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Aon Plc (AON)
NYSE:AON

Aon (AON) AI Stock Analysis

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AO

Aon

(NYSE:AON)

73Outperform
Aon's overall stock score reflects strong financial performance and positive guidance from the earnings call, indicating robust operational capabilities and strategic execution. However, the high leverage on the balance sheet and relatively high valuation metrics temper the score. Technical indicators suggest bullish momentum but highlight potential risks of overbought conditions. The valuation concerns and market volatility challenges are notable factors impacting the score.
Positive Factors
Growth Strategy
The roll-off of Aon United+NFP Integration costs represents a nearly $500mm tailwind.
Leadership
Aon made a notable hire by naming ex-Lloyd's CEO John Neal as Global CEO of Reinsurance.
Market Position
Aon currently trades as the third most inexpensive insurance broker on a consensus free cash flow basis.
Negative Factors
Financial Performance
Aon's working capital impact on operating cash flows deteriorated significantly and was negative for the first time since 2019.
Leadership Departure
The departure of Eric Andersen is viewed by some investors as the loss of talent that had helped propel Aon's stock price over the past decade.
Revenue Challenges
Aon's EPS estimates move lower on reduced revenue due to foreign exchange issues and higher pension expenses.

Aon (AON) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Aon Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAon plc, a professional services firm, provides advice and solutions to clients focused on risk, retirement, and health worldwide. It offers commercial risk solutions, including retail brokerage, cyber, and global risk consulting solutions, as well as acts as a captives management; and health solutions, such as health and benefits brokerages, and health care exchanges. The company also provides treaty and facultative reinsurance, as well as insurance-linked securities, capital raising, strategic advice, restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions services; and corporate finance advisory services and capital markets solutions products. In addition, it offers strategic design consulting services on their retirement programs, actuarial services, and risk management services; advice services on developing and maintaining investment programs across a range of plan types, including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, endowments, and foundations for public and private companies, and other institutions; and advice and solutions that help clients in risk, health, and wealth through commercial risk, reinsurance, health, and wealth solutions. Further, the company offers CoverWallet; Affinity; Aon Inpoint; CoverWallet; and ReView services. Aon plc was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
How the Company Makes MoneyAon makes money primarily through fees and commissions earned from its risk and insurance brokerage services, where it acts as an intermediary between clients and insurance carriers. The company also generates revenue from its consulting services in risk management, retirement, and health solutions, providing tailored advice and solutions to clients. Additionally, Aon derives income from its data and analytics services, which offer insights and tools to help clients make informed decisions about risk and benefit management. Partnerships with insurance companies and other financial institutions also play a significant role in Aon's revenue generation, as these relationships enable the company to offer a wide range of products and services to its clients.

Aon Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Aon's financial performance is marked by strong revenue and profit growth, supported by efficient cash generation. The company exhibits robust profitability margins but faces challenges with high leverage, impacting its balance sheet stability. Overall, Aon demonstrates a solid financial standing with some leverage-related risks that are mitigated by strong operational efficiency and cash flow management.
Income Statement
88
Very Positive
Aon has demonstrated strong revenue growth over the years, with a significant increase from $11.01 billion in 2019 to $15.70 billion in 2024. The company maintains healthy gross and net profit margins, with a gross profit margin of 47.2% and a net profit margin of 16.9% in 2024. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are robust at 24.4% and 24.4% respectively, reflecting efficient operations. The company shows a consistent upward trend in profitability, signaling a strong competitive position in the insurance industry.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
Aon's balance sheet shows a high debt-to-equity ratio due to substantial total debt of $17.70 billion against a stockholders' equity of $6.12 billion in 2024. However, the company's ROE is strong at 43.4%, indicating efficient use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio stands at 12.5%, suggesting a moderate level of financial leverage. The company's balance sheet stability is somewhat impacted by high leverage, but the strong ROE offsets some of this risk.
Cash Flow
81
Very Positive
Aon has a healthy operating cash flow of $3.04 billion and a strong free cash flow of $2.82 billion in 2024. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 1.14, and the free cash flow to net income ratio is 1.06, indicating efficient cash generation relative to net income. Although free cash flow growth has fluctuated, the company maintains a solid cash flow position, supporting its financial flexibility.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
15.70B13.38B12.48B12.19B11.07B
Gross Profit
7.42B6.47B6.00B5.46B5.16B
EBIT
3.83B3.79B3.67B2.09B2.78B
EBITDA
4.94B3.91B3.83B2.58B3.21B
Net Income Common Stockholders
2.65B2.56B2.59B1.25B1.97B
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
1.30B1.15B1.14B836.00M1.19B
Total Assets
48.97B33.96B32.70B31.93B32.11B
Total Debt
17.70B12.03B11.46B10.16B8.63B
Net Debt
16.62B11.25B10.77B9.62B7.74B
Total Liabilities
42.53B34.70B33.13B30.77B28.52B
Stockholders Equity
6.12B-826.00M-529.00M1.06B3.50B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
2.82B3.18B3.02B2.04B2.64B
Operating Cash Flow
3.04B3.44B3.22B2.18B2.78B
Investing Cash Flow
-2.83B-188.00M-449.00M49.00M-679.00M
Financing Cash Flow
796.00M-2.87B-1.79B-1.92B-2.09B

Aon Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price369.02
Price Trends
50DMA
390.62
Negative
100DMA
379.04
Negative
200DMA
357.54
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.66
Positive
RSI
55.74
Neutral
STOCH
65.47
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AON, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 369.02 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 388.24, below the 50-day MA of 390.62, and above the 200-day MA of 357.54, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 1.66 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 55.74 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 65.47 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for AON.

Aon Risk Analysis

Aon disclosed 36 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Aon reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Aon Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
AJAJG
79
Outperform
$82.81B49.819.46%0.76%15.21%46.99%
76
Outperform
$18.72B35.2832.89%1.29%16.38%34.58%
BRBRO
76
Outperform
$33.43B33.7716.35%0.48%12.89%13.50%
MMMMC
76
Outperform
$113.15B28.0431.80%1.43%7.60%8.66%
AOAON
73
Outperform
$80.65B29.89100.25%0.72%17.51%1.31%
WTWTW
72
Outperform
$31.29B-1.12%1.18%4.74%-108.62%
64
Neutral
$13.46B9.449.34%4.72%16.14%-8.80%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AON
Aon
369.02
60.54
19.63%
AJG
Arthur J Gallagher & Co
325.72
89.52
37.90%
BRO
Brown & Brown
117.26
35.08
42.69%
ERIE
Erie Indemnity Company
414.85
35.39
9.33%
MMC
Marsh & Mclennan Companies
228.77
32.45
16.53%
WTW
Willis Towers Watson
316.64
59.41
23.10%

Aon Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Jan 31, 2025 | % Change Since: -0.66% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 25, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Aon's earnings call highlighted strong financial performance in 2024 and successful execution of strategic plans, despite facing external challenges like market volatility and FX headwinds. The company's solid outlook for 2025 further supports a positive sentiment.
Highlights
Strong Fiscal Year 2024 Performance
Aon reported a 6% organic revenue growth and a total revenue increase of 17% for the full year 2024. Operating income grew by 17%, with a 10% increase in adjusted earnings per share and continued strong free cash flow.
Successful Execution of 3x3 Plan
Year one of Aon's 3x3 Plan led to winning more clients, expanding relationships, and improved client retention. The plan focuses on Risk Capital, Human Capital, Aon client leadership, and Aon Business Services.
Significant NFP Acquisition Impact
The acquisition of NFP expanded Aon's presence in the middle market, contributing $36 million in acquired EBITDA. The integration is on track, with strong producer retention and top-line growth.
Improvements in Client Leadership and Service Delivery
Aon's Enterprise Client Group showed 5 points of new business growth above the Aon average. The launch of advanced analytics tools like the Property Risk Analyzer and Cyber Risk Analyzer improved client experiences.
Continued Margin and Cash Flow Growth Expected
Aon expects mid-single-digit or greater organic revenue growth, margin expansion, strong adjusted EPS growth, and double-digit free cash flow growth in 2025.
Lowlights
Challenges from Market Volatility
Aon faces challenges from increasing market volatility and complexity, driven by mega trends in trade, technology, weather, and workforce, impacting client demand.
Lower Reinsurance Rate Impact
Reinsurance saw a modestly negative rate impact during the fourth quarter, which was offset by modest rate benefits in other areas.
FX and Interest Rate Headwinds
Aon anticipates an approximately $0.32 or 2-point EPS headwind from FX rates and a $110 million revenue impact in Q1 2025. Interest rate impacts on investment income from fiduciary balances are expected to dilute margins by 20 basis points.
Company Guidance
During Aon plc's Fourth Quarter 2024 conference call, CEO Greg Case provided guidance for the company's future, emphasizing the strong performance and strategic execution in 2024, which marked the first year of their 3x3 Plan. The company achieved 6% organic revenue growth and 17% total revenue growth, with a 17% increase in operating income and a 10% rise in adjusted earnings per share. Aon aims to maintain mid-single-digit or greater organic revenue growth, continue margin expansion in line with historical performance, and achieve strong adjusted EPS and double-digit free cash flow growth in 2025. The company highlighted progress across Risk Capital and Human Capital, client leadership models, and Aon Business Services, with plans to continue investing in growth areas and new technology-driven solutions.

Aon Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Aon Announces Leadership Transition with New President
Neutral
Mar 17, 2025

On March 14, 2025, Eric Andersen transitioned from his role as President of Aon plc to become a Senior Advisor, while CEO Gregory C. Case took on the additional title of President. Andersen, who joined Aon in 1997, played a pivotal role in advancing the firm’s Aon United strategy, integrating its Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities, and operationalizing the 3×3 Plan to better serve clients. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Aon’s offerings and analytics, contributing significantly to the firm’s ability to deliver value to clients. Andersen expressed gratitude for his nearly three-decade tenure at Aon and looks forward to the firm’s continued growth and success.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Aon Announces Leadership Transition with Key Role Changes
Neutral
Mar 13, 2025

On March 13, 2025, Aon plc announced a leadership transition with Michael Neller moving from his role as Chief Accounting Officer and Global Controller to become the Deputy Global Chief People Officer, focusing on Total Rewards and Talent Development. The company is initiating a search for a new Chief Accounting Officer and Global Controller, with Neller continuing in his current role until a successor is appointed, indicating a strategic shift in leadership roles that may impact the company’s operational focus and talent management strategies.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.