. tax on dividends of future foreign earnings, additional limitations on deductibility of interest payable to related and unrelated lenders, further limitations on the deductibility of executive compensation, an alternative Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax that limits deductions for certain amounts payable to foreign affiliates, and an additional U.S. tax on certain future foreign subsidiary earnings, whether or not distributed, (i.e., global intangible low-taxed income or “GILTI”). The Company has elected to account for GILTI tax in the period in which it is incurred, and therefore has not provided any deferred tax impacts of GILTI in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.9.    Income Taxes
Income before income tax from continuing operations and the provision for income tax from continuing operations consist of the following (in millions):
Years Ended December 31
Years ended December 312017 2016 2015
Income before income taxes:     
202120202019
Income (loss) before income taxes:Income (loss) before income taxes:   
IrelandIreland$15 $(86)$200 
U.K.$(420) $(201) $144
U.K.549 634 228 
U.S.(765) (329) (283)U.S.(818)(28)(220)
Other1,870
 1,931
 1,567
Other2,185 1,946 1,662 
Total$685
 $1,401
 $1,428
Total$1,931 $2,466 $1,870 
Income tax expense (benefit):     
Income tax expense:Income tax expense:   
Current:     Current:   
IrelandIreland$$$
U.K.$1
 $(54) $42
U.K.50 30 20 
U.S. federal48
 88
 22
U.S. federal197 126 22 
U.S. state and local18
 7
 32
U.S. state and local72 22 41 
Other201
 207
 245
Other291 259 249 
Total current tax expense$268
 $248
 $341
Total current tax expense$612 $439 $333 
Deferred tax expense (benefit):     Deferred tax expense (benefit):   
IrelandIreland$(1)$(1)$(1)
U.K.$(5) $59
 $(39)U.K.131 39 35 
U.S. federal12
 (110) (94)U.S. federal(83)(72)(20)
U.S. state and local(35) (9) (4)U.S. state and local(30)(4)(27)
Other10
 (40) (29)Other(6)47 (23)
Total deferred tax benefit$(18) $(100) $(166)
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)Total deferred tax expense (benefit)$11 $$(36)
Total income tax expense$250
 $148
 $175
Total income tax expense$623 $448 $297 
Income before income taxes shown above is based on the location of the business unit to which such earnings are attributable for tax purposes. In addition, because the earnings shown above may, in some cases, be subject to taxation in more than one country, the income tax provision shown above as Ireland, U.K., U.S. or Other may not correspond to the geographic attribution of the earnings.

76




The Company performs a reconciliation of the income tax provisions based on its domicile and statutory rate at each reporting period. The 2017, 2016,Due to the Reorganization, the 2021 and 20152020 reconciliations are based on the Irish statutory corporate tax rate of 25.0%, while the 2019 reconciliation is based on the U.K. statutory corporate tax rate of 19.3%, 20.0%, and 20.3%, respectively.19.0%. The reconciliation to the provisions from continuing operations reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements is as follows:
Years Ended December 31
202120202019
Statutory tax rate25.0%25.0%19.0%
U.S. state income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit1.51.00.5
Taxes on international operations (1) (4)
(15.4)(9.8)(6.0)
Nondeductible expenses3.32.11.6
Adjustments to prior year tax requirements(0.2)0.1
Deferred tax adjustments, including statutory rate changes3.20.7
Deferred tax adjustments, international earnings1.80.7
Adjustments to valuation allowances(0.2)1.8
Change in uncertain tax positions2.11.52.2
Excess tax benefits related to shared based compensation (2)
(2.4)(2.2)(2.8)
U.S. Tax Reform impact (3)
(0.3)
Capital Losses(1.8)
Non-deductible transaction costs1.11.3
Non-deductible termination fee12.9
Other — net(0.4)(0.3)(0.2)
Effective tax rate32.3%18.2%15.9%
Years ended December 312017 2016 2015
Statutory tax rate19.3% 20.0% 20.3%
U.S. state income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit(1.5) 0.4 0.1
Taxes on international operations (1)
(30.3) (12.2) (8.8)
Nondeductible expenses3.4 1.4 2.5
Adjustments to prior year tax requirements2.0 (1.2) (1.5)
Adjustments to valuation allowances(1.8) (2.2) (1.4)
Change in uncertain tax positions1.6 3.2 1.4
Excess tax benefits related to shared based compensation (2)
(8.0)  
U.S. Tax Reform impact (3)
51.2  
Other — net0.6 1.2 (0.3)
Effective tax rate36.5% 10.6% 12.3%
(1)(1)The Company determines the adjustment for taxes on international operations based on the difference between the statutory tax rate applicable to earnings in each foreign jurisdiction and the enacted rate of 25.0%, 25.0% and 19.0% at December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The benefit to the Company’s effective income tax rate from taxes on international operations relates to benefits from lower-taxed global operations, primarily due to the use of global funding structures and the enacted rate of 19.3%, 20.0% and 20.3% at December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The benefit to the Company’s effective income tax rate from taxes on international operations relates to benefits from lower-taxed global operations, primarily due to the use of global funding structures. Restructuring charges and the impairment and amortization of tradenames, primarily in the U.S., were the significant drivers of the change from 2016 to 2017.
(2)With the adoption of ASU 2016-09 in 2017, excess tax benefits and deficiencies from share-based payment transactions are recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Refer to Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” for additional details.
(3)Due to the Tax Reform Act, provisional estimates were accrued as of December 31, 2017 for the Transition Tax and the re-measurement of U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities from 35% to 21%.


For the tax holiday in Singapore.
(2)Excess tax benefits and deficiencies from share-based payment transactions are recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
(3)The impact of discontinued operations, see Note 4.the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act including adjustments to the Transition Tax.
(4)In July 2020, final U.S. tax regulations were issued regarding the GILTI high tax election, allowing taxpayers to exclude from GILTI the income of a Controlled Foreign Corporation that incurs a foreign tax rate more than 90% of the top U.S. corporate tax rate. A GILTI high tax election may be made on an annual basis, and taxpayers may choose to apply the election to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. The Company expects to make the GILTI high-tax election for 2021 and therefore recorded the impact of making the election.
77



The Company has elected to account for GILTI in the period in which it is incurred, and therefore has not provided deferred tax impacts of GILTI in its Consolidated Financial Statements.
The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions):
As of December 3120212020
Deferred tax assets:  
Net operating loss, capital loss, interest, and tax credit carryforwards$581 $653 
Lease liabilities207 248 
Employee benefit plans160 312 
Other accrued expenses132 103 
Accrued interest97 — 
Federal and state benefit of interest from uncertain tax positions (1)
45 37 
Deferred revenue36 36 
Investment basis differences25 28 
Lease and service guarantees
Other25 17 
Total1,309 1,436 
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets(230)(205)
Total$1,079 $1,231 
Deferred tax liabilities: 
Intangibles and property, plant and equipment$(243)$(291)
Lease right-of-use asset(173)(211)
Deferred costs(159)(141)
Unremitted earnings(58)(37)
Other accrued expenses(27)(22)
Unrealized foreign exchange gains(22)(26)
Other(32)(41)
Total$(714)$(769)
Net deferred tax asset$365 $462 
As of December 312017 2016
Deferred tax assets:   
Employee benefit plans$424
 $661
Net operating/capital loss and tax credit carryforwards362
 398
Other accrued expenses65
 102
Investment basis differences35
 48
Deferred revenue20
 57
Tradename Liability12
 
Lease and Service Guarantees6
 
Brokerage fee arrangements4
 66
Accrued Interest1
 166
Other48
 60
Total977
 1,558
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets(136) (130)
Total$841
 $1,428
Deferred tax liabilities:   
Intangibles and property, plant and equipment$(436) $(978)
Unremitted earnings(39) (29)
Deferred costs(32) (20)
Unrealized foreign exchange gains(22) (26)
Other accrued expenses(12) (101)
Other(38) (50)
Total$(579) $(1,204)
Net deferred tax asset$262
 $224
(1)The $37 million of Federal and state benefit of interest from uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2020 was previously classified as Other.
Deferred income taxes (assets and liabilities have been netted by jurisdiction) have been classified in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as follows (in millions):
As of December 3120212020
Deferred tax assets — non-current766 724 
Deferred tax liabilities — non-current(401)(262)
Net deferred tax asset$365 $462 
As of December 312017 2016
Deferred tax assets — non-current$389
 $325
Deferred tax liabilities — non-current(127) (101)
Net deferred tax asset$262
 $224
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized and adjusts the valuation allowance accordingly. Considerations with respect to the realizability of deferred tax assets include the period of expiration of the deferred tax asset, historical earnings and projected future taxable income by jurisdiction as well as tax liabilities for the tax jurisdiction to which the tax asset relates. Significant management judgment is required in determining the assumptions and estimates related to the amount and timing of future taxable income. Valuation allowances have been established primarily with regard to the tax benefits of certain net operating loss, and capital loss, and interest carryforwards. Valuation allowances increased by $6$25 million as of December 31, 2017,2021, when compared to December 31, 2016.2020. The change is primarily attributable to a capital loss generated by the liquidation of an entity which required a valuation allowanceincrease in the UK tax rate offset by the release of valuation allowances related to certain valuation allowances.net operating and capital loss carryforwards.
As a result of the deemed mandatory repatriation provisions in the Tax Reform Act, the
78


The Company included an estimated $3.2 billion of undistributed earningsgenerally intends to limit distributions from foreign subsidiaries in income subject toexcess of U.S. tax at reduced tax rates. The Company intendsearnings and profits (except where distributions would be limited by available cash) and to limit distributions to earnings previously taxed in the U.S. or to earningsrepatriations from certain other jurisdictions that would qualify for the 100% dividends received deduction provided for in the Tax Reform Act.otherwise generate a U.S. tax liability. As of December 31, 2017,2021, the Company has accrued a provisional estimate of $39$58 million for local country income taxes, withholding taxes and withholdingstate income taxes on those undistributed earnings that are not permanentlyindefinitely reinvested.



The Company has not provided for deferred taxes on outside basis differences in our investments in our foreign subsidiaries that are unrelated to these accumulated undistributed earnings, as these outside basis differences are indefinitely reinvested. A determination of the unrecognized deferred taxes related to these other components of our outside basis differences is not practicable.
The Company had the following operating and capital loss carryforwards (in millions):
As of December 312017 2016As of December 3120212020
U.K.   U.K.
Operating loss carryforwards$675
 $325
Operating loss carryforwards$41 $266 
Capital loss carryforwards415
 294
Capital loss carryforwards$573 $577 
Interest carryforwardsInterest carryforwards$— $121 
   
U.S.   U.S.
Federal operating loss carryforwards$36
 $193
Federal operating loss carryforwards$25 $49 
Federal capital loss carryforwardsFederal capital loss carryforwards$112 $112 
Federal interest carryforwardsFederal interest carryforwards$1,140 $1,220 
State operating loss carryforwards412
 474
State operating loss carryforwards$398 $378 
State capital loss carryforwardsState capital loss carryforwards$123 $123 
State interest carryforwardsState interest carryforwards$551 $573 
   
Other Non-US   
Other Non-U.S.Other Non-U.S.
Operating loss carryforwards$392
 $350
Operating loss carryforwards$301 $400 
Capital loss carryforwards232
 218
Capital loss carryforwards$35 $42 
Interest carryforwardsInterest carryforwards$26 $34 
Other carryforwardsOther carryforwards$$— 
The U.K. operating losses, and capital losses, and interest carryforward each have an indefinite carryforward.carryforward period. The federal operating loss carryforwards as ofgenerated through December 31, 2017 expire at various dates from 2020 tobetween 2034 and 2036 and the statewhile federal operating loss carryforwards generated after this date have indefinite carryforward periods. State net operating losses as of December 31, 20172021 have various carryforward periods and will begin to expire at various dates from 2018 to 2036. Operatingin 2022. Federal and state capital losses can be carried forward until 2023. Federal and state interest carryforwards have indefinite carryforward periods. Operating, capital losses, and other carryforwards in other non-USnon-U.S. jurisdictions have various carryforward periods and will begin to expire in 2019.

2022. The interest carryforwards in other non-U.S. jurisdictions have an indefinite carryforward period.
During 2012, the Company was granted a tax holiday for the period from October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2022, with respect to withholding taxes and certain income derived from services in Singapore. This tax holiday and reduced withholding tax rate may be extended when certain conditions are met or may be terminated early if certain conditions are not met. The benefit realized was approximately $45$104 million, $46$97 million, and $23$90 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2021, 2020, and 2015,2019, respectively. The impact of this tax holiday on diluted earnings per share was $0.17, $0.17,$0.46, $0.42, and $0.08$0.37 during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2021, 2020, and 2015,2019, respectively.
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Uncertain Tax Positions
The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions (in millions):
2017 201620212020
Balance at January 1$278
 $238
Balance at January 1$321 $299 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year25
 36
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year33 25 
Additions for tax positions of prior years12
 20
Additions for tax positions of prior years
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(26) (12)Reductions for tax positions of prior years(4)(3)
Settlements(6) 
Settlements— — 
Business combinations
 2
Business combinations— — 
Lapse of statute of limitations(7) (5)Lapse of statute of limitations(10)(7)
Foreign currency translation4
 (1)Foreign currency translation— — 
Balance at December 31$280
 $278
Balance at December 31$347 $321 
The Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2017, 2016,2021, 2020, and 2015,2019, includes $219$295 million, $240$270 million, and $200$248 million, respectively, related to amounts that would impact the effective tax rate if recognized. It is possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change in the next twelve months; however, the Company does not expect the change to have a significant impact on its consolidated statements of income or consolidated balance sheets. These changes may be the result of settlements of ongoing audits. At this time, an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible outcomes within the next twelve months cannot be made.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in its provision for income taxes. The Company accrued potential interest and penalties of $11$22 million, $15$21 million, and $2$24 million in 2017, 2016,2021, 2020, and 2015,2019, respectively. The Company recorded a liability for interest and penalties of $55$142 million, $48$120 million, and $33$99 million as of December 31, 2017, 2016,2021, 2020, and 2015,2019, respectively.


The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in their respective jurisdictions. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2007. Material U.S. state and local income tax jurisdiction examinations have been concluded for years through 2005.2012. The Company has concluded income tax examinations in its primary non-U.S. jurisdictions through 2005.2008.
11.    10.    Shareholders’ Equity
Distributable ReservesProfits
As a company incorporated in England and Wales, AonThe Company is required under U.K.Irish law to have available “distributable reserves”profits” to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable reserves may beprofits are created through the earnings of the U.K.Irish parent company and, among other methods, through intercompany dividends or a reduction in share capital approved by the English Companies Court.High Court of Ireland. Distributable reservesprofits are not directly linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g., retained earnings). On July 26, 2021, we received approval from the High Court of Ireland to complete a reduction in share premium to create distributable profits of $34.0 billion to support the payment of possible future dividends or future share repurchases, if and to the extent declared by the directors in compliance with their duties under Irish law. As of December 31, 20172021 and 2016,2020, the Company had distributable reservesprofits in excess of $1.2$32.7 billion and $1.6$0.2 billion, respectively. We believe that we have the ability to create sufficient distributable profits for the foreseeable future.
Ordinary Shares
Aon has a share repurchase program authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Repurchase Program”).Directors. The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with up to $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases and was increased by $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014, June 2017, and November 2020, and by $7.5 billion in authorized repurchases in February 20172022 for a total of $15.0$27.5 billion in repurchase authorizations.
Under the Repurchase Program, Classthe Company’s class A Ordinary Sharesordinary shares may be repurchased through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, based on prevailing market conditions and will be funded from available capital.
During 2017,
80


The following table summarizes the Company repurchased 18.0 million shares at an average priceCompany’s share repurchase activity (in millions, except per share of $133.67, for a total cost of $2.4 billion and recorded an additional $12.0 million of costs associated with the repurchases to retained earnings. Included in the 18.0 million shares were 118,000 shares that did not settle until January 2018. These shares were settled at an average price per share of $134.41 and total cost of $15.9 million. During 2016, the Company repurchased 12.2 million shares at an average price per share of $102.66, for a total cost of $1.3 billion and recorded an additional $6 million of costs associated with the repurchases to retained earnings. data):
Years Ended December 31
20212020
Shares repurchased12.4 8.5 
Average price per share$286.82 $206.28 
Costs recorded to retained earnings
Total repurchase cost$3,543 $1,761 
Additional associated costs— 
Total costs recorded to retained earnings$3,543 $1,763 
At December 31, 2017,2021, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchaserepurchases under the Repurchase Program was $5.4approximately $1.7 billion. Under the Repurchase Program, the Company has repurchased a total of 108.2149.6 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $9.6$18.3 billion.
Net Income Per ShareWeighted Average Ordinary Shares
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding are as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 312017 2016 2015
Basic weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding258.5
 268.1
 280.8
Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares2.2
 2.2
 3.0
Diluted weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding260.7
 270.3
 283.8
Years Ended December 31
202120202019
Basic weighted average ordinary shares outstanding224.7 231.9 238.6 
Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares1.4 1.2 2.0 
  Diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding226.1 233.1 240.6 
Potentially issuable shares are not included in the computation of dilutedDiluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders if their inclusion would be antidilutive. There were 0.3 million shares excluded from the calculation in 2021 and no shares excluded from the calculation for in 2017, 2016, or 2015.2020 and 2019.
Dividends
During 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company paid dividends of $364 million, $345 million, and $323 million, respectively, to holders of its Class A Ordinary Shares. Dividends paid per Class A Ordinary Share were $1.41, $1.29 and $1.15 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 respectively.
















81


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of related tax, are as follows (in millions):
 
Change in Fair Value of Financial Instruments (1)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Postretirement Benefit Obligation (2)
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018(15)(1,319)(2,575)(3,909)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(10)15 (287)(282)
Tax benefit (expense)(1)58 58 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net(9)14 (229)(224)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income14 — 109 123 
Tax expense(2)— (21)(23)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net (3)
12 — 88 100 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)14 (141)(124)
Balance at December 31, 2019(12)(1,305)(2,716)(4,033)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications258 (255)
Tax benefit— 60 62 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net260 (195)66 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income15 — 125 140 
Tax expense(3)— (31)(34)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net (3)
12 — 94 106 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)13 260 (101)172 
Balance at December 31, 2020$$(1,045)$(2,817)$(3,861)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications— (290)227 (63)
Tax benefit (expense)— (58)(56)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net— (288)169 (119)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income— 142 144 
Tax expense(1)— (34)(35)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net (3)
— 108 109 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)(288)277 (10)
Balance at December 31, 2021$$(1,333)$(2,540)$(3,871)
(1)Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Total revenue, Interest expense, and Compensation and benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Refer to Note 13 “Derivatives and Hedging” for further information regarding the Company’s derivative and hedging activity.
(2)Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(3)It is the Company’s policy to release income tax effects from Accumulated other comprehensive loss using the portfolio approach.
82
 
Change in Fair Value of Financial Instruments (1)
 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments 
Postretirement Benefit Obligation (2)
 Total
Balance at January 1, 2015$(17) $(335) $(2,782) $(3,134)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:       
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(4) (467) 82
 (389)
Tax benefit (expense)1
 31
 (9) 23
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net(3) (436) 73
 (366)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):       
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)11
 
 117
 128
Tax benefit (expense)(16) 
 (35) (51)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net(5) 
 82
 77
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)(8) (436) 155
 (289)
Balance at December 31, 2015(25) (771) (2,627) (3,423)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:       
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(25) (490) (276) (791)
Tax benefit (expense)6
 (3) 74
 77
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net(19) (493) (202) (714)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):      
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)10
 
 322
 332
Tax benefit (expense)(3) 
 (104) (107)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net7
 
 218
 225
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)(12)
(493) 16
 (489)
Balance at December 31, 2016(37) (1,264) (2,611) (3,912)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:       
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications18
 397
 (220) 195
Tax benefit (expense)(3) (5) 55
 47
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net15
 392
 (165) 242
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):      
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(2) (7) 236
 227
Tax benefit (expense)(1) 
 (52) (53)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net(3) (7) 184
 174
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)12
 385
 19
 416
Balance at December 31, 2017$(25) $(879) $(2,592) $(3,496)
(1)Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Other income (expense), Other general expenses, and Compensation and benefits. See Note 14 “Derivatives and Hedging” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivative and hedging activity.
(2)Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Compensation and benefits.




12.    11.    Employee Benefits
Defined Contribution Savings Plans
Aon maintains defined contribution savings plans for the benefit of its employees. The expense recognized for these plans is included in Compensation and benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The expense for the significant plans in the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Canada is as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31
Years ended December 312017 2016 2015
202120202019
U.S.$105
 $121
 $100
U.S.$103 $87 $98 
U.K.43
 43
 42
U.K.46 42 41 
Netherlands and Canada25
 27
 24
Netherlands and Canada35 26 25 
Total$173
 $191
 $166
Total$184 $155 $164 
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company sponsors defined benefit pension and postretirement health and welfare plans that provide retirement, medical, and life insurance benefits. The postretirement healthcarehealth care plans are contributory, with retiree contributions adjusted annually, and the life insurance and pension plans are generally noncontributory. The significant U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and CanadianCanada pension plans are closed to new entrants.

83



Pension Plans
The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the projected benefit obligations and fair value of assets for the years ended December 31, 20172021 and 20162020, and a statement of the funded status as of December 31, 20172021 and 2016,2020, for the materialAon’s significant U.K., U.S., and other major pension plans, which are located in the Netherlands and Canada. These plans represent approximately 92%90% of the Company’s projected benefit obligations.
 U.K.U.S.Other
(millions)202120202021202020212020
Change in projected benefit obligation    
At January 1$5,406 $4,779 $3,380 $3,192 $1,625 $1,425 
Service cost— — — — — 
Interest cost65 88 57 85 12 19 
Plan amendment— — — — — 
Settlements(14)(7)— — — — 
Actuarial (gain) loss(292)520 (103)274 24 112 
Benefit payments(189)(209)(170)(171)(47)(44)
Foreign currency impact(58)232 — — (83)113 
As of December 31$4,919 $5,406 $3,164 $3,380 $1,531 $1,625 
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year$4,919 $5,406 $3,164 $3,380 $1,504 $1,592 
Change in fair value of plan assets   
At January 1$6,652 $5,959 $2,276 $2,066 $1,497 $1,303 
Actual return on plan assets(136)618 211 289 46 109 
Employer contributions61 92 17 20 
Settlements(14)(7)— — — — 
Benefit payments(189)(209)(170)(171)(47)(44)
Foreign currency impact(76)283 — — (83)109 
As of December 31$6,246 $6,652 $2,378 $2,276 $1,430 $1,497 
Market related value at end of year$6,246 $6,652 $2,174 $2,076 $1,430 $1,497 
Amount recognized in Statement of Financial Position as of December 31   
Funded status$1,327 $1,246 $(786)$(1,104)$(101)$(128)
Unrecognized prior-service cost40 43 — — (6)(7)
Unrecognized loss1,215 1,286 1,551 1,812 489 521 
Net amount recognized$2,582 $2,575 $765 $708 $382 $386 
 U.K. U.S. Other
(millions)2017
2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Change in projected benefit obligation           
At January 1$4,874
 $4,985
 $2,902
 $3,154
 $1,227
 $1,177
Service cost
 
 
 
 
 
Interest cost123
 158
 96
 111
 26
 29
Plan amendment
 (20) 
 
 
 
Settlements(496) (159) 
 (281) 
 
Actuarial loss (gain)(22) 32
 127
 (43) 16
 (7)
Benefit payments(146) (242) (152) (139) (39) (39)
Change in discount rate122
 1,079
 182
 100
 33
 100
Foreign currency impact438
 (959) 
 
 138
 (33)
At December 31$4,893
 $4,874
 $3,155
 $2,902
 $1,401
 $1,227
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year$4,893
 $4,874
 $3,155
 $2,902
 $1,373
 $1,191
Change in fair value of plan assets           
At January 1$5,675
 $5,903
 $1,683
 $1,951
 $1,076
 $1,019
Actual return on plan assets274
 1,233
 308
 116
 70
 111
Employer contributions86
 67
 119
 36
 21
 20
Settlements(496) (159) 
 (281) 
 
Benefit payments(146) (242) (152) (139) (39) (39)
Foreign currency impact513
 (1,127) 
 
 128
 (35)
At December 31$5,906
 $5,675
 $1,958
 $1,683
 $1,256
 $1,076
Market related value at end of year$5,906
 $5,675
 $1,926
 $1,819
 $1,256
 $1,076
Amount recognized in Statement of Financial Position at December 31           
Funded status$1,013
 $801
 $(1,197) $(1,219) $(145) $(151)
Unrecognized prior-service cost19
 19
 5
 6
 (7) (6)
Unrecognized loss1,217
 1,237
 1,701
 1,612
 459
 400
Net amount recognized$2,249
 $2,057
 $509
 $399
 $307
 $243
Net actuarial gains decreased the benefit obligation in 2021 primarily due to the increase in the discount rates. During 2020, the net actuarial losses increased the benefit obligation primarily due to the decrease in discount rates.
In July 2017, the Company made a non-cash contribution of approximately $80 million to its U.S. pension plan.
In March 2016,November 2020, the Company entered into an insurance contract that covers a portion of the assets within a select U.K. pension schemes.scheme. The transaction resulted in a decrease of $267 million in both Prepaid pension assets and Accumulated other comprehensive income.income of $94 million.

84




Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position consist of (in millions):
 U.K.U.S.Other
 202120202021202020212020
Prepaid benefit cost (1)
$1,344 $1,268 $— $— $— $— 
Accrued benefit liability - current (2)
(1)(1)(52)(52)(5)(5)
Accrued benefit liability - non-current (3)
(16)(21)(734)(1,052)(96)(123)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss1,255 1,329 1,551 1,812 483 514 
Net amount recognized$2,582 $2,575 $765 $708 $382 $386 
 U.K. U.S. Other
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Prepaid benefit cost (1)
$1,034
 $836
 $
 $
 $
 $
Accrued benefit liability - current(2)
(1) (1) (43) (44) (5) (5)
Accrued benefit liability - non-current(3)
(20) (34) (1,154) (1,175) (140) (146)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss1,236
 1,256
 1,706
 1,618
 452
 394
Net amount recognized$2,249
 $2,057
 $509
 $399
 $307
 $243
(1)Included in Prepaid pension.
(1)Included in Prepaid pension
(2)Included in Other current liabilities
(3)Included in Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment liabilities
(2)Included in Other current liabilities.
(3)Included in Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment liabilities.
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 20172021 and 20162020 consist of (in millions):
U.K. U.S. Other U.K.U.S.Other
2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 202120202021202020212020
Net loss$1,217
 $1,237
 $1,701
 $1,612
 $459
 $400
Net loss$1,215 $1,286 $1,551 $1,812 $489 $521 
Prior service cost (income)19
 19
 5
 6
 (7) (6)Prior service cost (income)40 43 — — (6)(7)
Total$1,236
 $1,256
 $1,706
 $1,618
 $452
 $394
Total$1,255 $1,329 $1,551 $1,812 $483 $514 
In 2017,2021, U.S. plans with a projected benefit obligation (“PBO”)PBO and an accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”)ABO in excess of the fair value of plan assets had a PBO of $3.2 billion, an ABO of $3.2 billion, and plan assets with a fair value of $2.0$2.4 billion. U.K. plans with a PBO and an ABO in excess of the fair value of plan assets had a PBO of $52$17 million, and plan assets with a fair value of $30 million, and U.K. plans with an ABO in excess of the fair value of plan assets had an ABO of $52$17 million and no plan assets with a fair value of $30 million.assets. Other plans with a PBO in excess of the fair value of plan assets had a PBO of $1.4$1.5 billion and plan assets with a fair value of $1.2$1.4 billion, and other plans with an ABO in excess of the fair value of plan assets had an ABO of $1.3 billion$409 million and plan assets with a fair value of $1.2 billion.$326 million.
In 2016,2020, U.S. plans with a PBO and an ABO in excess of the fair value of plan assets had a PBO of $2.9$3.3 billion, an ABO of $2.9$3.3 billion, and plan assets with a fair value of $1.7$2.2 billion. U.K. plans with a PBO and an ABO in excess of the fair value of plan assets had a PBO of $1.2 billion$54 million, an ABO of $54 million and plan assets with a fair value of $1.1 billion, and plans with an ABO in excess of the fair value of plan assets had an ABO of $1.2 billion and plan assets with a fair value of $1.1 billion.$32 million. Other plans with a PBO in excess of the fair value of plan assets had a PBO of $1.2$1.6 billion and plan assets with a fair value of $1.0$1.4 billion, and other plans with an ABO in excess of the fair value of plan assets had an ABO of $1.1 billion$443 million and plan assets with a fair value of $1.0 billion.$342 million.


The following table provides theService cost is reported in Compensation and benefits and all other components of net periodic benefit (income) cost for the plansare reported in Other income (expense) as follows (in millions):
 U.K.U.S.Other
 202120202019202120202019202120202019
Service cost$$— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Interest cost65 88 109 57 85 108 12 19 27 
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses(137)(159)(191)(130)(134)(136)(32)(34)(40)
Amortization of prior-service cost— — — — 
Amortization of net actuarial loss32 30 29 78 68 53 15 12 12 
Net periodic benefit (income) cost(37)(39)(52)20 27 (5)(3)(1)
Settlement expense— — — — — — 
Total net periodic benefit cost (income)$(32)$(37)$(47)$$20 $27 $(5)$(3)$(1)
 U.K. U.S. Other
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
Service cost$
 $
 $1
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Interest cost123
 158
 198
 96
 111
 131
 26
 29
 33
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses(199) (243) (307) (140) (156) (154) (47) (48) (50)
Amortization of prior-service cost1
 2
 1
 2
 2
 2
 
 
 
Amortization of net actuarial loss31
 31
 41
 50
 50
 54
 11
 10
 11
Net periodic benefit (income) cost(44) (52) (66) 8
 7
 33
 (10) (9) (6)
Settlement expense125
 61
 
 
 158
 
 
 
 
Total net periodic benefit cost (income)$81
 $9
 $(66) $8
 $165
 $33
 $(10) $(9) $(6)
In 2016 and 2017, theThe Company useduses a full-yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for its major pension and other postretirement benefit plans; thisplans. This estimation was obtained by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. In 2015 and prior years, the Company had estimated these components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost by applying a single weighted-average discount rate, derived
85


Transfer payments from the yield curve and used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period.
In March 2017, the Company approved a plan to offer a voluntary one-time lump sum payment option to certain eligible employees of the Company’s U.K. pension plans that, if accepted, would settleexceeded the Company’s pension obligations to them. The lump sum cash payment offer will close duringplan’s service and interest cost in 2021, 2020, and 2019. This triggered settlement accounting which required immediate recognition of a portion of the first quarter of 2018. In totalaccumulated losses associated with the plan. Consequently, the Company recognized a non-cash settlement charge for 2017, lump sum payments from plan assets of £371approximately £3 million in 2021 ($4965 million using December 31, 20172021 exchange rates) were paid. As a result of this settlement, the Company remeasured the assets and liabilities of the U.K. pension plan during the fourth quarter of 2017, which, approximately £2 million in aggregate resulted in a reduction to the projected benefit obligation of £325 million2020 ($4342 million using December 31, 20172020 exchange rates) as well as a non-cash settlement charge of £93, and approximately £4 million in 2019 ($1255 million using average December 31, 20172019 exchange rate) in the fourth quarter of 2017. An additional non-cash settlement charge is expected in the first quarter of 2018.
In March 2016, the Company announced a plan to offer a voluntary one-time lump sum payment option to certain eligible former employees under one of the Company’s U.K. pension plans that, if accepted, would settle the Company’s pension obligations to them. The lump sum cash payment offer closed during the second quarter of 2016. In total, lump sum payments from plan assets of £116 million ($159 million using June 30, 2016 exchange rates) were paid. As a result of this settlement, the Company remeasured the assets and liabilities of the U.K. pension plan during the second quarter of 2016, which in aggregate resulted in a reduction to the projected benefit obligation of £103 million ($141 million using June 30, 2016 Exchange rates) as well as a non-cash settlement charge of £42 million ($61 million using average June 30, 2016 exchange rate) in the second quarter of 2016.
In August 2016, the Company announced a plan to offer a voluntary one-time lump sum payment option to certain eligible former employees under one of the Company’s U.S. pension plans, that if accepted, would settle the Company’s pension obligations to them. The lump sum cash payment offer closed during the fourth quarter of 2016. In total, lump sum payments from plan assets of $281 million were paid. As a result of this settlement, the Company remeasured the assets and liabilities of the U.S. pension plan during the fourth quarter of 2016, which in aggregate resulted in a reduction to the projected benefit obligation of $325 million as well as a non-cash settlement charge of $158 million in the fourth quarter of 2016..
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
 U.K.
U.S. (1)
Other
 202120202021202020212020
Discount rate1.96%1.45%2.23 - 2.80%1.74 - 2.45%1.00 - 2.97%0.38 - 2.47%
Rate of compensation increase3.62 - 4.12%3.22 - 3.72%N/AN/A1.00 - 3.00%1.00 - 3.00%
Underlying price inflation2.52%2.12%N/AN/A2.00%2.00%
 U.K.
U.S. (1)

Other
 2017
2016
2017
2016
2017
2016
Discount rate2.63%
2.77%
3.27 - 3.61%
3.53 - 4.11%
1.78 - 3.39%
1.85 - 3.81%
Rate of compensation increase3.70 - 4.20%
3.70 - 4.20%
N/A
N/A
1.00 - 3.00%
1.00 - 3.50%
Underlying price inflation1.87%
1.83%
N/A
N/A
2.00%
2.00 - 2.50%
(1)U.S. pension plans are frozen and therefore not impacted by compensation increases or price inflation.


(1)U.S. pension plans are frozen and therefore not impacted by compensation increases or price inflation.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
 U.K.
U.S.
Other
 2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
Discount rate2.77%
3.96%
3.70%
3.53 - 4.11%
3.69 - 4.43%
3.37 - 4.08%
1.85 - 3.81%
2.43 - 3.96%
2.03 - 3.91%
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses3.36%
4.55%
5.09%
7.88%
7.81%
7.96%
2.68 - 5.15%
3.47 - 4.95%
3.99 - 5.21%
Rate of compensation increase3.70 - 4.20%
3.63 - 4.13%
3.55 - 4.05%
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.00 - 3.50%
2.00 - 3.50%
2.25 - 3.50%
The amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during 2018, not including voluntary one-time lump sum payments, are $61 million in the U.S. and $42 million outside the U.S.
 U.K.U.S.Other
 202120202019202120202019202120202019
Discount rate1.20%1.89%2.95%1.12 - 1.79%2.36 - 2.76%3.92 - 4.26%0.28 - 2.00%0.74 - 2.90%1.89 - 3.88%
Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses2.04%2.74%3.64%2.65 - 6.56%3.30- 7.04%7.05%1.70 - 2.65%2.10 - 3.10%2.50 - 4.10%
Rate of compensation increase3.22 - 3.72%3.24 - 3.74%3.73 - 4.23%N/AN/AN/A1.00 - 3.00%1.00 - 3.00%1.00 - 3.00%
Expected Return on Plan Assets
To determine the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the historical performance, investment community forecasts, and current market conditions are analyzed to develop expected returns for each asset class used by the plans. The expected returns for each asset class are weighted by the target allocations of the plans. The expected return of 7.88%6.56% on U.S. plan assets reflects a portfolio that is seeking asset growth through a higher equity allocation while maintaining prudent risk levels. The portfolio contains certain assets that have historically resulted in higher returns, as well as other financial instruments to minimize downside risk.
No plan assets are expected to be returned to the Company during 2018.


2022.
Fair value of plan assets
The Company determined the fair value of plan assets through numerous procedures based on the asset class and available information. Refer to Note 1514 “Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments” for a description of the procedures performed to determine the fair value of the plan assets.
86



The fair values of the Company’s U.S. pension plan assets at December 31, 20172021 and December 31, 2016,2020, by asset category, are as follows (in millions):
   Fair Value Measurements Using
Asset CategoryBalance at December 31, 2017 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$56
 $56
 $
 $
Equity investments:       
Large cap domestic313
 313
 
 
Small cap domestic17
 17
 
 

International90
 90
 
 

Equity derivatives111
 
 111
 
Pooled funds:       
   International (2)
270
 
 
 
   Large cap domestic (2)
12
 
 
 
   Small cap domestic (2)
114
 
 
 
Fixed income investments: (3)
       
Corporate bonds110
 
 110
 
Government and agency bonds148
 114
 34
 
Pooled funds:       
   Corporate bonds (2)
290
 
 
 
Other investments:       
Real estate and REITs (4)
82
 82
 
 
Alternative investments (2) (5)
345
 
 
 
Total$1,958
 $672
 $255
 $
(1)Consists of cash and institutional short-term investment funds.
(2)Certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair values to the amounts presented in the plan assets contained in this Note.
(3)Consists of corporate and government bonds, asset-backed securities, and fixed-income derivatives.
(4)Consists of exchange traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
(5)Consists of limited partnerships, private equity, and hedge funds.

  Fair Value Measurements Using
Asset CategoryBalance at December 31, 2021Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$93 $93 $— $— 
Equity investments: 
Equity securities86 86 — — 
Equity derivatives19 — 19 — 
Pooled funds (2)
548 — — — 
Fixed income investments: 
Corporate bonds249 — 249 — 
Government and agency bonds230 192 38 — 
Pooled funds (2)
838 — — — 
Other investments: 
Real estate (2) (3)
156 — — — 
Alternative investments (2) (4)
159 — — — 
Total$2,378 $371 $306 $— 

  Fair Value Measurements Using
Asset CategoryBalance at December 31, 2020Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$79 $79 $— $— 
Equity investments: 
Equity securities207 207 — — 
Equity derivatives62 — 62 — 
Pooled funds (2)
640 90 — — 
Fixed income investments: 
Corporate bonds167 — 167 — 
Government and agency bonds233 200 33 — 
Pooled funds (2)
543 212 — — 
Other investments: 
Real estate (2)(3)
163 — — — 
Alternative investments (2) (4)
182 — — — 
Total$2,276 $788 $262 $— 
(1)Consists of cash and institutional short-term investment funds.
(2)Certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair values to the amounts presented in the plan assets contained in this Note.
(3)Consists of property funds and trusts holding direct real estate investments.
(4)Consists of limited partnerships, private equity, and hedge funds.




87

   Fair Value Measurements Using
Asset CategoryBalance at December 31, 2016 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$100
 $100
 $
 $
Equity investments:       
Large cap domestic268
 268
 
 
Small cap domestic15
 15
 
 
International64
 64
 
 
Equity derivatives81
 78
 3
 
  Pooled funds:       
    International (2)
196
 
 
 
    Small cap domestic (2)
52
 
 
 
Fixed income investments: (3)
       
Corporate bonds105
 
 105
 
Government and agency bonds132
 76
 56
 
Fixed income derivatives65
 65
 
 
Pooled funds:       
   Corporate bonds (2)
255
 
 
 
Other investments:       
Commodity derivatives (4)
22
 
 22
 
Real estate and REITs (5)
61
 61
 
 
Alternative investments (2) (6)
267
 
 
 
Total$1,683
 $727
 $186
 $

(1)Consists of cash and institutional short-term investment funds.
(2)Certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair values to the amounts presented in the plan assets contained in this Note.
(3)Consists of corporate and government bonds, asset-backed securities, and fixed-income derivatives.
(4)Consists of long-dated options on a commodity index.
(5)Consists of exchange traded REITs.
(6)Consists of limited partnerships, private equity, and hedge funds.


The fair values of the Company’s major U.K. pension plan assets at December 31, 20172021 and December 31, 2016,2020, by asset category, are as follows (in millions):
  Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2021Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$872 $872 $— $— 
Equity investments: 
Pooled funds (2)
— — — — 
Fixed income investments: 
Derivatives (3)
(1,640)— (1,640)— 
Government and agency bonds2,969 2,969 — — 
Annuities2,305 — — 2,305 
Pooled funds (2)
463 — — — 
Other investments:
Real estate (2) (4)
130— — — 
Pooled funds (2) (5)
1,147 — — — 
Total$6,246 $3,841 $(1,640)$2,305 
   Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2017 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$209
 $209
 $
 $
Equity investments:  

 
 
  Pooled funds:  
 
 
  Global (2)
401
 
 
 
  Europe (2)
6
 
 
 
Fixed income investments: (3)
  
 
 
  Derivatives (4)
(771) 
 (771) 
  Fixed income securities (5)
2,787
 2,362
 425
 
  Annuities1,909
 
 
 1,909
  Pooled funds:  
 
  
    Derivatives (2)
57
 
 
 
  Fixed income securities (2)
251
 
 
 
Other investments:  
 
 
  Real estate (2) (6)
146
 
 
 
  Alternative investments (2) (7)
911
 
 
 
Total$5,906
 $2,571
 $(346) $1,909
(1)Consists of cash and institutional short-term investment funds.
(2)Certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair values to the amounts presented in the plan assets contained in this Note.
(3)Consists of various equity, fixed income, commodity, and real estate mutual fund type investment vehicles.
(4)Consists of equity securities and equity derivatives, including repurchase agreements.
(5)Consists of corporate and government bonds.
(6)Consists of property funds and trusts holding direct real estate investments.
(7)Consists of limited partnerships, private equity, and hedge funds.

  Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2020Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$182 $182 $— $— 
Equity investments:
Pooled funds (2)
— — — 
Fixed income investments:
Derivatives (3)
(1,424)— (1,424)— 
Corporate bonds— — 
Government and agency bonds2,872 2,872 — — 
Annuities2,625 — — 2,625 
Pooled funds (2)
875 — — — 
Other investments:
Real estate (2) (4)
117— — — 
Pooled funds (2) (5)
1,397 — — 
Total$6,652 $3,062 $(1,424)$2,625 

(1)Consists of cash and institutional short-term investment funds.
(2)Certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair values to the amounts presented in the plan assets contained in this Note.
(3)Consists of equity securities and equity derivatives, including repurchase agreements.
(4)Consists of property funds and trusts holding direct real estate investments.
(5)Consists of multi-strategy limited partnerships, private equity, hedge funds, and collective investment schemes with a diversified portfolio of cash, equities, equity related securities, derivatives, and/or fixed income securities.
88

   Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2016 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$86
 $86
 $
 $
Equity investments:       
  Global135
 135
 
 
  Pooled funds: 
 

 

 

  Global (2)
365
 
 
 
  Europe (2)
18
 
 
 
Fixed income investments: (3)
 
 

 

 

  Derivatives (4)
10
 
 10
 
  Fixed income securities (5)
2,129
 1,726
 403
 
Annuities1,773
 
 
 1,773
  Pooled funds: 
 

 

 

    Derivatives (2)
62
      
    Fixed income securities (2)
223
 
 
 
Other investments:       
  Real estate (2) (6)
101
 
 
 
Alternative investments (2) (7)
773
 
 
 
  Total$5,675
 $1,947
 $413
 $1,773

(1)Consists of cash and institutional short-term investment funds.
(2)Certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair values to the amounts presented in the plan assets contained in this Note.
(3)Consists of various equity, fixed income, commodity, and real estate mutual fund type investment vehicles.
(4)Consists of equity securities and equity derivatives.
(5)Consists of corporate and government bonds and fixed income derivatives.
(6)Consists of property funds and trusts holding direct real estate investments.
(7)Consists of limited partnerships, private equity, and hedge funds.


The following table presents the changes in the Level 3 fair-value category in the Company’s U.K. pension plans for the years ended December 31, 20172021 and December 31, 20162020 (in millions):
Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3 InputsAnnuities
Balance at January 1, 2016$827
Actual return on plan assets: 
Relating to assets still held at December 31, 20167
Purchases, sales and settlements—net1,248
Foreign exchange(309)
Balance at December 31, 20161,773
Actual return on plan assets: 
Relating to assets still held at December 31, 2017(66)
Purchases, sales and settlements—net45
Foreign exchange157
Balance at December 31, 2017$1,909


Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3 InputsAnnuities
Balance at January 1, 2020$1,849 
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at December 31, 202013 
Purchase, sales and settlements-net682 
Foreign exchange81 
Balance at December 31, 20202,625 
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at December 31, 2021(286)
Purchases, sales and settlements-net— 
Foreign exchange(34)
Balance at December 31, 2021$2,305 
The fair values of the Company’s other major pension plan assets at December 31, 20172021 and December 31, 2016,2020, by asset category, are as follows (in millions):
  Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2021Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$29 $29 $— $— 
Equity investments: 
Equity securities72 72 — — 
Pooled funds (2)
316 — — — 
Fixed income investments: 
Government and agency bonds350 350 — — 
Pooled funds (2)
597 — — — 
Other investments: 
Alternative investments (2) (3)
55 — — — 
Real estate (2) (4)
11 — — — 
Total$1,430 $451 $— $— 
89


   Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2017 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents$11
 $11
 $
 $
Equity investments:       
   Pooled funds:       
  Global (1)
370
 
 
 
  North America (1)
26
 
 
 
Fixed income investments:       
   Fixed income securities (2)
211
 
 211
 
   Derivatives (2)
40
 
 40
 
   Pooled funds:       
   Fixed income securities (1)
566
 
 
 
Other investments:       
   Alternative investments (1) (3)
26
 
 
 
   Pooled funds:       
   REITs (1) (4)
6
 
 
 
Total$1,256
 $11
 $251
 $
(1)Certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair values to the amounts presented in the plan assets contained in this Note.
(2)Consists of corporate and government bonds and fixed-income derivatives.
(3)Consists of limited partnerships, private equity, and hedge funds.
(4)Consists of property funds and trusts holding direct real estate investments.

  Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2020Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$37 $37 $— $— 
Equity investments:
Equity securities75 75 — — 
Pooled funds (2)
290 — — — 
Fixed income investments:
Government and agency bonds395 395 — — 
Pooled funds (2)
627 — — — 
Other investments:
Alternative investments (2) (3)
63 — — — 
Real estate (2) (4)
10 — — — 
Total$1,497 $507 $— $— 

(1)Consists of cash and institutional short-term investment funds.
(2)Certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair values to the amounts presented in the plan assets contained in this Note.
   Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2016 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents$11
 $11
 $
 $
Equity investments:       
   Pooled funds:       
  Global (1)
322
 
 
 
  North America (1)
36
 
 
 
  Derivatives (1)
20
 
 
 
Fixed income investments:   
  
  
   Fixed income securities (2)
166
 
 166
 
   Derivatives (2)
37
 
 37
 
   Pooled funds:   
  
  
   Fixed income securities (1)
469
 
 
 
Other investments:   
  
  
   Alternative investments (1) (3)
9
 
 
 
   Pooled funds:   
  
  
   REITs (1) (4)
6
 
 
 
Total$1,076
 $11
 $203
 $
(3)Consists of limited partnerships, private equity, and hedge funds.
(1)Certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the above table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair values to the amounts presented in the plan assets contained in this Note.
(2)Consists of corporate and government bonds and fixed-income derivatives.
(3)Consists of limited partnerships, private equity, and hedge funds.
(4)Consists of property funds and trusts holding direct real estate investments.
(4)Consists of property funds and trusts holding direct real estate investments.
Investment Policy and Strategy
The U.S. investment policy, as established by the Aon Retirement Plan Governance and Investment Committee (“RPGIC”),RPGIC, seeks reasonable asset growth at prudent risk levels within weighted average target allocations, which are 55%allocations. At December 31, 2021, the weighted average targeted allocation for the U.S. plans was 31% for equity investments, 25%54% for fixed income investments, and 20%15% for other investments. Aon believes that plan assets are well-diversified and are of appropriate quality. The investment portfolio asset allocation is reviewed quarterly and re-balanced to be within policy target allocations. The investment policy is reviewed at least annually and revised, as deemed appropriate by the RPGIC. The investment policies for international plans are generally established by the local pension plan trustees and seek to maintain the plans’ ability to meet liabilities and to comply with local minimum funding requirements. Plan assets are invested in diversified portfolios that provide adequate levels of return at an acceptable level of risk. The investment policies are reviewed at least annually and revised, as deemed appropriate to ensure that the objectives are being met. At December 31, 2017,2021, the weighted average targeted allocation for the U.K. and non-U.S. plans was 13%6% for equity investments, 78%88% for fixed income investments, and 9%6% for other investments.
Cash Flows
Contributions
Based on current assumptions, in 2018,2022, the Company expects to contribute approximately $92$7 million, $63$52 million, and $22$15 million to its significant U.K., U.S., and other significant internationalmajor pension plans, respectively.


Estimated Future Benefit Payments
Estimated future benefit payments for plans, not including voluntary one-time lump sum payments, are as follows at December 31, 20172021 (in millions):
U.K.U.S.Other
2022$164 $193 $47 
2023$171 $191 $48 
2024$177 $193 $49 
2025$183 $193 $50 
2026$188 $183 $52 
2027 - 2031$1,017 $882 $275 
90

  U.K. U.S. Other
2018 $134
 $170
 $43
2019 141
 176
 45
2020 145
 182
 46
2021 151
 187
 47
2022 159
 182
 48
2023 – 2027 858
 901
 257

U.S. and Canadian Other Postretirement Benefits
The following table provides an overview of the accumulated projected benefit obligation,PBO, fair value of plan assets, funded status and net amount recognized as of December 31, 20172021 and 20162020 for the Company’s other significant postretirement benefit plans located in the U.S. and Canada (in millions):
2017 201620212020
Accumulated projected benefit obligation$99
 $110
Accumulated projected benefit obligation$109 $117 
Fair value of plan assets17
 18
Fair value of plan assets17 17 
Funded status(82) (92)Funded status(92)(100)
Unrecognized prior-service credit(1) (3)Unrecognized prior-service credit(1)(1)
Unrecognized (gain) loss(3) 10
Unrecognized lossUnrecognized loss13 
Net amount recognized$(86) $(85)Net amount recognized$(91)$(88)
Other information related to the Company’s other postretirement benefit plans are as follows:
202120202019
Net periodic benefit cost recognized (millions)$5$4$3
Weighted-average discount rate used to determine future benefit obligations2.52 - 3.06%2.10 - 2.58%2.93 - 3.25%
Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit costs1.45 - 2.68%2.93 - 3.25%3.91 - 4.26%

2017
2016
2015
Net periodic benefit cost recognized (millions)$1
$5
$6
Weighted-average discount rate used to determine future benefit obligations3.32 - 3.64%
3.71 - 4.15%
3.99 - 4.33%
Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit costs3.71 - 4.15%
3.99 - 4.33%
3.83 - 4.08%
Based on current assumptions, the Company expects:
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2017 are $1 million and $3 million of prior service credit and net gain, respectively. The amount in Accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 20182022 is $1.4$0.9 million and $0.1 million of net gain and prior service credit, respectively.$0.2 million of prior-service credit.
Based on current assumptions, the Company expects:
To contribute $4$5 million to fund significant other postretirement benefit plans during 2018.2022.
Estimated future benefit payments will be approximately $4$5 million each year for 20182022 through 2022,2026, and $194$25 million in aggregate for 2023-2027.2027-2031.
The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation is increased by $6 million and decreased by $5 million by a respective 1% increase or decrease to the assumed healthcare trend rate. The service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefits cost is increased by $0.5 million and decreased by $0.5 million by a respective 1% increase or decrease to the assumed healthcare trend rate.
For most of the participants in the U.S. plan, Aon’s liability for future plan cost increases for pre-65 and Medical Supplement plan coverage is limited to 5% per annum. Although the net employer trend rates range from 4% to 9% per year, because of this cap, these plans are effectively limited to 5% per year in the future.


13.    12.    Share-Based Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income in Compensation and benefits (in millions):
Years ended December 312017 2016 2015
Restricted share units (“RSUs”)$182
 $176
 $186
Performance share awards ("PSAs")127
 120
 123
Employee share purchase plans10
 10
 9
Total share-based compensation expense319
 306
 318
Tax benefit73
 90
 87
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax$246
 $216
 $231
Years Ended December 31
202120202019
Restricted share units$204 $186 $198 
Performance share awards189 116 110 
Employee share purchase plans and other (1)
56 10 
  Total share-based compensation expense449 312 317 
Tax benefit87 61 66 
  Share-based compensation expense, net of tax$362 $251 $251 
(1) Includes expenses related to the Aon United Growth Ownership Plan.
Restricted Share Units
RSUs generally vest between three and five years. The fair value of RSUs is based upon the market value of Aon plcthe Company’s class A ordinary shares at the date of grant. With certain limited exceptions, any break in continuous employment will cause the forfeiture of all non-vested awards. Compensation expense associated with RSUs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Dividend equivalents are paid on certain RSUs, based on the initial grant amount.
91


The following table summarizes the status of the Company’s RSUs including shares related to the Divested Business (shares in
thousands) thousands, except fair value):
Years Ended December 31
202120202019
Shares
Fair Value at Date of Grant (1)
Shares
Fair Value at Date of Grant (1)
Shares
Fair Value at Date of Grant (1)
Non-vested at beginning of year3,309 $163 3,634 $143 4,208 $120 
Granted1,257 $253 1,329 $185 1,306 $175 
Vested(1,248)$151 (1,426)$133 (1,661)$113 
Forfeited(243)$184 (228)$157 (219)$131 
  Non-vested at end of year3,075 $203 3,309 $163 3,634 $143 
Years ended December 312017 2016 2015
 Shares 
Fair Value (1)
 Shares 
Fair Value (1)
 Shares 
Fair Value (1)
Non-vested at beginning of year6,195
 $89
 7,167
 $77
 8,381
 $63
Granted1,700
 123
 2,252
 101
 2,459
 97
Vested(2,407) 82
 (2,845) 70
 (3,385) 58
Forfeited(639) 93
 (379) 82
 (288) 71
Non-vested at end of year4,849
 $104
 6,195
 $89
 7,167
 $77
(1)Represents per share weighted average fair value of award at date of grant.
(1)Represents per share weighted average fair value of award at date of grant.
The fair value of RSUs that vested during 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 20152019 was $197$189 million, $200$190 million, and $196$187 million, respectively.
Unamortized deferred compensation expense amounted to $341$447 million as of December 31, 2017,2021, with a remaining weighted-averageweighted average amortization period of approximately 2.1 years.
Performance Share Awards
The vesting of PSAs is contingent upon meeting a cumulative level of earnings per share related performance over a three-year period. The actual issueissuance of shares may range from 0-200% of the target number of PSAs granted, based on the terms of the plan and level of achievement of the related performance target. The grant date fair value of PSAs is based upon the market price of Aon plcthe Company’s class A ordinary shares at the date of grant. The performance conditions are not considered in the determination of the grant date fair value for these awards. Compensation expense is recognized over the performance period based on management’s estimate of the number of units expected to vest. Management evaluates on a quarterly basis its estimate of the actual number of shares expected to be issued at the end of the programs.programs on a quarterly basis. The cumulative effect of the change in estimate is recognized in the period of change as an adjustment to Compensation and benefits expense,in the Consolidated Statements of Income, if necessary. Dividend equivalents are not paid on PSAs.


Information regardingThe following table summarizes the Company’s target PSAs granted and shares that would be issued at current performance levels for PSAs granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2021, 2020, and 2015,2019, respectively is as follows (shares in thousands and dollars in millions, except fair value):
2017 2016 2015202120202019
Target PSAs granted during period548
 750
 963
Target PSAs granted during period382 500 467 
Weighted average fair value per share at date of grant$114
 $100
 $96
Weighted average fair value per share at date of grant$225 $163 $165 
Number of shares that would be issued based on current performance levels944
 745
 1,527
Number of shares that would be issued based on current performance levels737 970 888 
Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels$78
 $25
 $
Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels$122 $51 $— 
During 2017,2021, the Company issued approximately 0.90.5 million shares in connection with performance achievements related to the 2014-2016 Leadership Performance Plan (“LPP”) cycle.2018-2020 LPP. During 2016,2020, the Company issued approximately 1.30.6 million shares in connection with performance achievements related to the 2013-20152017-2019 LPP cycle. During 2015,2019, the Company issued approximately 1.60.7 million shares in connection with performance achievements related to the 2012-20142016-2018 LPP cycle.
14.    13.    Derivatives and Hedging
The Company is exposed to market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. To manage the risk related to these exposures, the Company enters into various derivative instruments that reduce these risks by creating offsetting exposures. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for trading or speculative purposes.
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when it earns revenues, pays expenses, enters into monetary intercompany transfers or other transactions denominated in a currency that differs from its functional currency, or enters into other transactions that are denominated in a currency other than its functional currency. The Company 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. These exposures are hedged, on average, for less than two years. These derivatives are accounted for as hedges, and changes in fair value are recorded each period in Other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
92


The Company also uses foreign exchange derivatives, typically forward contracts and options, to economically hedge the currency exposure of the Company’s global liquidity profile, including monetary assets or liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency of an entity, typically on a rolling 30-day90-day basis, but may be for up to one year in the future. These derivatives are not accounted for as hedges, and changes in fair value are recorded each period in Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The notional and fair values of derivative instruments are as follows (in millions):
 Notional Amount
Net Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Statements of Financial Position (1)
Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Statements of Financial Position (2)
As of December 31202120202021202020212020
Foreign exchange contracts      
  Accounted for as hedges$629 $633 $27 $33 $— $— 
  Not accounted for as hedges (3)
412 367 — 
Total$1,041 $1,000 $29 $34 $— $
 Notional Amount 
Net Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Statements of Financial Position (1)
 
Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Statements of Financial Position (2)
As of December 312017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Foreign exchange contracts:           
  Accounted for as hedges$701
 $758
 $31
 $13
 $3
 $12
  Not accounted for as hedges (3)
254
 189
 1
 1
 3
 1
Total$955
 $947
 $32
 $14
 $6
 $13
(1)Included within Other current assets ($9 million in 2017 and $5 million in 2016) or Other non-current assets ($23 million in 2017 and $9 million in 2016).
(2)Included within Other current liabilities ($3 million in 2017 and $6 million in 2016) or Other non-current liabilities ($3 million in 2017 and $7 million in 2016).
(3)These contracts typically are for 30-day durations and executed close to the last day of the most recent reporting month, thereby resulting in nominal fair values at the balance sheet date.

(1)Included within Other current assets ($21 million in 2021 and $11 million in 2020) or Other non-current assets ($8 million in 2021 and $23 million in 2020).

(2)Included within Other current liabilities ($1 million in 2020).
(3)These contracts typically are for 90-day durations and executed close to the last day of the most recent reporting month, thereby resulting in nominal fair values at the balance sheet date.
The amounts of derivative gains (losses) recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements are as follows (in millions):
  2017 2016 2015
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 $18
 $(25) $(9)
       
Location of future reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss      
Compensation and Benefits $12
 $8
 $4
Other General Expenses 4
 (13) (3)
Interest Expense 
 
 
Other Income (Expense) 2
 (20) (10)
202120202019
Gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss$— $$(9)
The amounts of derivative gains (loss)(losses) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss intoother comprehensive loss to the Consolidated Statements of Income (effective portion) are as follows (in millions):
  2017 2016 2015
Compensation and Benefits $14
 $2
 $4
Other General Expenses (5) (4) (1)
Interest Expense (1) (1) (9)
Other Income (Expense) (9) (7) (11)
Total $(1) $(10) $(17)
Years Ended December 31
202120202019
Total revenue$(3)$(14)$(12)
Compensation and benefits— (1)
Interest expense— (1)(1)
Total$(2)$(15)$(14)
The Company estimates that approximately $9$5 million of pretax lossesgains currently included within Accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified in tointo earnings in the next twelve months.
The amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on the ineffective portion of derivatives for 2017, 2016, and 2015 was immaterial.
The Company recorded a loss of $24 million in 2021, a gain of $7.0$1 million for 2017in 2020, and a loss of $0.2$18 million and $8 million for 2016 and 2015, respectively,in 2019 in Other income (expense) for foreign exchange derivatives not designated or qualifying as hedges.
Net Investments in Foreign Operations Risk Management
The Company uses non-derivative financial instruments to protect the value of its investments in a number of foreign subsidiaries. In 2016, theThe Company has designated a portion of its Euro-denominatedeuro-denominated commercial paper issuances as a non-derivative hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in its European operations. The change in fair value of the designated portion of the Euro-denominatedeuro-denominated commercial paper due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates is recorded in Foreign currency translation adjustment, a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),loss, to the extent it is effective as a hedge. The foreign currency translation adjustment of the hedged net investments that is also recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).loss. Ineffective portions of net investment hedges, if any, are reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)loss into earnings during the period of change.
As of December 31, 2017, theThe Company had no outstanding Euro-denominatedeuro-denominated commercial paper at December 31, 2021 and 2020 designated as a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of its net investment in its European operations. As of December 31, 2017, theThe unrealized gain recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)loss related to the net investment non derivativenon-derivative hedging instrument was immaterial.$29 million, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
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The Company did not reclassify any deferred gains or losses related to net investment hedges from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)loss to earnings during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. In addition, the Company did not incur any ineffectiveness related to net investment hedges during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.for 2021, 2020, and 2019.
15.    14.    Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments
Accounting standards establish a three tierthree-tier fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair values 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, including pension assets (refer to Note 1211 “Employee Benefits”):
Money market funds consist of institutional prime, treasury, and government money market funds. The Company reviews treasury and government money market funds to obtain reasonable assurance that the fund net asset value is $1 per share and reviews the floating net asset value of institutional prime money market funds for reasonableness.
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and institutional short-term investment funds. The Company reviews the short-term investment funds to obtain reasonable assurance that the fund net asset value is $1 per share.
Equity investments consist of domestic and international equity securities and equity derivatives valued using the closing stock price on a national securities exchange. Over the counter equity derivatives are valued using observable inputs such as underlying prices of the underlying security and volatility. On a sample basis the Company reviews the listing of Level 1 equity securities in the portfolio, and agrees the closing stock prices to a national securities exchange, and independently verifies the observable inputs for Level 2 equity derivatives and securities.
Fixed income investments consist of certain categories of bonds and derivatives. Corporate, government, and agency bonds are valued by pricing vendors who estimate fair value using recently executed transactions and proprietary models based on observable inputs, such as interest rate spreads, yield curves, and credit risk. Asset-backed securities are valued by pricing vendors who estimate fair value using discounted cash flowDCF models utilizing observable inputs based on trade and quote activity of securities with similar features. Fixed income derivatives are valued by pricing vendors using observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves. The Company obtains an understanding of the models, inputs, and assumptions used in developing prices provided by its vendors through discussions with the fund managers. The Company independently verifies the observable inputs, as well as assesses assumptions used for reasonableness based on relevant market conditions and internal Company guidelines. If an assumption is deemed unreasonable, based on the Company’sinternal Company guidelines, it is then reviewed by management and the fair value estimate provided by the vendor is adjusted, if deemed appropriate. These adjustments do not occur frequently and historically are not material to the fair value estimates used in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pooled funds consist of various equity, fixed income, commodity, and real estate mutual fund type investment vehicles. Pooled investment funds fair value is estimated based on the proportionate share ownership in the underlying net assets of the investment, which is based on the fair value of the underlying securities. The underlying securities thattypically trade on a national securities exchange.exchange or may be valued by the fund managers using applicable models, inputs, and assumptions. The Company gains an understanding of the investment guidelines and valuation policies of the fund and discusses fund performance with pooled fund managers. The Company obtains audited fund manager financial statements, when available. If the pooled fund is designed to replicate a publicly traded index, the Company compares the performance of the fund to the index to assess the reasonableness of the fair value measurement.
Alternative investments consist of limited partnerships, private equity, and hedge funds. Alternative investment fair value is generally estimated based on the proportionate share ownership in the underlying net assets of the investment as determined by the general partner or investment manager. The valuations are based on various factors depending on investment strategy, proprietary models, and specific financial data or projections. The Company obtains audited fund manager financial statements, when available. The Company obtains a detailed understanding of the models, inputs, and assumptions used in developing prices provided by the investment managers, (oror appropriate party)party, through regular discussions. The Company also obtains the investment manger’s valuation policies and assesses the assumptions used for reasonableness based on relevant market conditions and internal Company guidelines. If an assumption is deemed unreasonable, based on the Company’s guidelines, it is then reviewed by management and the fair value estimate provided by the vendor is adjusted, if deemed appropriate. These
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adjustments do not occur frequently and historically are not material to the fair value estimates in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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.volatility.
Annuity contracts consist of insurance group annuity contracts purchased to match the pension benefit payment stream owed to certain selected plan participant demographics within a few major U.K. defined benefit plans. Annuity contracts are valued using a discounted cash flowDCF model utilizing assumptions such as discount rate, mortality, and inflation.
Real estate and REITs consist of publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”)REITs and direct real estate investments. Level 1 REITs are valued using the closing stock price on a national securities exchange. Non LevelNon-Level 1 values are based on the proportionate share of ownership in the underlying net asset value as determined by the investment manager. The Company independently reviews the listing of Level 1 REIT securities in the portfolio and agrees the closing stock prices to a national securities exchange. The Company gains an understanding of the investment guidelines and valuation policies of the non Level


non-Level 1 real estate funds and discusses performance with the fund managers. The Company obtains audited fund manager financial statements, when available. See the description of “Alternative investments” for further detail on valuation procedures surrounding non Levelnon-Level 1 REITs.
Debt is carried at outstanding principal balance, less any unamortized issuance costs, discount or premium. Fair value is based on quoted market prices or estimates using discounted cash flowDCF 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 December 31, 20172021 and December 31, 2016, respectively2020 (in millions):
  Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2021Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets    
Money market funds (1)
$2,918 $2,918 $— $— 
Other investments    
Government bonds$$— $$— 
Derivatives (2)
    
Gross foreign exchange contracts$40 $— $40 $— 
Liabilities    
Derivatives (2)
    
Gross foreign exchange contracts$11 $— $11 $— 
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   Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2017 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:       
Money market funds (1)
$1,847
 $1,847
 $
 $
Other investments:       
Government bonds1
 
 1
 
Equity investments4
 
 4
 
Derivatives (2):
       
Gross Foreign exchange contracts33
 
 33
 
Liabilities:       
Derivatives (2):
       
Gross Foreign exchange contracts6
 
 6
 
(1)Included within Fiduciary assets, Short-term investments or Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, depending on their nature and initial maturity.
(2)Refer to Note 14 “Derivatives and Hedging” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivatives and hedging activity.
  Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2020Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets    
Money market funds (1)
$2,781 $2,781 $— $— 
Other investments 
Government bonds$$— $$— 
Equity investments$$— $$— 
Derivatives (2)
 
Gross foreign exchange contracts$38 $— $38 $— 
Liabilities 
Derivatives (2)
 
Gross foreign exchange contracts$$— $$— 
   Fair Value Measurements Using
 Balance at December 31, 2016 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:       
Money market funds (1)
$1,371
 $1,371
 $
 $
Other investments:       
Government bonds1
 
 1
 
Equity investments9
 6
 3
 
Derivatives (2):
 
  
  
  
Gross Foreign exchange contracts15
 
 15
 
Liabilities:       
Derivatives (2):
 
  
    
Gross Foreign exchange contracts14
 
 14
 
(1)Included within Fiduciary assets or Short-term investments in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, depending on their nature and initial maturity.
(1)Included within Fiduciary assets, Short-term investments or Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, depending on their nature and initial maturity.
(2)Refer to Note 14 “Derivatives and Hedging” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivatives and hedging activity.
(2)Refer to Note 13 “Derivatives and Hedging” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivatives and hedging activity.
There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between fair value hierarchy levels during 20172021 or 2016.2020. The Company recognized no realized or unrealized gains or losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value using unobservable inputs in 2017, 2016,2021, 2020, or 2015.


2019.
The fair value of debt is classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The following table disclosesprovides the carrying value and fair value for the Company’s financial instruments where the carrying amounts and fair values differterm debt (in millions):
20212020
 As of December 31Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Current portion of long-term debt$499 $507 $400 $401 
Long-term debt$8,228 $9,204 $7,281 $8,752 
 2017 2016
 As of December 31
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Current portion of long-term debt (1)
$299
 $301
 $
 $
Long-term debt5,667
 6,267
 5,869
 6,264
(1)Excludes commercial paper program.
16.    Commitments15.    Claims, Lawsuits, and Other 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”)&O claims. The damages claimed in these matters are or may be substantial, including, in many instances, claims for punitive, treble, or extraordinary damages. While Aon maintains meaningful E&O insurance and other insurance programs 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 claims. Accruals for these exposures, and related insurance receivables, when applicable, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and have been recognized in Other general expensesexpense in the Consolidated Statements of Income to the extent that losses are deemed probable and are reasonably estimable. These amounts are adjusted from time to time as developments warrant. Matters that are not probable and reasonably estimable are not accrued for in the financial statements.
The Company has included in the current matters described below certain matters in which (1) loss (including interest and costs) is probable, (2) loss (including interest and costs) is reasonably possible; thatpossible (that is, more than remote but not probable,probable), or (3) there exists the reasonable possibility of loss (including interest and costs) greater than the accrued amount. In addition, the Company may from time to time disclose matters for which the probability of loss could be remote but the claim amounts associated with such matters are potentially significant. The reasonably possible range of loss (including interest and costs) for the matters described below for which loss is estimable, in excess of amounts that are deemed probable and estimable and therefore already accrued, is estimated to be between $0 and $0.3$0.8 billion, exclusive of any insurance coverage. These estimates are based on currently available information.information as of the date of this filing. As available information changes, the matters for which Aon is able to estimate, may change, and the estimates themselves, may change. In addition, many estimates involve significant judgment and uncertainty. For example, at the time of making an estimate, Aon may only have limited information about the facts underlying the claim and predictions and assumptions about future court rulings and outcomes may prove to be inaccurate. Although
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management at present believes that the ultimate outcome of all matters described below, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of Aon, legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings or other events. Unfavorable resolutions could include substantial monetary or punitive damages imposed on Aon or its subsidiaries. If unfavorable outcomes of these matters were to occur, future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially adversely affected.
Current Matters
A retail insurance brokerage subsidiary of Aon was sued on September 14, 2010 in the Chancery Court for Davidson County, Tennessee Twentieth Judicial District, at Nashville 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 in coverage from numerous insurers with whom this Aon subsidiary placed the client’s property insurance coverage. The insurers contend that only $50 million in coverage (which has already been paid) 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. In addition, Opry Mills seeks prejudgment interest, attorneys’ fees and enhanced damages which could substantially increase Aon’s exposure. In March 2015, the trial court granted partial summary judgment in favor of plaintiffs and against the insurers, holding generally that the plaintiffs are entitled to $200 million in coverage under the language of the policies. In August 2015, a jury returned a verdict in favor of Opry Mills and against the insurers in the amount of $204 million. On January 26, 2018, the Tennessee Court of Appeals reversed and remanded, reversing summary judgment in favor of plaintiffs and concluding that coverage is limited to $50 million. Aon believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
A pensions consulting and administration subsidiary of Aon provided advisory services to the Trustees of the Gleeds pension fund in the United Kingdom and, on occasion, to the relevant employer of the fund.  In April 2014, the High Court, Chancery Division, London found that certain governing documents of the fund that sought to alter the fund’s benefit structure and that had been


drafted by Aon were procedurally defective and therefore invalid.  No lawsuit naming Aon as a party was filed, although a tolling agreement was entered.  The High Court decision says that the additional liabilities in the pension fund resulting from the alleged defect in governing documents amount to approximately £45 million ($60 million at December 31, 2017 exchange rates). In December 2014, the Court of Appeal granted the employer leave to appeal the High Court decision. At a hearing in October 2016, the Court of Appeal approved a settlement of the pending litigation. On October 31, 2016, the fund’s trustees and employer sued Aon in the High Court, Chancery Division, London, alleging negligence and breach of duty in relation to the governing documents. The proceedings were served on Aon on December 20, 2016. The claimants seek damages of approximately £70 million ($94 million at December 31, 2017 exchange rates). Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against this claim.
On June 29, 2015, Lyttelton Port Company Limited (“LPC”) sued Aon New Zealand in the Christchurch Registry of the High Court of New Zealand.  LPC alleges, among other things, that Aon was negligent and in breach of contract in arranging LPC’s property insurance program for the period covering June 30, 2010, to June 30, 2011.  LPC contends that acts and omissions by Aon caused LPC to recover less than it otherwise would have from insurers for losses suffered in the 2010/2011 Canterbury earthquakes.  LPC claims damages of approximately NZD $184 million ($130 million at December 31, 2017 exchange rates) plus interest and costs.  Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
On October 3, 2017, Christchurch City Council (“CCC”)CCC invoked arbitration to pursue a claim that it asserts against Aon New Zealand. Aon provided insurance broking services to CCC in relation to CCC’s 2010-2011 material damage and business interruption program. In December 2015, CCC settled its property and business interruption claim for its losses arising from the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes against the underwriter of its material damage and business interruption program and the reinsurers of that underwriter. CCC contends that acts and omissions by Aon caused CCC to recover less in that settlement than it otherwise would have. CCC claims damages of approximately NZD $528320 million ($372218 million at December 31, 20172021 exchange rates) plus interest and costs. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
Aon Hewitt Investment Consulting, Inc, now known as Aon Investments USA, Inc. (“Aon Investments”), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and the Administrative Committee of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (collectively “Lowe’s”) were sued on April 27, 2018 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina (the “Court”) in a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of participants in the Lowe’s 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”). Aon Investments provided investment consulting services to Lowe’s under the ERISA. The plaintiffs contend that in 2015 Lowe’s imprudently placed the Hewitt Growth Fund in the Plan’s lineup of investments, the Hewitt Growth Fund underperformed its benchmarks, and that Aon had a conflict of interest in recommending the proprietary fund for the Plan. The plaintiffs allege the Plan suffered over $200 million in investment losses when compared to the eight funds it replaced. The plaintiffs allege that Aon Investments breached its duties of loyalty and prudence pursuant to the ERISA statute. The matter was tried to the Court the last week of June 2021, and the Court entered judgment in favor of Aon on all claims on October 12, 2021. Plaintiffs have filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Aon believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
A retail insurance brokerage subsidiary of Aon was sued on September 6, 2018 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by a client, Pilkington North America, Inc., that sustained damage from a tornado to its Ottawa, Illinois property. The lawsuit seeks between $45 million and $85 million in property and business interruption damages from either its insurer or Aon. The insurer contends that insurance proceeds were limited to $15 million in coverage by a windstorm sub-limit purportedly contained in the policy procured by Aon for Pilkington. The insurer therefore has tendered $15 million to Pilkington and denied coverage for the remainder of the loss. Pilkington sued the insurer and Aon seeking full coverage for the loss from the insurer or, in the alternative, seeking the same damages against Aon on various theories of professional liability if the court finds that the $15 million sub-limit applies to the claim. Aon believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
Aon faces legal action arising out of a fatal plane crash in November 2016. Aon U.K. Limited placed an aviation civil liability reinsurance policy for the Bolivian insurer of the airline. After the crash, the insurer determined that there was no coverage under the airline’s insurance policy due to the airline’s breach of various policy conditions. In November 2018, the owner of the aircraft filed a claim in Bolivia against Aon, the airline, the insurer and the insurance broker. The claim is for $16 million plus any liability the owner has to third parties. In November 2019, a federal prosecutor in Brazil filed a public civil action naming 3 Aon entities as defendants, along with the airline, the insurer, and the lead reinsurer. That claim seeks pecuniary damages for families affected by the crash in the sum of $300 million; or, in the alternative, $50 million; or, in the alternative, $25 million; plus “moral damages” of an equivalent sum. Separately, in March 2020, the Brazilian Federal Senate invited Aon to give evidence to a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry in an investigation into the accident. Aon is cooperating with that inquiry. In August 2020, 43 individuals (surviving passengers and estates of the deceased) filed a motion in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida, seeking permission to commence proceedings against Aon (and the insurer and reinsurers) for claims totaling $844 million. Finally, in April 2021, representatives of 16 passengers issued a claim against Aon in the High Court in England seeking damages under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 in the sum of £29 million ($39 million at December 31, 2021 exchange rates). Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
Aon Investments and AGI were sued on September 16, 2020, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association NEBC. Aon Investments and its predecessors provided investment advisory services to NEBC since 2009. The NEBC contends that it suffered investment losses exceeding $2 billion in several Structured Alpha funds managed by AGI and recommended by Aon. The NEBC is pursuing claims against Aon Investments for breach of fiduciary duty and breach of cofiduciary duty. The NEBC alleges that Aon Investments and AGI are jointly and severally liable for damages, which include the restoration of investment losses, disgorgement of fees and profits, and attorneys’ fees. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
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In April 2017, the FCA announced an investigation relating to suspected competition law breaches in the aviation and aerospace broking industry, which, for Aon in 2016, represented less than $100 million in global revenue. The European Commission has now assumed jurisdiction over the investigation in place of the FCA.FCA, and the European Commission has now closed its investigation. Other antitrust agencies outside the European CommissionE.U. are also conducting formal or informal investigations regarding these matters. Aon intends to work diligently with all antitrust agencies concerned to ensure they can carry out their work as efficiently as possible. At this time, in light of the uncertainties and many variables involved, weAon cannot estimate the ultimate impact on our company from these investigations or any related private litigation, nor any damages, penalties, or fines related to them. There can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results or operations, or liquidity.
Aon UK Limited is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Our Forms 10-Q for the second and third quarters of 2017 anticipated that Aon UK Limited’s interactions with the FCA (its primary financial regulator in the UK) concerning Aon UK Limited’s systems and controls might result in additional charges above the amounts accrued for in connection with those interactions. Although Aon continues to interact as a matter of course with the FCA, the specific reviews and interactions that Aon anticipated might result in additional charges have concluded without those additional charges materializing.
Settled/Closed Matters
On June 1, 2007, the International Road Transport Union (“IRU”) sued Aon in the Geneva Tribunal of First Instance in Switzerland. IRU alleges, among other things, that, between 1995 and 2004, a business acquired by Aon and, later, an Aon subsidiary (1) accepted commissions for certain insurance placements that violated a fee agreement entered between the parties and (2) negligently failed to ask certain insurance carriers to contribute to the IRU’s risk management costs.  IRU sought damages of approximately CHF 46 million ($47 million at June 30, 2017 exchange rates) and $3 million, plus legal fees and interest of approximately $30 million. On December 2, 2014, the Geneva Tribunal of First Instance entered a judgment that accepted some, and rejected other, of IRU’s claims. The judgment awarded IRU CHF 16.8 million ($17 million at June 30, 2017 exchange rates) and $3.1 million, plus interest and adverse costs. The entire amount of the judgment, including interest through December 31, 2014, totaled CHF 27.9 million ($28 million at December 31, 2014 exchange rates) and $5 million. On January 26, 2015, in return for IRU agreeing not to appeal the bulk of its dismissed claims, the Aon subsidiary agreed not to appeal a part of the judgment and to pay IRU CHF 12.8 million ($14 million at January 31, 2015 exchange rates) and $4.7 million without Aon admitting liability. The Aon subsidiary appealed those aspects of the judgment it retained the right to appeal. IRU did not appeal. After the Geneva Appellate Court affirmed the judgment of the Geneva Tribunal of First Instance, the Aon subsidiary filed an appeal with the Swiss Federal Tribunal. By judgment issued June 16, 2017, the Swiss Federal Tribunal affirmed in part and reversed in part the appellate judgment and remanded the case to the appellate court. IRU and Aon subsidiary agreed that the Aon subsidiary would pay IRU CHF 15.0 million ($15 million at June 30, 2017 exchange rates) and $344,000. As a result of this agreement, the legal proceedings between IRU and the Aon subsidiary have been discontinued.


Guarantees and Indemnifications
Redomestication
In connection with the redomicile of Aon’s headquarters (the “Redomestication”), the Company on April 2, 2012 entered into various agreements pursuant to which it agreed to guarantee the obligations of its subsidiaries arising under issued and outstanding debt securities. Those agreements included the (1) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”) (amending and restating the Indenture, dated as of September 10, 2010, between Aon Corporation and the Trustee), (2) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated as of December 16, 2002, between Aon Corporation and the Trustee), (3) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated as of January 13, 1997, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 13, 1997), and (4) First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Finance N.S. 1, ULC, as issuer, Aon Corporation, as guarantor, Aon plc, as guarantor, and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as trustee.
The Company 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 are included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and are recorded at fair value.
The Company expects that, as prudent business interests dictate, additional guarantees and indemnifications may be issued from time to time.
Guarantee of Registered Securities
In connection with the Reorganization, on April 1, 2020 Aon plc and Aon Global Holdings plc, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, entered into various agreements pursuant to which they agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon Corporation arising under issued and outstanding debt securities, which were previously guaranteed solely by Aon Global Limited and the obligations of Aon Global Limited arising under issued and outstanding debt securities, which were previously guaranteed solely by Aon Corporation. Those agreements include: (1) Second Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, and Aon Global Holdings plc and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”) (amending and restating the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); (2) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated December 12, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited plc and the Trustee); (3) Second Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated May 20, 2015, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); (4) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated November 13, 2015, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee); and (5) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated December 3, 2018, among Aon Corporation, Aon Global Limited and the Trustee).
Sale of the Divested Business
In connection with the sale of the Divested Business, the Company guaranteed future operating lease commitments related to certain facilities assumed by the Buyer.buyer. The Company is obligated to perform under the guarantees if the Divested Business defaults on such leases at any time during the remainder of the lease agreements, which expire on various dates through 2024.2025. As of December 31, 2017,2021, the undiscounted maximum potential future payments under the lease guarantee is $100were $40 million, with an estimated fair value of $23$5 million. No cash payments were made in connection with the lease commitments during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Additionally, the Company is subject to performance guarantee requirements under certain client arrangements that were assumed by the Buyer.buyer. Should the Divested Business fail to perform as required by the terms of the arrangements, the Company would be required to fulfill the remaining contract terms, which expire on various dates through 2023. As of December 31, 2017,2021, the undiscounted maximum potential future payments under the performance guarantees were $212$52 million, with an estimated fair value of less than $1 million. No cash payments were made in connection to the performance guarantees during the year ended December 31, 2021.
98


Letters of Credit
Aon has entered into a number of arrangements whereby the Company’s performance on certain obligations is guaranteed by a third party through the issuance of a letter of credit (“LOCs”).LOCs. The Company had total LOCs outstanding of approximately $96$75 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $902021, and $79 million at December 31, 2016.2020. These letters of creditLOCs cover the beneficiaries related to certain of Aon’s U.S. and Canadian non-qualified pension plan schemes and secure deductible retentions for Aon’s own workers compensation program. The Company has also obtained LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at its international subsidiaries.
Premium Payments
The Company has certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $95$153 million at December 31, 2017, which is unchanged as2021 compared to $113 million at December 31, 2016.2020.
17.    16.    Segment Information
Beginning in the first quarter of 2017 and following the transaction described in Note 4 “Discontinued Operations,” the Company began leading a set of initiatives designed to strengthen Aon and unite the firm with one portfolio of capability enabled by proprietary data and analytics and one operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity and efficiency. These initiatives reinforce Aon’s return on invested capital (“ROIC”) decision-making process and emphasis on free cash flow. The Company is now operatingoperates as one1 segment that includes all of Aon’s continuing operations, which as a global professional services firm provides advicea broad range of risk, health, and wealth solutions to clients focused on risk, retirement, and health through five revenue4 solution lines which make up its principal products and services. The CODM assesses the performance of the Company and allocates resources based on one company:1 segment: Aon United.


The Company’s reportable operating segment has been determined using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner in which Aon’sthe CODM uses financial information for the purposes of allocating resources and evaluating performance. The CODM assesses performance and allocates resources based on total Aon results against its key four4 metrics, including organic revenue growth, expense discipline, and collaborative behaviors that maximize value for Aon and its shareholders, regardless of which revenuesolution line it benefits.
Prior period comparative segment information has been restated to conform with current year presentation. In prior periods, the Company did not include unallocated expenses in segment operating income, which represented corporate governance costs not allocated to the previous operating segments. These costs are now reflected within operating expenses for the current and prior period.  
Revenue from continuing operations for each of the Company’s principal product and service lines is as follows (in millions):
 Year ended December 31
 2017 2016 2015
Commercial Risk Solutions$4,169
 $3,929
 $4,029
Reinsurance Solutions1,429
 1,361
 1,358
Retirement Solutions1,755
 1,707
 1,916
Health Solutions1,515
 1,370
 1,167
Data & Analytic Services1,140
 1,050
 1,021
Elimination(10) (8) (11)
Total revenue$9,998
 $9,409
 $9,480
As Aon is operatingoperates as one1 segment, segment profit or loss is consistent with consolidated reporting as disclosed onin the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Revenues are generally attributed Refer to geographic areas basedNote 3 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for further information on the location of the resources producing the revenues. Intercompany revenues and expenses are eliminated in consolidated results. Consolidated Revenuerevenue by geographic area, which is attributed on the basis of where the services are performed, is as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31Total 
United
States
 
Americas
other than
U.S.
 
United
Kingdom
 
Europe,
Middle East,
& Africa
 
Asia
Pacific
2017$9,998
 $4,425

$976

$1,436

$2,025

$1,136
20169,409
 3,981
 899
 1,354
 1,760
 1,415
20159,480
 3,924
 1,118
 1,419
 1,826
 1,193
principal service line.
Consolidated Non-currentlong-lived assets, net by geographic area are as follows (in millions):
As of December 31TotalUnited
States
Americas other
than U.S.
United
Kingdom
IrelandOther Europe, Middle East, & AfricaAsia
Pacific
2021$1,378 563 121 180 293 214 
2020$1,599 681 127 213 11 357 210 

99
Years ended December 31Total 
United
States
 
Americas
other than
U.S.
 
United
Kingdom
 
Europe,
Middle East,
& Africa
 
Asia
Pacific
2017$564
 $239
 $47
 $68
 $114
 $96
2016550
 243
 60
 65
 85
 97
18.    Guarantee of Registered Securities
As described in Note 16 “Commitments and Contingencies,” in connection with the Redomestication, Aon plc entered into various agreements pursuant to which it agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon Corporation arising under issued and outstanding debt securities, including the 5.00% Notes due September 2020, the 8.205% Notes due January 2027 and the 6.25% Notes due September 2040 (collectively, the “Aon Corp Notes”). Aon Corporation is a 100% indirectly owned subsidiary of Aon plc. All guarantees of Aon plc are full and unconditional. There are no other subsidiaries of Aon plc that are guarantors of the Aon Corp Notes.
In addition, Aon Corporation entered into an agreement pursuant to which it agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon plc arising under the 4.250% Notes due 2042 exchanged for Aon Corporation’s outstanding 8.205% Notes due January 2027 and also agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon plc arising under the 4.45% Notes due 2043, the 4.00% Notes due November 2023, the 2.875%


Notes due May 2026, the 3.50% Notes due June 2024, the 4.60% Notes due June 2044, the 4.75% Notes due May 2045, the 2.80% Notes due March 2021, and the 3.875% Notes due December 2025 (collectively, the “Aon plc Notes”). In each case, the guarantee of Aon Corporation is full and unconditional. There are no subsidiaries of Aon plc, other than Aon Corporation, that are guarantors of the Aon plc Notes. As a result of the existence of these guarantees, the Company has elected to present the financial information set forth in this footnote in accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X.
The following tables set forth Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income and Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, Condensed Consolidating Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, in accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. The condensed consolidating financial information includes the accounts of Aon plc, the accounts of Aon Corporation, and the combined accounts of the non-guarantor subsidiaries. The condensed consolidating financial statements are presented in all periods as a merger under common control. The principal consolidating adjustments are to eliminate the investment in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.
As described in Note 1 “Basis of Presentation,” and consistent with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, the following tables present the financial results of the Divested Business as discontinued operations for all periods presented within non-guarantor Subsidiaries. The impact of intercompany transactions have been reflected within continuing operations in the Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements.


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
  Year Ended December 31, 2017
(millions) Aon plc Aon Corporation 
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Revenue          
Total revenue $
 $
 $9,998
 $
 $9,998
Expenses          
Compensation and benefits 150
 35
 5,904
 
 6,089
Information technology 
 
 419
 
 419
Premises 
 
 348
 
 348
Depreciation of fixed assets 
 
 187
 
 187
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets 
 
 704
 
 704
Other general expenses (income) 12
 (6) 1,266
 
 1,272
Total operating expenses 162
 29
 8,828
 
 9,019
Operating income (loss) (162) (29) 1,170
 
 979
Interest income 
 52
 4
 (29) 27
Interest expense (202) (94) (15) 29
 (282)
Intercompany interest income (expense) 14
 (543) 529
 
 
Intercompany other income (expense) 247
 (411) 164
 
 
Other income (expense) (27) 21
 (51) 18
 (39)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (130) (1,004) 1,801
 18
 685
Income tax expense (benefit) (43) (110) 403
 
 250
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (87) (894) 1,398
 18
 435
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 
 
 828
 
 828
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries (87) (894) 2,226
 18
 1,263
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax 1,295
 1,054
 160
 (2,509) 
Net income 1,208
 160
 2,386
 (2,491) 1,263
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 37
 
 37
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,208
 $160
 $2,349
 $(2,491) $1,226


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
  Year Ended December 31, 2016
(millions) Aon plc Aon Corporation 
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Revenue          
Total revenue $
 $
 $9,409
 $
 $9,409
Expenses          
Compensation and benefits 130
 171
 5,386
 
 5,687
Information technology 
 
 386
 
 386
Premises 
 
 343
 
 343
Depreciation of fixed assets 
 
 162
 
 162
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets 
 
 157
 
 157
Other general expenses (income) 
 2
 1,034
 
 1,036
Total operating expenses 130
 173
 7,468
 
 7,771
Operating income (loss) (130) (173) 1,941
 
 1,638
Interest income 
 16
 22
 (29) 9
Interest expense (196) (101) (14) 29
 (282)
Intercompany interest income (expense) 14
 (541) 527
 
 
Intercompany other income (expense) 274
 (361) 87
 
 
Other income (expense) 15
 (5) 44
 (18) 36
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (23) (1,165) 2,607
 (18) 1,401
Income tax expense (benefit) (55) (325) 528
 
 148
Net income (loss) from continuing operations 32
 (840) 2,079
 (18) 1,253
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 
 
 177
 
 177
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries 32
 (840) 2,256
 (18) 1,430
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax 1,382
 1,219
 379
 (2,980) 
Net income 1,414
 379
 2,635
 (2,998) 1,430
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 34
 
 34
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,414
 $379
 $2,601
 $(2,998) $1,396


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
  Year Ended December 31, 2015
(millions) Aon plc Aon Corporation 
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustment
 Consolidated
Revenue          
Total revenue $
 $
 $9,480
 $
 $9,480
Expenses          
Compensation and benefits 136
 32
 5,437
 
 5,605
Information technology 
 
 389
 
 389
Premises 
 
 362
 
 362
Depreciation of fixed assets 
 
 164
 
 164
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets   
 173
 
 173
Other general expenses (income) 8
 7
 1,185
 
 1,200
Total operating expenses 144
 39
 7,710
 
 7,893
Operating income (loss) (144) (39) 1,770
 
 1,587
Interest income 
 14
 19
 (19) 14
Interest expense (140) (130) (22) 19
 (273)
Intercompany interest income (expense) 429
 (479) 50
 
 
Intercompany other income (expense) 302
 (422) 120
 
 
Other income (expense) (1) 
 101
 
 100
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 446
 (1,056) 2,038
 
 1,428
Income tax expense (benefit) 45
 (262) 392
 
 175
Net income (loss) from continuing operations 401
 (794) 1,646
 
 1,253
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 
 
 169
 
 169
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries 401
 (794) 1,815
 
 1,422
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax 984
 1,289
 495
 (2,768) 
Net income 1,385
 495
 2,310
 (2,768) 1,422
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 37
 
 37
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders $1,385
 $495
 $2,273
 $(2,768) $1,385


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
  Year Ended December 31, 2017
(millions) Aon plc Aon Corporation 
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Net income (loss) $1,208
 $160
 $2,386
 $(2,491) $1,263
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 37
 
 37
Net income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders 1,208
 160
 2,349
 (2,491) 1,226
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:          
Change in fair value of financial instruments 
 3
 9
 
 12
Foreign currency translation adjustments 
 
 408
 (18) 390
Postretirement benefit obligation 
 (101) 120
 
 19
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 
 (98) 537
 (18) 421
Equity in other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries, net of tax 434
 515
 417
 (1,366) 
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 5
 
 5
Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders 434
 417
 949
 (1,384) 416
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders $1,642
 $577
 $3,298
 $(3,875) $1,642

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
  Year Ended December 31, 2016
(millions) Aon plc Aon Corporation 
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net income (loss) $1,414
 $379
 $2,635
 $(2,998) $1,430
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 34
 
 34
Net income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders 1,414
 379
 2,601
 (2,998) 1,396
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:          
Change in fair value of financial instruments 
 (1) (11) 
 (12)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (2) 21
 (532) 18
 (495)
Postretirement benefit obligation 
 68
 (52) 
 16
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (2) 88
 (595) 18
 (491)
Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries, net of tax (505) (547) (459) 1,511
 
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders (507) (459) (1,052) 1,529
 (489)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders $907
 $(80) $1,549
 $(1,469) $907


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
  Year Ended December 31, 2015
(millions) Aon plc 
Aon
Corporation
 
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Net income (loss) $1,385
 $495
 $2,310
 $(2,768) $1,422
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 37
 
 37
Net income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders 1,385
 495
 2,273
 (2,768) 1,385
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:          
Change in fair value of financial instruments 
 
 (8) 
 (8)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 
 (47) (395) 
 (442)
Postretirement benefit obligation 
 12
 143
 
 155
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 
 (35) (260) 
 (295)
Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries, net of tax (289) (259) (294) 842
 
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 (6) 
 (6)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders (289) (294) (548) 842
 (289)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders $1,096
 $201
 $1,725
 $(1,926) $1,096


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
  As of December 31, 2017
(millions) Aon plc 
Aon
Corporation
 
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
ASSETS          
CURRENT ASSETS          
Cash and cash equivalents $1
 $2,524
 $793
 $(2,562) $756
Short-term investments 
 355
 174
 
 529
Receivables, net 
 2
 2,476
 
 2,478
Fiduciary assets 
 
 9,625
 
 9,625
Intercompany receivables 165
 1,046
 10,824
 (12,035) 
Other current assets 1
 29
 259
 
 289
Current assets of discontinued operations 
 
 
 
 
Total Current Assets 167
 3,956
 24,151
 (14,597) 13,677
Goodwill 
 
 8,358
 
 8,358
Intangible assets, net 
 
 1,733
 
 1,733
Fixed assets, net 
 
 564
 
 564
Deferred tax asset 99
 396
 143
 (249) 389
Intercompany receivables 414
 261
 8,232
 (8,907) 
Prepaid pension 
 6
 1,054
 
 1,060
Other non-current assets 1
 35
 271
 
 307
Investment in subsidiary 8,884
 17,910
 20
 (26,814) 
Non-current assets of discontinued operations 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS $9,565
 $22,564
 $44,526
 $(50,567) $26,088
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
LIABILITIES          
CURRENT LIABILITIES          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $574
 $36
 $3,913
 $(2,562) $1,961
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt 
 
 299
 
 299
Fiduciary liabilities 
 
 9,625
 
 9,625
Intercompany payables 130
 11,149
 756
 (12,035) 
Other current liabilities 16
 64
 790
 
 870
Current liabilities of discontinued operations 
 
 
 
 
Total Current Liabilities 720
 11,249
 15,383
 (14,597) 12,755
Long-term debt 4,251
 1,415
 1
 
 5,667
Deferred tax liabilities 
 
 376
 (249) 127
Pension, other postretirement and other post-employment liabilities 
 1,391
 398
 
 1,789
Intercompany payables 
 8,398
 509
 (8,907) 
Other non-current liabilities 11
 91
 1,000
 
 1,102
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES 4,982
 22,544
 17,667
 (23,753) 21,440
           
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 4,583
 20
 26,794
 (26,814) 4,583
Noncontrolling interests 
 
 65
 
 65
TOTAL EQUITY 4,583
 20
 26,859
 (26,814) 4,648
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $9,565
 $22,564
 $44,526
 $(50,567) $26,088


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
  As of December 31, 2016
(millions) Aon plc 
Aon
Corporation
 
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
ASSETS          
CURRENT ASSETS          
Cash and cash equivalents $
 $1,633
 $655
 $(1,862) $426
Short-term investments 
 140
 150
 
 290
Receivables, net 
 3
 2,103
 
 2,106
Fiduciary assets 
 
 8,959
 
 8,959
Intercompany receivables 105
 1,880
 9,825
 (11,810) 
Other current assets 
 25
 222
 
 247
Current assets of discontinued operations 
 
 1,118
 
 1,118
Total Current Assets 105
 3,681
 23,032
 (13,672) 13,146
Goodwill 
 
 7,410
 
 7,410
Intangible assets, net 
 
 1,890
 
 1,890
Fixed assets, net 
 
 550
 
 550
Deferred tax asset 134
 726
 171
 (706) 325
Intercompany receivables 366
 261
 8,711
 (9,338) 
Prepaid pension 
 5
 853
 
 858
Other non-current assets 2
 119
 239
 
 360
Investment in subsidiary 10,107
 17,131
 (356) (26,882) 
Non-current assets of discontinued operations 
 
 2,076
 
 2,076
TOTAL ASSETS $10,714
 $21,923
 $44,576
 $(50,598) $26,615
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
LIABILITIES          
CURRENT LIABILITIES          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $585
 $44
 $2,837
 $(1,862) $1,604
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt 279
 50
 7
 
 336
Fiduciary liabilities 
 
 8,959
 
 8,959
Intercompany payables 142
 10,399
 1,269
 (11,810) 
Other current liabilities 
 63
 593
 
 656
Current liabilities of discontinued operations 
 
 940
 
 940
Total Current Liabilities 1,006
 10,556
 14,605
 (13,672) 12,495
Long-term debt 4,177
 1,413
 279
 
 5,869
Deferred tax liabilities 
 
 759
 (658) 101
Pension, other postretirement and other post-employment liabilities 
 1,356
 404
 
 1,760
Intercompany payables 
 8,877
 461
 (9,338) 
Other non-current liabilities 8
 77
 634
 
 719
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations 
 
 139
 
 139
TOTAL LIABILITIES 5,191
 22,279
 17,281
 (23,668) 21,083
           
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 5,523
 (356) 27,238
 (26,930) 5,475
Noncontrolling interests 
 
 57
 
 57
TOTAL EQUITY 5,523
 (356) 27,295
 (26,930) 5,532
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $10,714
 $21,923
 $44,576
 $(50,598) $26,615


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
  Year Ended December 31, 2017
(millions) Aon plc 
Aon
Corporation
 
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities - continuing operations $2,787
 $503
 $2,010
 $(4,631) $669
Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations 
 
 65
 
 65
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2,787
 503
 2,075
 (4,631) 734
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Proceeds from investments 224
 587
 582
 (1,325) 68
Payments for investments (261) (29) (576) 802
 (64)
Net purchases (sales) of short-term investments - non-fiduciary 
 (215) (17) 
 (232)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired 
 
 (1,029) 
 (1,029)
Sale of businesses, net of cash sold 
 
 4,246
 
 4,246
Capital expenditures 
 
 (183) 
 (183)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities - continuing operations (37) 343
 3,023
 (523) 2,806
Cash used for investing activities - discontinued operations 
 
 (19) 
 (19)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES (37) 343
 3,004
 (523) 2,787
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Share repurchase (2,399) 
 
 
 (2,399)
Advances from (to) affiliates 426
 95
 (4,975) 4,454
 
Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans (121) 
 
 
 (121)
Issuance of debt 544
 1,100
 10
 
 1,654
Repayment of debt (835) (1,150) (14) 
 (1,999)
Cash dividends to shareholders (364) 
 
 
 (364)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities 

 
 (36) 
 (36)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities - continuing operations (2,749) 45
 (5,015) 4,454
 (3,265)
Cash used for financing activities - discontinued operations 
 
 
 
 
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES (2,749) 45
 (5,015) 4,454
 (3,265)
           
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ���
 
 69
 
 69
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 1
 891
 133
 (700) 325
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR (1)
 
 1,633
 660
 (1,862) 431
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD (2)
 $1
 $2,524
 $793
 $(2,562) $756
(1)Includes $5 million of discontinued operations at December 31, 2016.
(2)Includes $0 million of discontinued operations at December 31, 2017


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
  Year Ended December 31, 2016
(millions) Aon plc 
Aon
Corporation
 
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities - continuing operations $2,705
 $(536) $2,768
 $(3,108) $1,829
Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations 
 
 497
 
 497
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2,705
 (536) 3,265
 (3,108) 2,326
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Proceeds from investments 
 316
 15
 (288) 43
Payments for investments 
 (35) (29) 
 (64)
Net purchases (sales) of short-term investments - non-fiduciary 
 70
 (9) 
 61
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired 
 (335) (608) 64
 (879)
Sale of businesses, net of cash sold 
 
 171
 (64) 107
Capital expenditures 
 
 (156) 
 (156)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities - continuing operations 
 16
 (616) (288) (888)
Cash used for investing activities - discontinued operations 
 
 (66) 
 (66)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
 16
 (682) (288) (954)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Share repurchase (1,257) 
 
 
 (1,257)
Advances from (to) affiliates (2,008) 570
 (3,037) 4,475
 
Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans (129) 
 
 
 (129)
Issuance of debt 1,879
 1,588
 
 
 3,467
Repayment of debt (845) (2,088) (12) 
 (2,945)
Cash dividends to shareholders (345) 
 
 
 (345)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities 
 
 (77) 
 (77)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities - continuing operations (2,705) 70
 (3,126) 4,475
 (1,286)
Cash used for financing activities - discontinued operations 
 ���
 
 
 
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES (2,705) 70
 (3,126) 4,475
 (1,286)
           
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
 
 (39) 
 (39)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
 (450) (582) 1,079
 47
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR (1)
 
 2,083
 1,242
 (2,941) 384
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD (2)
 $
 $1,633
 $660
 $(1,862) $431
(1)Includes $2 million of discontinued operations at December 31, 2015.
(2)
Includes $5 million of discontinued operations at December 31, 2016


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
  Year Ended December 31, 2015
(millions) Aon plc 
Aon
Corporation
 
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities - continuing operations $695
 $464
 $2,016
 $(1,673) $1,502
Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations 
 
 507
 
 507
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 695
 464
 2,523
 (1,673) 2,009
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Proceeds from investments 
 27
 193
 
 220
Payments for investments (13) (47) (219) 13
 (266)
Net purchases (sales) of short-term investments - non-fiduciary 
 (42) 51
 
 9
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired 
 
 (16) 
 (16)
Sale of businesses, net of cash sold 
 
 205
 
 205
Capital expenditures 
 
 (200) 
 (200)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities - continuing operations (13) (62) 14
 13
 (48)
Cash used for investing activities - discontinued operations 
 
 (90) 
 (90)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES (13) (62) (76) 13
 (138)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Share repurchase (1,550) 
 
 
 (1,550)
Advances from (to) affiliates 232
 (326) (2,339) 2,433
 
Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans (29) 
 (1) 
 (30)
Issuance of debt 1,318
 4,026
 7
 
 5,351
Repayment of debt (330) (4,746) (22) 
 (5,098)
Cash dividends to shareholders (323) 
 
 
 (323)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities 
 
 (39) 
 (39)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities - continuing operations (682) (1,046) (2,394) 2,433
 (1,689)
Cash used for financing activities - discontinued operations 
 
 
 
 
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES (682) (1,046) (2,394) 2,433
 (1,689)
           
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
 
 (172) 
 (172)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
 (644) (119) 773
 10
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR (1)
 
 2,727
 1,361
 (3,714) 374
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD (2)
 $
 $2,083
 $1,242
 $(2,941) $384
(1)Includes $4 million of discontinued operations at December 31, 2014.
(2)Includes $2 million of discontinued operations at December 31, 2015


19.    Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (in millions, except per share data):


 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 2017
INCOME STATEMENT DATA         
Total revenue$2,381
 $2,368
 $2,340
 $2,909
 $9,998
Operating income343
 (118) 265
 489
 979
Net income from continuing operations265
 (43) 196
 17
 435
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax40
 821
 (4) (29) 828
Net income305
 778
 192
 (12) 1,263
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests14
 9
 7
 7
 37
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$291
 $769
 $185
 $(19) $1,226
PER SHARE DATA         
Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders         
Continuing operations$0.95
 $(0.20) $0.74
 $0.04
 $1.54
Discontinued operations0.15
 3.13
 (0.02) (0.12) 3.20
Net income$1.10
 $2.93
 $0.72
 $(0.08) $4.74
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders         
Continuing operations$0.94
 $(0.20) $0.73
 $0.04
 $1.53
Discontinued operations0.15
 3.13
 (0.01) (0.11) 3.17
Net income$1.09
 $2.93
 $0.72
 $(0.07) $4.70
 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 2016
INCOME STATEMENT DATA         
Total revenue$2,276
 $2,282
 $2,201
 $2,650
 $9,409
Operating income420
 387
 368
 463
 1,638
Net income from continuing operations312
 273
 284
 384
 1,253
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax25
 35
 42
 75
 177
Net income337
 308
 326
 459
 1,430
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests12
 8
 7
 7
 34
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders$325
 $300
 $319
 $452
 $1,396
PER SHARE DATA         
Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders         
Continuing operations$1.11
 $0.99
 $1.03
 $1.42
 $4.55
Discontinued operations0.09
 0.13
 0.16
 0.28
 0.66
Net income$1.20
 $1.12
 $1.19
 $1.70
 $5.21
Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders  

      
Continuing operations$1.10
 $0.98
 $1.03
 $1.40
 $4.51
Discontinued operations0.09
 0.13
 0.15
 0.28
 0.65
Net income$1.19
 $1.11
 $1.18
 $1.68
 $5.16
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.


Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report of December 31, 2017.2021. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded as of December 31, 20172021 that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information relating to Aon, including our consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to Aon’s management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of Aon plc is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.GAAP. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.2021. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in the Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013 Framework). Based on this assessment, management has concluded our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2017.2021.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20172021 has been audited by Ernst & Young, LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report titled “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Overover Financial Reporting.”
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
No changes in Aon’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during 20172021 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, Aon’s internal control over financial reporting.














100


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Aon plc

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Aon plc’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control-IntegratedControl—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework), (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Aon plc (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2021, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statementstatements of financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172021 and 2016,2020, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2021, and the related notes and our report dated February 20, 201818, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report Regarding the Effectiveness ofon Internal Control and Procedures.Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


aon-20211231_g1.jpg

Chicago, Illinois
February 20, 2018

18, 2022

101


Item 9B.    Other Information
Not applicable.


Item 9C.    Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevents Inspections
Not applicable.
102


PART III
Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information relating to Aon’s directors is set forth under the heading “Proposal 1 — Resolutions Regarding the Election of Directors” in ourthe Proxy Statement for the 20182022 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 22, 2018 (the “Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference. Information relating to Aon’s executive officers is set forth in Part I of this report and is incorporated herein by reference. Information relating to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is set forth under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. The remaining information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Corporate Governance” and “Board of Directors and Committees” in the Proxy Statement, and all such information is incorporated herein by reference.
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Company’s directors, officers, and employees, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer and other persons performing similar functions. The text of our code of ethics, which we call our Code of Business Conduct, is available on our website as disclosed in Part 1 of this report. We will provide a copy of the code of ethics without charge upon request to the Company Secretary, Aon plc, 122 LeadenhallMetropolitan Building, James Joyce Street, London EC3V 4AN, United Kingdom.Dublin 1, Ireland. We will disclose on our website any amendment to or waiver from our code of ethics on behalf of any of our executive officers or directors.
Item 11.    Executive Compensation
Information relating to director and executive officer compensation is set forth under the headings “Compensation Committee Report,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” and “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement, and all such information is incorporated herein by reference.
The material incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the heading “Compensation Committee Report” in the Proxy Statement shall be deemed furnished, and not filed, in this Form 10-K and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act as a result of this furnishing, except to the extent that it is specifically incorporated by reference by Aon.
Information relating to compensation committee interlocks and insider participation is set forth under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information relating to equity compensation plans and the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management of Aon plc’s ordinary shares is set forth under the headings “Equity Compensation Plan Information,” “Principal Holders of Voting Securities,” and “Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers” in the Proxy Statement, and all such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required by this Item is included under the headings “Corporate Governance — Director Independence” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information required by this Item is included under the heading “Auditor Fees” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

103



PART IV
Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)
(1) and (2). The following documents have been included in Part II, Item 8.
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42), on Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position — As of December 31, 20172021 and 20162020
Consolidated Statements of Income — Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162021, 2020, and 20152019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income — Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 20152019
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity — Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 20152019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 20152019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following document has been included in Part II, Item 9.
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
All schedules for the Registrant and consolidated subsidiaries have been omitted because the required information is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules or because the information required is included in the respective financial statements or notes thereto.
(a)(3). List of Exhibits (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K)
Plan of Acquisition, Reorganization, Arrangement, Liquidation or Succession.
2.1*
2.2*
2.3*
2.4*
2.5*
Articles of Association.
3.1*
Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures.
4.1*
4.2*Capital Securities Guarantee Agreement dated as of January 13, 1997 between Aon and The Bank of New York, as Guarantee Trustee — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Aon’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-21237) filed on February 6, 1997.
4.3*Capital Securities Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 13, 1997 among Aon, Aon Capital A, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Goldman, Sachs & Co. — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Aon’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-21237) filed on February 6, 1997.
4.4*Debenture Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 13, 1997 among Aon, Aon Capital A, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Goldman, Sachs & Co. — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Aon’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-21237) filed on February 6, 1997.
104


4.5*Guarantee Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 13, 1997 among Aon, Aon Capital A, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Goldman, Sachs & Co. — incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Aon’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-21237) filed on February 6, 1997.
4.6*


4.7*
4.8*
4.9*4.8*
4.10*4.9*
4.11*4.10*
4.12*4.11*
4.13*4.12*
4.14*4.13*
4.15*4.14*
4.16*
4.15*
4.17*
4.16*
4.18*
4.17*
4.19*

4.18*
4.20*

4.19*
4.21*

4.22*




Material Contracts.
10.1*4.20*
4.21*


10.2*4.22*
4.23*
105


4.24*
4.25*
4.26*


4.27*
4.28*
4.29*


4.30*



Material Contracts.
10.1*
10.3*10.2*
10.4*
10.5*
10.3*
10.4*
10.5*


10.6*
10.7*10.6*
10.8*10.7*
10.8*10.9*#
10.10*#
106


10.11*#10.9*#
10.12*#10.10*#
10.13*#10.11*#
10.12*10.14*#
10.15*#10.13*#
10.16*#10.14*#
10.17*#10.15*#
10.16*10.18*#
10.17*10.19*#
10.18*#10.20#
10.21*#
10.22*#
10.23*#
10.19*#Aon plc Amended and Restated Executive Committee Combined Severance and Change in Control Plan, effective September 12, 2016 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aon’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016.




10.20*10.24*#Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers of Aon Corporation - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aon's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 5, 2009.
10.21*#
10.25*#
10.22*10.26*#
10.23*10.27*#
10.28*#10.24*#
10.29*#10.25*#Employment Agreement dated April 4, 2005 between Aon and Gregory C. Case - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aon's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.
10.26*#
10.27*#Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2015, by and betweenamong Aon plc, Aon Corporation and Gregory C. Case - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aon'sAon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2015.
10.30*#10.28*#Amended and Restated Change in Control
10.31*#
107


10.32*#
10.33*#
10.29*10.34*#
10.35*#10.30*#
10.36*#10.31*#
10.37*#
10.38*#
10.39*#
10.40*#
10.41*#10.32*#
10.42*#10.33*#


10.43*#10.34*#

10.44*#
10.45*#
10.46*#10.35*#Employment Agreement


10.47*#10.36*#Amended and Restated Employment Agreement,
10.48*#
10.49*#
10.50#
10.51#
108


10.52*#
10.53*#10.37*#
International Assignment Letter with Stephen P. McGill, effective July 1, 2016
10.54*#
10.55*#10.38*#Separation Agreement entered into
10.39*#Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2014, by and between Aon Corporation and Peter M. Lieb.Gregory C. Case - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to Aon's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.


10.40*#International Assignment Letter with Peter Lieb, effective July 1, 2016 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 104110.6 to Aon’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016.March 31, 2020.
10.56*#10.41*#Employment Agreement
10.57*#10.42*#Amendment
10.58*#10.43*#Amended and Restated Employment Agreement,
10.44*#
10.59*#10.45*#
10.60*#10.46*#
10.47*10.61*#
10.48*10.62*#Aon plc Global Share Purchase Plan effective July 1, 2013, incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 17, 2013, filed on April 1, 2013.
10.49#
10.50*#Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.
10.51*#Aon Supplemental Savings Plan, Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2017,Aon Deferred Compensation Plan, effective December 27, 2019 - incorporated by referencereferenced to theExhibit 10.51 to Aon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2019.
10.52#10.63*#
10.64#
10.65*#
10.66*#
10.67*#
10.68*#
10.69*#
10.70*#
10.71*#
10.72*#
109


10.73*#
Statement re: Computation of Ratios.
12.1.10.74#
10.75*#
10.76*#
10.77*#
10.78*
10.79*#
10.80*
10.81*#
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
2121.1
Subsidiary Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize Securities of the Registrant
22.1
Consents of Experts and Counsel.
23
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.
31.1.
31.2.



110


Section 1350 Certifications.
Section 1350 Certifications.
32.1.
32.2.
XBRL Exhibits.
Interactive Data Files. The following materials are filed electronically with this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
101.INS101.SCHXBRL Report Instance Document.
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)*

*    Document has been previously filed with the Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC and is incorporated herein by reference herein. Unless otherwise indicated, such document was filed under Commission File Number 001-07933.
#    Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
The registrant agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC upon request a copy of (1) any long-term debt instruments that have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, and (2) any schedules omitted with respect to any material plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or succession set forth above.


Item16.    Form 10-K Summary
None.
111


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Aon plc
By:/s/ GREGORY C. CASE
Gregory C. Case, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Date:February 20, 201818, 2022
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
/s/ GREGORY C. CASEChief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
February 18, 2022
Gregory C. Case
SignatureTitleDate
/s/ GREGORY C. CASE
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
February 20, 2018
Gregory C. Case
/s/ LESTER B. KNIGHTNon-Executive Chairman and DirectorFebruary 20, 201818, 2022
Lester B. Knight
/s/ JIN-YONG CAIDirectorFebruary 20, 201818, 2022
Jin-Yong Cai
/s/ JEFFREY C. CAMPBELLDirectorFebruary 18, 2022
Jeffrey C. Campbell
/s/ FULVIO CONTIDirectorFebruary 20, 201818, 2022
Fulvio Conti
/s/ CHERYL A. FRANCISDirectorFebruary 20, 201818, 2022
Cheryl A. Francis
/s/ J. MICHAEL LOSHDirectorFebruary 20, 201818, 2022
J. Michael Losh
/s/ ROBERT S. MORRISONDirectorFebruary 20, 2018
Robert S. Morrison
/s/ RICHARD B. MYERSDirectorFebruary 20, 201818, 2022
Richard B. Myers
/s/ RICHARD C. NOTEBAERTDirectorFebruary 20, 201818, 2022
Richard C. Notebaert
/s/ GLORIA SANTONADirectorFebruary 20, 201818, 2022
Gloria Santona
/s/ BYRON SPRUELLDirectorFebruary 18, 2022
Byron Spruell
/s/ CAROLYN Y. WOODirectorFebruary 20, 201818, 2022
Carolyn Y. Woo
/s/ CHRISTA DAVIESExecutive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)
February 20, 201818, 2022
Christa Davies
/s/ LAUREL MEISSNERMICHAEL NELLERSenior Vice President and
Global Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)
February 20, 201818, 2022
Laurel MeissnerMichael Neller

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