Archive for February, 2009

Conseco Announces Annual Meeting Date - Posted by Steven Wevodau

CARMEL, Ind., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Conseco, Inc. (NYSE: CNO - News) today announced that its annual meeting of shareholders will be held at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) on May 12, 2009 at its offices in Carmel, Indiana. Holders of record at the close of business on March 16 will be entitled to vote at the meeting. The annual meeting will also be available via webcast, which will be accessible through the Investors section of the company’s website.Conseco, Inc.’s insurance companies help protect working American families and seniors from financial adversity: Medicare supplement, long-term care, cancer, heart/stroke and accident policies protect people against major unplanned expenses; annuities and life insurance products help people plan for their financial futures. For more information, visit Conseco’s web site at http://www.conseco.com/.

 

 


Source: Conseco, Inc.
Posted by Steven Wevodau

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Triple-S Management Corporation Reschedules Fourth Quarter and 2008 Earnings Release and Webcast - Posted by Steven Wevodau

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Triple-S Management Corporation (NYSE: GTS - News) today announced that it has rescheduled its fourth quarter and 2008 earnings release and conference call. The Company plans to release financial results for the three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2008, before the market opens on February 19, 2009. Ramon M. Ruiz-Comas, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Juan-Jose Roman, Finance Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call to discuss these results and the Company’s 2009 outlook at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.To participate on the call, please dial 800-366-7640 or 303-205-0066 at least 5 minutes before start time. The conference call will also be simulcast live on the Internet, and can be accessed by logging onto http://www.triplesmanagement.com. In addition, a replay will be available through March 5, 2009 by calling 800-405-2236 or 303-590-3000 and entering passcode 11126734. A replay will also be available on the Company’s web site for 30 days.

About Triple-S Management Corporation

Triple-S Management Corporation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association. It is the largest managed care company in Puerto Rico, serving approximately 1.2 million members, or about 30% of the population, and has the exclusive right to use the Blue Shield name and mark throughout the country. With more than 50 years of experience in the industry, Triple-S Management offers a broad portfolio of managed care and related products in the commercial, Medicare, and Reform markets under the Blue Shield brand. In addition to its managed care business, Triple-S Management provides non-Blue Shield branded life and property and casualty insurance in Puerto Rico. The Company is the largest provider of life, accident, and health insurance and the fourth largest provider of property and casualty insurance in its market.

For more information about Triple-S Management, visit http://www.triplesmanagement.com or email waller_kathleen@yahoo.com.

 

 


Source: Triple-S Management Corporation
Posted by Steven Wevodau

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Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 Steve Wevodau - Accident & Health Comments Off

Eastern Insurance Holdings, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2008 Results

Posted by Steven Wevodau

LANCASTER, Pa., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Eastern Insurance Holdings, Inc. (”EIHI”) (Nasdaq: EIHI - News) today reported earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2008. In spite of strong results in our workers’ compensation insurance and group benefits insurance segments, EIHI reported a net loss of $18.4 million, or $2.10 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to net income of $7.7 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, for the same period in 2007. The net loss of $2.10 per diluted share includes net realized investment losses of $0.46 per diluted share, limited partnership investment losses of $0.16 per diluted share, an increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses in the run-off specialty reinsurance segment of $1.58 per diluted share and the write-off of the run-off specialty reinsurance segment deferred tax asset of $0.24 per diluted share, which in total reduced EIHI’s diluted earnings per share by $2.44. EIHI’s diluted book value per share was $14.13 as of December 31, 2008.”For the second consecutive quarter, strong operating results in our core products were overshadowed by an increase in the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses in the run-off specialty reinsurance segment and the continued unprecedented deterioration of the financial markets,” said Bruce M. Eckert, Chief Executive Officer. “Every quarter of 2008 produced solid operating results in both of our core insurance segments, culminating in the fourth quarter, with a workers’ compensation insurance combined ratio of 81.3 percent and a combined ratio in group benefits insurance of 93.7 percent. For all of 2008, combined ratios in workers’ compensation insurance and group benefits insurance were 80.2 percent and 97.3 percent, respectively. Both combined ratios will, I believe, be among the industry leaders in their respective lines of business. I was extremely pleased with the 2008 direct written premium organic growth of 9.9 percent achieved in our very profitable workers’ compensation insurance business and am equally pleased with the January 2009 production within this segment.”

Eckert added, “We again experienced investment declines as indicated by after-tax net realized losses of $5.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008, the majority of which relates to other-than-temporary impairments on our equity portfolio. We also recorded an after-tax loss on our limited partnership portfolio of $1.4 million, which was not recorded as an other-than-temporary decline, but rather in accordance with an accounting convention that requires changes in the market value of limited partnership investments be recorded in the statement of operations.”

Eckert continued, “The most significant disappointment, which occurred not only in the fourth quarter, but throughout 2008, was the performance of our run-off specialty reinsurance segment, which was placed in run-off at mid-year. The reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses in this segment were increased by $13.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2008 due to claim issues identified during the annual audit of the ceding company’s claim records, which was conducted in January 2009. The poor results in our run-off specialty reinsurance segment were exacerbated by the write-off of its deferred tax asset due to the lack of projected future taxable income in this segment to utilize current net operating losses. We have already begun to identify future tax planning strategies to utilize the net operating losses in future periods; however, we expect that any recognition of these tax benefits would occur over a significant period of time.”

Consolidated highlights for the fourth quarter include:

 

  • Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2008 decreased $8.0 million to $30.1 million, compared to $38.1 million for the same period in 2007. The decrease in revenue is due primarily to a decrease in net investment income and an increase in net realized investment losses and losses from limited partnerships, partially offset by an increase in earned premium. Net premiums earned increased during the fourth quarter despite a $2.8 million earned premium reduction from the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2008 in the run-off specialty reinsurance segment;
  • Net premiums earned increased $2.1 million to $36.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 from $34.3 million during the same period in 2007. Consolidated net premiums earned increased 6.1 percent due primarily to the organic growth in workers’ compensation premium and the acquisition of Employers Security Insurance Company partially offset by the termination of the reinsurance treaty effective July 1, 2008 that comprised the run-off specialty reinsurance segment;
  • Net investment income decreased $600,000 to $2.2 million ($1.6 million after-tax) for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to $2.8 million ($2.0 million after-tax) for the same period in 2007. The decrease in net investment income is due primarily to a decrease in overall invested assets;
  • The change in equity interest in other long-term investments decreased $2.3 million to a loss of $2.0 million ($1.4 million after-tax) for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to income of $346,000 ($225,000 after-tax) for the same period in 2007;
  • Net realized investment losses increased $7.5 million to $6.9 million ($5.0 million after-tax) for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to net realized investment gains of $567,000 ($417,000 after-tax) for the same period in 2007. Net realized investment losses for 2008 include $6.0 million ($4.4 million after-tax) of other-than-temporary impairments, primarily on equity securities;
  • No favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years was recorded in the workers’ compensation insurance segment for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to $3.9 million ($2.5 million after-tax) for the same period in 2007;
  • The reserves for losses and loss adjustment expense in the run-off specialty reinsurance segment were increased $13.9 million ($13.9 million after-tax) during the fourth quarter of 2008 due to claim issues identified during the annual audit of the ceding company’s claim records. During its January 2009 ceding company claims audit, EIHI identified that the recent unfavorable loss reserve development on its underground storage tank business was primarily the result of states requiring quicker and more extensive remediation of sites in order to better preserve the environment, increased construction costs in the ceding company’s underwriting territories and in litigated cases, the courts appear to be ruling more in favor of environmental protection than enforcing coverage issues under the ceding company’s insurance policies. The claim audit results were communicated to and corroborated by the ceding company. The $13.9 million increase in the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses represents the estimated impact that the aforementioned identified issues may have on the remaining claim inventory;
  • After-tax intangible asset amortization expense of $253,000 was recorded for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to $283,000 for the fourth quarter of 2007; and
  • The net deferred tax asset in the run-off specialty reinsurance segment was reduced to zero, which negatively impacted results by $2.1 million. The run-off specialty reinsurance business resides at Eastern Re Ltd., SPC, a foreign corporation, and the deferred tax asset primarily relates to net operating loss carryforwards. Foreign net operating loss carryforwards cannot be used to offset income generated by United States corporations. Accordingly, the run-off specialty reinsurance business must demonstrate that it can generate sufficient future foreign income in the foreseeable future to utilize the foreign net operating losses. Considering recent historical losses, management believes it is unlikely Eastern Re will generate sufficient taxable income in the foreseeable future, which is generally defined as within the next year. We have already begun to identify future tax planning strategies that may permit us to utilize the net operating losses in future periods.

Weighted average fully diluted shares considered outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:

 

                                                   2008        2007
    Shares from stock offering, net of
     ESOP shares                                6,727,500   6,727,500
    Shares issued to EHC shareholders           3,876,048   3,876,048
    Weighted average ESOP shares                  180,934     105,981
    Weighted average restricted stock
     shares (1)                                    49,335      38,213
    Weighted average treasury shares
     purchased                                 (2,069,000)   (951,811)
    Stock warrants(1)                                   -     306,099

    Total                                       8,764,818  10,102,030

    (1) Stock warrants of 306,099 and restricted stock of 11,099 were
        anti-dilutive to diluted earnings per share and, accordingly,
        were excluded from the calculation.

Segment Operating Results

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

EIHI’s workers’ compensation insurance segment reported net income of $356,000 for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $5.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2007. Highlights for the fourth quarter include:

 

  • The combined ratio was 81.3 percent for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to 51.3 percent for the same period last year;
  • Direct written premiums increased to $18.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to $13.1 million for the same period in 2007, an increase of 43.5 percent;
  • Net premiums earned increased to $20.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with $15.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, an increase of 29.9 percent;
  • Audit premium, which results from an examination of the policyholders’ payroll and other records, resulted in the Company recording additional premium of $475,000 for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $495,000 for the same period in 2007;
  • Net investment income was $1.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2007;
  • The change in equity interest in other long-term investments decreased $1.3 million to a loss of $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to income of $202,000 for the same period in 2007;
  • After-tax net realized investment losses of $2.2 million were recorded for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to after-tax net realized investment gains of $34,000 for the same period in 2007;
  • The accident year loss and LAE ratio was 60.0 percent for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. For the three months ended December 31, 2008, no favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years was recorded, compared to favorable loss reserve development on prior accident years of $3.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, which decreased the 2007 loss ratio by 25.3 percentage points; and
  • The expense ratio was 20.8 percent for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to 14.5 percent for the same period in 2007. The increase in the expense ratio is primarily due to start-up costs associated with EIHI’s expansion into the Southeast and the Company’s state licensing initiatives. Furthermore, EIHI did not receive an assessment from the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Security Fund in 2007, which lowered the 2007 workers’ compensation expense ratio by 6.0 points.

Segregated Portfolio Cell Reinsurance

The segregated portfolio cell reinsurance segment added two new programs for the year ended December 31, 2008, bringing the total number of active programs to fifteen. Activity in this segment has increased despite current economic trends, largely as a result of our expansion into the Southeast and Midwest markets.

Group Benefits Insurance

EIHI’s group benefits insurance segment reported a net loss of $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to net income of $1.6 million for the same period in 2007. Highlights for the fourth quarter include:

 

  • The combined ratio was 93.7 percent for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to 86.8 percent for the same period last year;
  • Net premiums earned were $9.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $9.3 million in 2007;
  • Net investment income was $554,000 for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $763,000 for the fourth quarter of 2007. The decrease in net investment income is due primarily to a decrease in the invested asset base;
  • The change in equity interest of other long-term investments decreased $600,000 to a loss of $567,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to income of $111,000 for the same period in 2007;
  • After-tax net realized investment losses of $1.4 million were recorded for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to after-tax net realized investment gains of $120,000 for the same period in 2007;
  • The calendar year loss and LAE ratio was 62.5 percent for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to 59.8 percent for the same period in 2007; and
  • The expense ratio was 31.2 percent for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to 26.9 percent for the same period in 2007.

Run-Off Specialty Reinsurance

Prior to July 1, 2008, business in the run-off specialty reinsurance segment was assumed through participation in a reinsurance treaty with an unaffiliated ceding company related to an underground storage tank insurance program, referred to as “EnviroGuard,” and a non-hazardous waste transportation product, referred to as “EIA Liability.” Effective July 1, 2008, EIHI terminated the reinsurance treaty that comprised the run-off specialty reinsurance segment.

EIHI’s run-off specialty reinsurance segment reported a net loss of $16.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to net income of $271,000 for the same period last year. Highlights for the fourth quarter include:

 

  • Net premiums earned were $932,000 for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $3.7 million in 2007. The decrease in net premiums earned is due to the July 1, 2008 termination of the reinsurance treaty that comprised the run-off specialty reinsurance segment;
  • Net investment income was $308,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to $372,000 for the same period last year;
  • The change in equity interest of other long-term investments decreased $368,000 to a loss of $335,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to income of $33,000 for the same period in 2007; and
  • After-tax net realized investment losses of $473,000 were recorded for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to net realized investment gains of $12,000 for the same period in 2007.

Corporate and Other

The corporate and other segment primarily includes corporate expenses and EIHI’s third party administration business. The corporate and other segment recorded a net loss of $1.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008, compared to a net loss of $117,000 for the same period in 2007. The 2007 net loss included a tax-related purchase accounting adjustment of $836,000, which decreased the net loss in 2007.

Financial Condition

Total assets were $377.3 million as of December 31, 2008. Shareholders’ equity was $138.1 million as of December 31, 2008. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company repurchased 39,203 common shares at a total cost of $347,553, representing a weighted average price of $8.87 per share. As of December 31, 2008, EIHI’s book value per share and diluted book value per share were $14.52 and $14.13, respectively. Outstanding shares used to calculate book value per share and diluted book value per share were 9,512,366 and 10,467,653, respectively, as of December 31, 2008. The basic book value per share calculation includes the impact of restricted stock awards of 251,675 shares. The diluted book value per share calculation includes the additional impact of warrants to purchase 306,099 common shares, which have an exercise price of $1.63 per share and stock options to purchase 649,188 common shares, which have a weighted average exercise price of $14.36.

Conference Call with Investors

EIHI will hold a conference call with investors beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, February 13, 2009 to review the Company’s 2008 fourth quarter results. The conference call will be available via a live webcast accessed through the Investor Relations section of www.easterninsuranceholdings.com. The dial-in numbers for the conference call are as follows:

 

                                    Live Call
                                    ---------
                             800-860-2442 (Domestic)
                          412-858-4600 (International)

A replay of the conference call will be available through February 23, 2009, at 877-344-7529 (domestic) and 412-317-0088 (international). The replay passcode for the conference call is 427503. An online archive of the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.easterninsuranceholdings.com for one year following the call.

Consolidated Financial Results

Set forth in the tables below are the unaudited consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 and unaudited results of operations for the three months and years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

               EASTERN INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
           (Unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share data)

                                                    December 31, December 31,
                                                        2008         2007

    ASSETS

    Investments:
      Fixed income securities, at estimated fair
       value (amortized cost, $180,102; $202,039)   $183,136     $205,785
      Convertible bonds, at estimated fair value
       (amortized cost, $13,783; $14,232)             12,346       15,478
      Equity securities, at estimated fair value
       (cost, $22,287; $19,578)                       17,162       20,541
      Other long-term investments at estimated
       fair value (cost, $10,586; $10,386)             9,519       11,317

        Total investments                            222,163      253,121

    Cash and cash equivalents                         52,875       45,940
    Accrued investment income                          2,058        2,290
    Premiums receivable (net of allowance, $581;
     $558)                                            29,615       26,846
    Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid
     losses and loss adjustment expenses              29,637       26,303
    Deferred acquisition costs                         5,760        6,257
    Deferred income taxes, net                         6,281        1,229
    Federal income taxes recoverable                      16          846
    Intangible assets                                  9,179        6,372
    Goodwill                                          10,752        7,992
    Other assets                                       8,975        8,322

      Total assets                                  $377,311     $385,518

    LIABILITIES

    Reserves for unpaid losses and loss
     adjustment expenses                            $159,117     $129,788
    Unearned premium reserves                         42,365       39,826
    Advance premium                                    1,594        1,380
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses             13,136        8,422
    Ceded reinsurance balances payable                 6,886        6,762
    Benefit plan liabilities                             497          334
    Segregated portfolio cell dividend payable        13,140       13,168
    Loan payable                                       2,439            -
    Junior subordinated debentures                         -        8,007

      Total liabilities                              239,174      207,687

    Commitments and contingencies

    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    Series A preferred stock, par value $0,
     auth. shares-5,000,000; no shares issued
     and outstanding                                       -            -
    Common capital stock, par value $0, auth.
     shares-20,000,000; issued-11,602,723 and
     11,597,723, respectively;
     outstanding-9,512,366 and 10,580,858,
     respectively                                          -            -
    Unearned ESOP compensation                        (5,606)      (6,354)
    Additional paid in capital                       111,772      110,166
    Treasury stock, at cost (2,090,357 and
     1,016,865 shares, respectively)                 (32,655)     (15,589)
    Retained earnings                                 66,492       86,363
    Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
     income, net                                      (1,866)       3,245

      Total shareholders' equity                     138,137      177,831

      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity    $377,311     $385,518

                EASTERN INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
            (Unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share data)

                              Three Months Ended          Years Ended
                          December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
                                 2008        2007      2008          2007

    Revenue:
       Net premiums
        earned                 $36,444     $34,269  $135,807      $129,495
       Net investment
        income                   2,224       2,755     9,631        11,669
       Change in equity
        interest in
        other long-term
        investments             (2,005)        346    (3,970)          759
       Net realized
        investment
        (losses) gains          (6,904)        567   (11,117)        2,888
       Other revenue               331         166       853           683
           Total revenue        30,090      38,103   131,204       145,494

    Expenses:
       Losses and loss
        adjustment
        expenses
        incurred                36,258      15,620    99,188        73,588
       Acquisition and
        other
        underwriting
        expenses                 4,694       3,809    18,918        17,056
       Other expenses            6,225       5,805    25,338        21,801
       Amortization of
        intangible
        assets                     389         435     1,373         1,738
       Policyholder
        dividends                  298         194       551           543
       Segregated
        portfolio
        dividend expense          (447)      2,250     2,155  `      4,423
           Total expenses       47,417      28,113   147,523       119,149
           (Loss) income
            before income
            taxes              (17,327)      9,990   (16,319)       26,345
       Income tax
        expense                  1,044       2,333     1,064         7,662
           Net (loss) income  $(18,371)     $7,657  $(17,383)      $18,683
    Earnings per
     share (EPS):
    Basic shares
     outstanding             8,764,818   9,757,718 8,954,097    10,264,369
    Basis EPS                   $(2.10)      $0.78    $(1.94)        $1.82

    Diluted shares
     outstanding             8,764,818  10,102,030 8,954,097    10,604,349
    Diluted EPS                 $(2.10)      $0.76    $(1.94)        $1.76

Cautionary Statement

Some of the statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of these terms or other terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the time the statements are made and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, therefore no assurance can be given that management’s expectations, beliefs or projections will occur or be achieved or accomplished. Factors that could affect the Company’s actual results include, among others, the fact that our loss reserves are based on estimates and may be inadequate to cover our actual losses; the uncertain effects of emerging claim and coverage issues on our business; the geographic concentration of our business; an inability to obtain or collect on our reinsurance protection; a downgrade in the A.M. Best rating of our insurance subsidiaries; the impact of extensive regulation of the insurance industry and legislative and regulatory changes; a failure to realize our investment objectives; the effects of intense competition; the loss of one or more principal employees; the inability to acquire additional capital on favorable terms; a failure of independent insurance brokers to adequately market our products; and the effects of acts of terrorism or war. More information about these and other factors that potentially could affect our financial results is included in our Form S-1 Registration Statement, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and in our other public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. This press release also does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, EIHI securities. Such an offer will be made only by means of a prospectus.

 

 


Source: Eastern Insurance Holdings, Inc.

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Sunday, February 15th, 2009 Steve Wevodau - Accident & Health Comments Off

Assurant President and CEO Robert B. Pollock to Present at Merrill Lynch Insurance Investor Conference on Feb. 24 - Posted by Steven Wevodau

NEW YORK, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Assurant, Inc. (”Assurant”) (NYSE: AIZ - News), a premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, announced today that its president and chief executive officer, Robert B. Pollock, is scheduled to present at the Merrill Lynch Insurance Investor Conference on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. ET.

Access to Mr. Pollock’s presentation will be available through Assurant’s Web site at www.assurant.com. After connecting to the home page, click on Investor Relations, then Events, to access the Merrill Lynch Insurance Investor Conference webcast. Slides of the presentation will be posted on the company’s Web site for viewing shortly before the presentation begins. The webcast presentation will be archived for 14 days.

Assurant is a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected international markets. Its four key businesses — Assurant Solutions, Assurant Specialty Property, Assurant Health, and Assurant Employee Benefits — have partnered with clients who are leaders in their industries and have built leadership positions in a number of specialty insurance market segments worldwide.

Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. Assurant has over $24 billion in assets and $8 billion in annual revenue. www.assurant.com

 

 


Source: Assurant, Inc.

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Sunday, February 15th, 2009 Assurant Inc. - Steven Wevodau, Steve Wevodau - Accident & Health Comments Off

Obama signs children’s healthcare bill

Posted by Steven Wevodau

By Donna Smith

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Wednesday signed a law expanding a health program to include 3.5 million uninsured children, advancing an overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system despite the embarrassing withdrawal of his nominee to lead the initiative.

Obama signed the legislation at a White House ceremony just hours after the U.S. House of Representatives voted 290-135 for the $32.8 billion expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP, which was approved by the Senate last week.

“In a decent society, there are certain obligations that are not subject to trade-offs or negotiations — healthcare for our children is one of those obligations,” Obama said.

The bill was “a downpayment on my commitment to cover every single American,” he added.

President George W. Bush twice vetoed similar bills, arguing it would raise taxes and encourage businesses and families to drop private insurance and switch to the program.

The bill signed by Obama aims to increase the number of children covered by SCHIP to 11 million from the 7.4 million currently enrolled.

The expansion is being paid for by raising the federal tax on cigarettes to $1 per pack from the current 39 cent-per-pack tax. Taxes on cigars and other tobacco products will also rise.

The signing ceremony provided a lift for Obama a day after he acknowledged mistakes in his handling of the nomination of Tom Daschle, a former Senate majority leader, to lead a broad overhaul of the $2.3 trillion U.S. healthcare industry.

Daschle withdrew his name from consideration as secretary of health and human services because of income tax problems.

Obama pledged in his campaign to expand healthcare coverage to an estimated 46 million uninsured Americans and to control medical costs. Healthcare advocates said the SCHIP bill would help him meet that goal.

“We see this as an important small downpayment in our quest to insure everybody in the United States,” Dennis Rivera, who heads the Service Employees International Union’s healthcare division, said in an interview.

Others said the bill would help achieve another important healthcare goal — discouraging smoking.

“By using a tax on tobacco, we are not only keeping kids healthier now, but also protecting their long-term health by discouraging smoking — a habit that causes deadly, costly and largely preventable diseases,” said Bill Novelli, chief executive of the AARP, an advocacy group for people over 50.

The SCHIP program is designed to help working families who cannot afford private health insurance but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid healthcare coverage for the poor.

Republicans had criticized provisions in the bill that allowed states like New Jersey and New York to provide coverage for higher-income families, some earning as much as $88,000.

They also criticized a provision backed by Democrats that ended a ban on legal immigrants enrolling in the program until they had lived in the United States for at least five years.

Republicans had argued that lawmakers could have achieved their goal of providing healthcare for more low-income children for less money. Despite those concerns, 40 House Republicans joined the Democratic majority in backing the legislation.

(Additional reporting by David Alexander; Editing by David Storey)

© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved

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Monday, February 9th, 2009 Steve Wevodau - Accident & Health Comments Off

Health Savings Accounts Emerge As Top Tool for Controlling Healthcare Costs - Posted by Steven Wevodau

Business Benefits Insurance’s Edholm Says Innovative Plan Design Is the Key

The best emerging way for employers to control healthcare costs is the health savings account (HSA), says Jim Edholm, president of Business Benefits Insurance in Andover, Mass.

An HSA, which is offered in combination with a high-deductible health plan, lets employees set aside tax-free savings to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses. 

An HSA helps control costs two ways, he says.  First, it lowers premiums because of the higher deductible. 

An employer can save up to 40 percent versus a standard plan, but that would mean scaling back coverage drastically.  However, the employer can choose a smaller deductib le and save a more modest amount—a rarity today, Edholm says—and share the savings and incentives for a healthier lifestyle with employees.  

Second, the HSA lo wers long-term costs because it strengthens the employees’ involvement with healthcare costs and lets them share in the saving s resulting from smarter healthcare shopping.

Employees who are used to first-dollar coverage may at look askance at an HSA, but there are ways to sweeten the deal, he says, by reimbursing their out-of-pocket costs.

For instance, the employer can offer a dual (high/low) plan and base the employer’s share on the lower-benefit plan. 

“This lets employees choose,” Edholm says.  “They can pay more for the richer plan or to reduce their premium by choosing the higher deductible HSA plan.”

Edholm says there are good HSA alternatives in almost every industry, from professional services to manufacturing, for employers of all sizes. 

Business Benefits Insurance (www.bbibenefits.com) is an employee benefits planning firm.  Edholm’s benefits blog can be read a t http://www.group-insurance- guide.com/Group-Insurance-blog.html. ;  

Contact:  Henry Stimpson, Stimpson Communication s, 508-647-0705, Henry@StimpsonCommunications.com

Jim Edholm, Business Benefits Insurance, 978-474-4730, jedholm@bbibenefits.com

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Monday, February 9th, 2009 Steve Wevodau - Accident & Health Comments Off

Aflac Incorporated Provides Added Detail on Perpetual Debenture Holdings

Posted by Steven Wevodau

COLUMBUS, Ga., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Aflac Incorporated announced today that it is providing expanded detail on its holdings of perpetual debenture securities at aflac.com.

The company has elevated additional information to its web site on each Upper Tier 2 and Tier 1 perpetual debenture, including CUSIP numbers for each security, book and market values, ratings and more. The company has also prepared and elevated a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document on the perpetual debentures. Both the security detail and the FAQs are available in the Financials section of the Investors page on aflac.com.

For more than 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. As the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan, Aflac insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for two consecutive years and was also named by the Reputation Institute as the Most Respected Company in the Global Insurance Industry in 2008. In 2009 Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the eleventh consecutive year. Aflac appears on Hispanic Enterprise magazine’s list of the 50 Best Companies for Supplier Diversity and on Black Enterprise magazine’s list of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity. Aflac was also named by Forbes magazine as America’s Best-Managed Company in the Insurance category. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041202/CLTH019LOGO )

Analyst and investor contact - Kenneth S. Janke Jr., 800.235.2667 - option 3, FAX: 706.324.6330, or kjanke@aflac.com

Media contact - Laura Kane, 706.596.3493, FAX: 706.320.2288, or lkane@aflac.com

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Saturday, February 7th, 2009 Aflac, Steve Wevodau - Accident & Health Comments Off

Aon Pleases Investors - Posted by Steven Wevodau

  • Friday February 6, 2009, 5:35 pm EST

 

Aon Corp. (AOC) reported a 95% drop in quarterly profit, hurt by restructuring and acquisition costs, but shares gained as much as 12% as the world’s biggest insurance broker still managed to beat Wall Street expectations.

In the latest fourth quarter, Aon’s net income was $10 million, or 3 cents a share. The recently acquired Benfield added $38 million to the company’s revenue during the period, but also took a penny off quarterly profit on account of related expenses. Excluding items, Aon’s quarterly earnings of 81 cents was better than the consensus estimate of 76 cents.

Chief Executive Greg Case claimed that the company’s solid results despite the soft market and tough price wars among insurance brokerages should reassure investors of Aon’s comfortable position in 2009. During the latest fourth quarter, Aon grew its organic revenue by 2%.

Aon was trading up 11% to $40.53 at midday on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

AOC Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?

Zacks Investment Research

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Saturday, February 7th, 2009 Aon, Steve Wevodau - Accident & Health Comments Off

Aon Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2008 Results - Posted by Steven Wevodau

 Total Revenue was $1.9 billion with Organic Growth in Commissions and Fees of 2% - EPS from Continuing Operations was $0.43 Fourth Quarter Highlights - EPS from continuing operations excluding certain items, increased 19% to $0.81 - Brokerage revenue declined 3% due to an 8% decline from foreign currency translation; Organic growth in commissions and fees of 2% - Brokerage pretax margin was 13.7% and the adjusted pretax margin, excluding certain items, increased 150 basis points to 19.9% - Consulting revenue declined 8% due to a 9% decline from foreign currency translation; Organic growth in commissions and fees of 3% - Consulting pretax margin was 16.1% and the adjusted pretax margin, excluding certain items, increased 180 basis points to 19.0% - Increased total annual savings related to the 2007 restructuring program by $70 million to $370 million, and costs necessary to achieve savings by $100 million to $550 million - Completed merger with Benfield Group, creating an unparalleled reinsurance franchise

  • Friday February 6, 2009, 6:30 am EST

CHICAGO, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC - News) today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2008.

Net income decreased 95% to $10 million or $0.03 per share, compared to $207 million or $0.64 per share for the prior year quarter, primarily due to an expected $116 million after-tax loss on the disposition of the remaining property and casualty insurance businesses that are now included in discontinued operations, an increase in restructuring-related costs, and costs related to the Benfield merger. Net income from continuing operations decreased 35% to $123 million or $0.43 per share, compared to $188 million or $0.58 per share for the prior year quarter. Net income from continuing operations per share, excluding certain items, increased 19% to $0.81 compared to $0.68 for the prior year quarter. Certain items that impacted fourth quarter results and comparisons with the prior year quarter are detailed in the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures on page 12 of this press release.

“In the fourth quarter, we achieved solid results despite a soft market and very challenging economic environment. These results reflect the strength of our industry-leading network of global resources and capabilities, and continued progress in each of our key operating metrics. Organic growth was two percent, adjusted pretax margin increased 120 basis points and adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations increased 19%,” said Greg Case, president and chief executive officer, Aon Corporation. “We begin 2009 in a position of strength, with a core product portfolio that is now aligned around risk advice and human capital solutions. Our expense initiatives and restructuring programs are delivering meaningful margin improvement, while concurrently funding significant investments in value-added services and capabilities to support our clients. Our balance sheet has remained strong, which has provided us with financial flexibility to effectively allocate capital, as is highlighted by the recent merger with Benfield. All of these actions support our belief in the underlying strength of Aon and our on-going commitment to delivering long-term shareholder value.”

FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Total revenue decreased 4% to $1.9 billion due to an 8% decline from foreign currency translation, a 2% increase from acquisitions net of dispositions and organic revenue growth in commissions and fees of 2%. Total expenses increased 1% or $16 million to $1.8 billion, including a $155 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a $53 million increase in restructuring costs, $46 million of Benfield transaction costs and $42 million of other Benfield expenses.

The fourth quarter includes the operating results of Benfield since the close of the merger on November 28, and reflects $38 million of revenue and $42 million of expenses. The results of Benfield decreased net income by $0.01 per share in the fourth quarter.

Restructuring expense was $87 million in the fourth quarter compared to $34 million in the prior year quarter. An analysis of restructuring-related expenses by segment and type for both the 2007 and Benfield restructuring programs are detailed on page 13 of this release.

Restructuring savings in the fourth quarter related to the 2007 restructuring program are estimated at $32 million compared to no material savings in the prior year quarter. Of the estimated restructuring savings in the fourth quarter, $27 million were related to the Brokerage segment primarily for workforce reduction. The 2007 restructuring program achieved approximately $78 million of cumulative savings in 2008. Before any potential reinvestment of savings, the 2007 restructuring program is now expected to deliver cumulative run-rate cost savings of approximately $240-265 million in 2009 and $370 million in 2010, primarily as a result of additional cost savings opportunities to streamline support functions globally.

Although the recently announced Benfield restructuring program is expected to realize significant savings over the next three years, the Company realized no savings from the program in the fourth quarter. The Company expects the restructuring plan to result in cumulative pretax costs of approximately $185 million over a three-year period, a portion of which will be included in the purchase price allocation. Before any potential reinvestment of savings, the Benfield restructuring program is expected to deliver cumulative cost savings of $33-41 million in 2009, $84-94 million in 2010 and $122 million in 2011.

Foreign currency translation decreased net income by $0.01 per share compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar against most major currencies.

Effective tax rate on continuing operations declined to 28.9% for the fourth quarter compared to 30.6% for the prior year quarter due primarily to reductions in certain statutory tax rates and changes in the geographical distribution of income.

Average diluted shares outstanding were 288 million in the fourth quarter compared to 324 million in the prior year quarter, due primarily to the Company’s share repurchase program.

Discontinued Operations after-tax loss was $113 million or $0.40 per share compared to after-tax income of $19 million or $0.06 per share for the prior year quarter. Subsequent to the fourth quarter, the Company entered into an agreement to dispose of its property and casualty insurance operations, and the results were classified as held-for-sale and placed into discontinued operations for the quarter. The after-tax loss in the quarter is primarily due to an expected $116 million loss on disposal of these operations. Discontinued operations also include the results of Automobile Insurance Specialists (AIS), and for the prior year quarter, include the results of AIS, Combined Insurance Company of America and Sterling Life Insurance.

FOURTH QUARTER SEGMENT REVIEW

Certain noteworthy items impacted revenue, pretax income and pretax margins in the fourth quarter of 2008 and 2007. The fourth quarter segment reviews provided below include supplemental information related to adjusted pretax income and pretax margin which is described in detail on the “Reconciliation of the Impact of Non-GAAP Measures on Segments and Diluted Earnings Per Share” on page 12 of this press release.

 

    RISK AND INSURANCE BROKERAGE SERVICES
    -------------------------------------

    (millions)          Fourth Quarter Ended
                                                            Less:
                     -------------------------   Less:   Acquisitions, Organic
    Commissions,     Dec 31,   Dec 31,    %     Currency Divestitures, Revenue
    Fees, Other        2008      2007   Change   Impact     Other       Growth
    ------------     -------   -------  ------  -------- ------------- -------
    Americas            $642      $650     (1)%     (4)%        -%        3%
    U.K.                 196       223    (12)     (14)         1         1
    EMEA                 333       353     (6)      (9)         2         1
    Asia Pacific         119       140    (15)     (16)        (2)        3
    Reinsurance          247       210     18       (5)        21         2
                     -------   -------  ------- -------- ------------- -------
    Sub-Total         $1,537    $1,576     (2)%     (8)%        4%        2%
                     -------   -------  ------- -------- ------------- -------
    Investment Income    $44       $51    (14)%
                     -------   -------  -------
    Total Revenue     $1,581    $1,627     (3)%
                     =======   =======  =======

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services total revenue decreased 3% to $1.6 billion compared to the prior year quarter due to an 8% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and a 14% decline in investment income, partially offset by a 4% increase from acquisitions net of dispositions and 2% organic revenue growth in commissions and fees. Americas organic revenue increased 3% reflecting solid growth in U.S. Retail and strong growth in Latin America. U.K. organic revenue increased 1% due primarily to growth in Captives business. EMEA organic revenue increased 1% due to growth in continental Europe and emerging markets. Asia Pacific organic revenue increased 3% reflecting solid growth in most Asian markets, partially offset by the impact of certain regulatory changes in Japan. Reinsurance organic revenue increased 2% due primarily to growth in global facultative and treaty placements, partially offset by soft market conditions.

 

                                     Fourth Quarter Ended
                                    ------------------------
    (millions)                       Dec 31,        Dec 31,            %
                                      2008            2007          Change
                                    --------        --------        -------
    Revenue                          $1,581          $1,627            (3)%
    Expenses
        Compensation and benefits       934             923             1
        Other expenses                  426             434            (2)
                                    --------        --------        -------
          Total operating expenses    1,360           1,357             -

    Operating income                    221             270           (18)%
        Other (income) expense            4             (6)           N/A
                                    --------        --------        -------
    Pretax income                      $217            $276           (21)%
                                    ========        ========        =======
    Pretax margin                      13.7%           17.0%

    Pretax income - adjusted           $314            $300             5%

    Pretax margin - adjusted           19.9%           18.4%

 

Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter increased $3 million from the prior year quarter. The $3 million increase includes a $48 million increase in restructuring costs, $40 million of Benfield operating expenses and $11 million for the previously disclosed reviews under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and similar laws in other countries and related compliance initiatives, primarily offset by a $124 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, $27 million of benefits related to the 2007 restructuring program, and a $33 million benefit due primarily to an increase in U.S. dollar commissions and fees receivable in the U.K. This benefit currently reflects a more favorable ongoing relationship between U.S. dollar revenue and British pound expense, for business placed into the U.K. market.

Fourth quarter pretax income decreased 21% to $217 million. Adjusting for certain items detailed on page 12 of this press release, pretax income increased 5% or $14 million to $314 million and pretax margin increased 150 basis points to 19.9% versus the prior year quarter due primarily to benefits of the 2007 restructuring program and other operational improvements, partially offset by a $21 million unfavorable impact related to conforming adjustments in certain European countries and a $7 million decline in investment income.

Brokerage results for the fourth quarter include $38 million of revenue and a $2 million pretax loss for Benfield. Benfield operating results had an unfavorable impact of 60 basis points on adjusted Brokerage pretax margin.

 

    CONSULTING
    ----------
    (millions)         Fourth Quarter
                           Ended                            Less:
                     -----------------           Less:  Acquisitions,  Organic
    Commissions,      Dec 31,   Dec 31,   %    Currency  Divestitures, Revenue
    Fees, Other        2008      2007   Change  Impact     Other       Growth
    -----------      -------   -------  ------ -------- -------------- -------
    Services            $289      $313    (8)%     (9)%      (3)%        4%
    Outsourcing           52        59   (12)     (10)        2         (4)
                     -------   -------  ------ -------- -------------- -------
    Sub-Total           $341      $372    (8)%     (9)%      (2)%        3%
                     -------   -------  ------ -------- -------------- -------
    Investment Income     $1        $1      -%
                     -------   -------  ------
    Total Revenue       $342      $373    (8)%
                     =======   =======  ======

 

Consulting total revenue decreased 8% to $342 million compared to the prior year quarter due to a 9% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, a 2% decrease from acquisitions net of dispositions, partially offset by 3% organic revenue growth in commissions and fees. Organic revenue in Services increased 4% reflecting growth in retirement and health and benefits consulting. Organic revenue in Outsourcing declined 4% due to the previously announced termination of a significant outsourcing contract, partially offset by modest growth in benefits outsourcing.

 

                                      Fourth Quarter Ended
                                    ------------------------
    (millions)                       Dec 31,         Dec 31,           %
                                      2008            2007           Change
                                    --------        --------         ------
    Revenue                            $342            $373           (8)%
    Expenses
        Compensation and benefits       203             219           (7)
        Other expenses                   84              94          (11)
                                    --------        --------         ------
          Total operating expenses      287             313           (8)

    Operating income                     55              60           (8)%
        Other (income) expense            -               -            -
                                    --------        --------         ------
    Pretax income                       $55             $60           (8)%
                                    ========        ========         ======
    Pretax margin                      16.1%           16.1%

    Pretax income - adjusted            $65             $64            2%

    Pretax margin - adjusted           19.0%           17.2%

 

Compensation and benefits for the fourth quarter decreased 7% or $16 million from the prior year quarter including an $18 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation and benefits related to the 2007 restructuring program, partially offset by a $4 million increase in restructuring costs. Other expenses decreased 11% or $10 million compared to the prior year quarter including a $7 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation and benefits related to the 2007 restructuring program.

Fourth quarter pretax income decreased 8% to $55 million due to an $8 million decline from foreign currency translation. Pretax margin was 16.1%, similar to the prior year quarter. Adjusting for certain items detailed on page 12, pretax income increased 2% to $65 million and the pretax margin increased 180 basis points to 19.0%.

 

    UNALLOCATED INCOME AND EXPENSE
    ------------------------------

                                     Fourth Quarter Ended
                                    -----------------------
    (millions)                       Dec 31,         Dec 31,         %
                                      2008            2007         Change
                                    -------         -------        ------
    Operating segment income
     before tax                       $272            $336          (19)%
    Unallocated investment income        6              11          (45)
    Unallocated expenses               (75)            (40)          88
    Interest expense                   (30)            (36)         (17)
                                    -------         -------        ------
    Income from continuing
     operations before tax            $173            $271          (36)%
                                    =======         =======        ======

 

Unallocated investment income for the fourth quarter decreased $5 million to $6 million compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to the timing of distributions in certain private equity holdings. Unallocated expenses increased $35 million to $75 million versus the prior year quarter due primarily to $44 million of hedging costs related to the Benfield transaction. Interest expense decreased $6 million to $30 million from the prior year quarter due to fluctuations in foreign currency and a decline in average interest rates on outstanding debt.

2008 FULL YEAR SUMMARY

Total revenue for 2008 increased 4% to $7.6 billion with organic revenue growth of 2%. Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services total revenue increased 5% to $6.2 billion with organic revenue growth in commissions and fees of 2%. Consulting total revenue was similar to the prior year with organic revenue growth in commissions and fees of 3%.

Net income for 2008 increased 71% to $1.5 billion compared to $864 million for the prior year. Net income from continuing operations decreased 6% to $621 million compared to $662 million for the prior year.

EPS for 2008 increased 83% to $4.91 per share compared to $2.69 per share for the prior year. EPS from continuing operations was $2.06 compared to $2.07 for the prior year. EPS from continuing operations, excluding certain items, increased 24% to $2.90 compared to $2.33 for the prior year. Certain items that impacted full year results and comparisons against the prior year are detailed in the reconciliations of the impact of non-GAAP measures on page 12.

During 2008, the Company repurchased approximately 42.6 million shares of common stock for $1.9 billion at an average price of $45.08 per share. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately $850 million of remaining share repurchase authorization.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

The Company will host a conference call on Friday, February 6, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. central time. Interested parties can listen to the conference call via a live audio webcast at http://www.aon.com.

About Aon

Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC - News) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human capital consulting. With over 37,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon readily delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Our industry-leading global resources and technical expertise are delivered locally through more than 500 offices in over 120 countries. Named the world’s best broker by Euromoney magazine’s 2008 Insurance Survey, Aon also ranked highest on the Business Insurance listing of the world’s largest insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues in 2008. A.M. Best deemed Aon the number one insurance broker based on brokerage revenues in 2007 and 2008, and Aon was voted best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary, and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007 and 2008 by the readers of Business Insurance. For more information on Aon, log onto http://www.aon.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains certain statements related to future results, or states our intentions, beliefs and expectations or predictions for the future which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results depending on a variety of factors. Potential factors that could impact results include: general economic conditions in different countries in which we do business around the world, changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets, fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could influence revenue and expense, rating agency actions that could affect our ability to borrow funds, funding of our various pension plans, changes in the competitive environment, our ability to implement restructuring initiatives and other initiatives intended to yield cost savings, changes in commercial property and casualty markets and commercial premium rates that could impact revenues, the outcome of inquiries from regulators and investigations related to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and non-U.S. anti-corruption laws, the impact of investigations brought by U.S. state attorneys general, U.S. state insurance regulators, U.S. federal prosecutors, U.S. federal regulators, and regulatory authorities in the U.K. and other countries, the impact of class actions and individual lawsuits including client class actions, securities class actions, derivative actions, ERISA class actions, the cost of resolution of other contingent liabilities and loss contingencies, our ability to integrate Benfield successfully and to realize the anticipated benefits of the Benfield merger. Further information concerning the Company and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect the Company’s financial results, is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This press release includes supplemental information related to organic revenue growth and several additional measures including expenses, margins and income per share, that exclude the effects of restructuring charges and certain other noteworthy items that affected results for the comparable periods. Organic revenue growth excludes from reported revenues the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between business units, investment income, reimbursable expenses and unusual items. Reconciliation is provided in the attached schedules. Supplemental organic revenue growth information and additional measures that exclude the effects of the restructuring charges and certain other items do not affect net income or any other GAAP reported amounts. Management believes that these measures are important to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons and that this supplemental information is helpful to investors. They should be viewed in addition to, not in lieu of, the Company’s Consolidated Summary of Operations. Industry peers provide similar supplemental information regarding their performance, although they may not make identical adjustments.

 

     Investor Contact:                     Media Contact:
     Scott Malchow                         David Prosperi
     Vice President,                       Vice President,
     Investor Relations                    Global Public Relations
     312-381-3983                          312-381-2485

    Aon Corporation
    Consolidated Summary of Operations (Unaudited)

                        Fourth Quarter Ended       Twelve Months Ended
                     --------------------------------------------------------
    (millions except Dec. 31, Dec. 31,  Percent   Dec. 31,  Dec. 31,  Percent
     per share data)   2008     2007    Change      2008      2007    Change
                     -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- --------
    Revenue
    -------
      Commissions,
       fees and
       other          $1,873    $1,943     (4)%  $7,366    $7,066        4%
      Investment
       income             51        63    (19)      265       293      (10)
                     -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- --------
        Total
         revenue       1,924     2,006     (4)    7,631     7,359        4
                     -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- --------
    Expenses
    --------
      Compensation
       and benefits    1,153     1,157      -     4,581     4,341        6
      Other general
       expenses          455       496     (8)    1,800     1,712        5
      Depreciation
       and
       amortization       65        52     25       222       193       15
                     -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- --------
        Total
         operating
         expenses      1,673     1,705     (2)    6,603     6,246        6
                     -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- --------
    Operating income     251       301    (17)    1,028     1,113       (8)

      Interest
       expense            30        36    (17)      126       138       (9)
      Other
       (income)
       expense            48        (6)    N/A       39       (35)     N/A
                     -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- --------
    Income from
     continuing
     operations
     before
     provision
     for income tax      173       271     (36)     863     1,010      (15)
      Provision for
       income tax (1)     50        83     (40)     242       348      (30)
                     -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- --------
    Income from
     continuing
     operations          123       188     (35)     621       662       (6)

    Discontinued
     operations
      Income (loss)
       from
       discontinued
       operations       (184)       77     N/A    1,256       330      281
      Provision for
       (benefit from)
       income tax (2)    (71)       58     N/A      399       128      212
                     -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- --------
    Income
     (loss) from
     discontinued
     operations         (113)       19     N/A      857       202      324
                     -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- --------
    Net income           $10      $207     (95)% $1,478      $864       71%
                     ======== ======== ========= ========= ========= ========
    Basic net income
     (loss) per share:
      Continuing
       operations      $0.45     $0.62     (27)%  $2.18     $2.23       (2)%
      Discontinued
       operations      (0.41)     0.07     N/A     3.00      0.67      348
                     -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- --------
      Net income       $0.04     $0.69     (94)%  $5.18     $2.90       79%
                     ======== ======== ========= ========= ========= ========
    Diluted net income
     (loss) per share:
      Continuing
       operations      $0.43     $0.58     (26)%  $2.06     $2.07        -%
      Discontinued
       operations      (0.40)     0.06     N/A     2.85      0.62      360
                     -------- -------- --------- --------- --------- --------
      Net income       $0.03     $0.64     (95)%  $4.91     $2.69       83%
                     ======== ======== ========= ========= ========= ========
    Weighted average
     common shares
     outstanding -
     diluted           288.1     324.1     (11)%  300.9     323.0       (7)%
                     ======== ======== ========= ========= ========= ========

    (1) Tax rate from continuing operations is 28.9% and 30.6% for the fourth
        quarters ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 28.0% and
        34.5% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007,
        respectively.

    (2) Tax rate from discontinued operations is 38.6% and 75.3% for the
        fourth quarters ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and
        31.8% and 38.8% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 and
        2007, respectively.

    Aon Corporation
    Revenue from Continuing Operations (Unaudited)

                                    Fourth Quarter Ended
                  ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Less:
                                            Less:    Acquisitions, Organic
                  Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Percent Currency Divestitures  Revenue
    (millions)      2008     2007   Change  Impact    & Other      Growth (1)
                  -------- -------  ------  -------- ------------ ------------
    Commissions,
     Fees and Other
    ---------------
    Risk and
     Insurance
     Brokerage
     Services:
      Americas      $642     $650     (1)%    (4)%        -%          3%
      United
       Kingdom       196      223    (12)    (14)         1           1
      Europe,
       Middle
       East &
       Africa        333      353     (6)     (9)         2           1
      Asia Pacific   119      140    (15)    (16)        (2)          3
      Reinsurance
       brokerage
       and
       related
       services      247      210     18      (5)        21           2
                  -------- -------  ------  -------- ------------ ------------
       Total Risk
        and
        Insurance
        Brokerage
        Services   1,537    1,576     (2)     (8)         4           2
                  -------- -------  ------  -------- ------------ ------------
    Consulting:
      Consulting
       services      289      313     (8)     (9)        (3)          4
      Outsourcing     52       59    (12)    (10)         2          (4)
                  -------- -------  ------  -------- ------------ ------------
       Total
        Consulting   341      372     (8)     (9)        (2)          3
                  -------- -------  ------  -------- ------------ ------------
       Total
        Operating
        Segments   $1,878  $1,948     (4)%    (8)%        2%          2%
                  ======== =======  ======  ======== ============ ============
    Investment
     Income
    ----------
    Risk and
     Insurance
     Brokerage
     Services         $44     $51    (14)%
    Consulting          1       1      -
                  -------- -------  ------
      Total
       Operating
       Segments       $45     $52    (13)%
                  ======== =======  ======

    Total Revenue
    -------------
    Risk and
     Insurance
     Brokerage
     Services      $1,581  $1,627     (3)%
    Consulting        342     373     (8)
    Unallocated         6      11    (45)
    Intersegment       (5)     (5)     -
                  -------- -------  ------
       Total       $1,924  $2,006     (4)%
                  ======== =======  ======

    (1) Organic revenue growth excludes the impact of foreign exchange,
        acquisitions, divestitures, transfers, reimbursable expenses and
        unusual items.

    Aon Corporation
    Revenue from Continuing Operations (Unaudited)

                                      Twelve Months Ended
                   -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Less:
                                             Less:    Acquisitions, Organic
                   Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Percent Currency Divestitures  Revenue
    (millions)       2008    2007    Change  Impact    & Other      Growth (1)
                   -------- -------  ------  -------- ------------ -----------
    Commissions,
     Fees and Other
    ---------------
    Risk and
     Insurance
     Brokerage
     Services:
      Americas     $2,280   $2,259      1%      -%         -%          1%
      United
       Kingdom        742      768     (3)     (4)         1           -
      Europe,
       Middle
       East &
       Africa       1,521    1,341     13       7          2           4
      Asia
       Pacific        492      483      2       1         (1)          2
      Reinsurance
       brokerage
       and
       related
       services     1,003      901     11       3          7           1
                   -------- -------  ------  -------- ------------ -----------
        Total
         Risk and
         Insurance
         Brokerage
         Services   6,038    5,752      5       2          1           2
                   -------- -------  ------  -------- ------------ -----------
    Consulting:
      Consulting
       services     1,139    1,107      3       -         (2)          5
      Outsourcing     214      236     (9)     (2)         -          (7)
                   -------- -------  ------  -------- ------------ -----------
        Total
         Consulting 1,353    1,343      1       -         (2)          3
                   -------- -------  ------  -------- ------------ -----------
       Total
        Operating
        Segments   $7,391   $7,095      4%      1%         1%          2%
                   ======== =======  ======  ======== ============ ===========
    Investment
     Income
    ----------
    Risk and
     Insurance
     Brokerage
     Services        $192     $205     (6)%
    Consulting          5        9    (44)
                   -------- -------  ------
       Total
        Operating
        Segments     $197     $214     (8)%
                   ======== =======  ======
    Total Revenue
    -------------
    Risk and
     Insurance
     Brokerage
     Services      $6,230   $5,957      5%
    Consulting      1,358    1,352      -
    Unallocated        68       79    (14)
    Intersegment      (25)     (29)   (14)
                   -------- -------  ------
       Total       $7,631   $7,359      4%
                   ======== =======  ======

    (1) Organic revenue growth excludes the impact of foreign exchange,
        acquisitions, divestitures, transfers, reimbursable expenses and
        unusual items.

    Aon Corporation - Segments (Unaudited)
    Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services - Continuing Operations
    -------------------------------------------------------------

                        Fourth Quarter Ended        Twelve Months Ended
                    --------------------------- -----------------------------
                    Dec. 31,  Dec. 31,  Percent  Dec. 31,  Dec. 31,  Percent
    (millions)        2008      2007    Change     2008      2007    Change
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
    Revenue
    -------
      Commissions,
       fees and
       other        $1,537     $1,576     (2)%    $6,038    $5,752     5%
      Investment
       income           44         51    (14)        192       205    (6)
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
       Total
        revenue      1,581      1,627     (3)      6,230     5,957     5
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
    Expenses
    --------
      Compensation
       and
       benefits        934        923      1       3,707     3,457     7
      Other general
       expenses        426        434     (2)      1,659     1,525     9
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
       Total
        operating
        expenses     1,360      1,357      -       5,366     4,982     8
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
    Operating
     income            221        270    (18)        864       975   (11)
      Other
       (income)
       expense           4         (6)    N/A        (10)      (35)  (71)
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
    Income before
     provision
     for income
     tax              $217       $276    (21)%      $874    $1,010   (13)%
                    ======== =========  ======== ========= ========= ========
    Pretax income
     margin           13.7%      17.0%              14.0%     17.0%

    Consulting -
     Continuing
     Operations        Fourth Quarter Ended         Twelve Months Ended
    ------------    --------------------------- -----------------------------
                    Dec. 31,  Dec. 31,  Percent  Dec. 31,  Dec. 31,  Percent
    (millions)        2008      2007    Change     2008      2007    Change
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
    Revenue
    -------
      Commissions,
       fees and
       other          $341       $372     (8)%    $1,353    $1,343     1%
      Investment
       income            1          1      -           5         9   (44)
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
       Total
        revenue        342        373     (8)      1,358     1,352     -
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
    Expenses
    --------
      Compensation
       and benefits    203        219     (7)        815       823    (1)
      Other general
       expenses         84         94    (11)        331       340    (3)
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
       Total
        operating
        expenses       287        313     (8)      1,146     1,163    (1)
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
    Operating
     income             55         60     (8)        212       189    12
      Other
       (income)
       expense           -          -      -          (1)        -   N/A
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
    Income before
     provision
     for income
     tax                $55       $60     (8)%      $213      $189    13%
                    ======== ========= ======== ========= ========= =========

    Pretax income
     margin            16.1%     16.1%              15.7%     14.0%

    Reconciliation of segment income before
    provision for income tax to income from
    continuing operations before provision
    for income tax:

                       Fourth Quarter Ended         Twelve Months Ended
                    --------------------------- -----------------------------
                    Dec. 31,  Dec. 31,  Percent  Dec. 31,  Dec. 31,  Percent
    (millions)        2008      2007    Change     2008      2007    Change
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
    Segment income
     before
     provision for
     income tax
      Risk and
       Insurance
       Brokerage
       Services       $217       $276    (21)%      $874    $1,010   (13)%
      Consulting        55         60     (8)        213       189    13
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
       Total
        segment
        income
        before
        provision
        for income
        tax            272        336    (19)      1,087     1,199    (9)
      Unallocated
       investment
       income            6         11    (45)         68        79   (14)
      Unallocated
       expenses        (75)       (40)    88       (166)      (130)   28
      Interest
       expense         (30)       (36)   (17)      (126)      (138)   (9)
                    -------- ---------  -------- --------- --------- --------
    Income from
     continuing
     operations
     before
     provision
     for income
     tax              $173       $271    (36)%     $863     $1,010   (15)%
                    ======== ========= ======== ========= ========= ========
    Pretax
     income
     margin            9.0%      13.5%             11.3%      13.7%

    Aon Corporation

    Reconciliation of the Impact of Non-GAAP Measures on Segments and Diluted
    Earnings Per Share (Unaudited) (1)

                     Fourth Quarter Ended            Twelve Months Ended
                      December 31, 2008               December 31, 2008
    (millions-------------------------------   -------------------------------
     except  Risk and          Unallo-         Risk and          Unallo-
     per     Insurance         cated           Insurance         cated
     share   Brokerage Cons-   Income &        Brokerage Cons-   Income &
     data)   Services  ulting  Expense  Total  Services  ulting  Expense Total
    Revenue  --------- ------- ------- ------  --------- ------- ------- -----
     as
     reported $1,581    $342     $1    $1,924   $6,230   $1,358   $43   $7,631
             ========= ======= ======= ======  ========= ======= ======= =====
    Income
     (loss)
     from
     continuing
     operations
     before
     provision
     for income
     tax - as
     reported   $217     $55   $(99)     $173     $874     $213 $(224)    $863
      Restruc-
       turing
       charges
       (2005
       and
       2007
       plans)     78       9      -        87      237       17     -      254
      Pension
       curtailment 6       1      1         8        6        1     1        8
      Anti-
       bribery
       and
       compliance
       initia-
       tives      11       -      -        11       42        -     -       42
      Benfield
       costs       2       -     44        46        2        -    50       52
      Gain on
       sale
       of
       land        -       -      -         -       (5)       -     -      (5)
             --------- ------- ------- ------  --------- ------- ------- -----
    Income
     (loss)
     from
     continuing
     operations
     before
     provision
     for income
     tax - as
     adjusted   $314     $65   $(54)      325   $1,156     $231 $(173)   1,214
             ========= ======= =======         ========= ======= =======
    Provision
     for income
     taxes (2)                             93                              340
                                       ------                            -----
    Income from
     continuing
     operations -
     as adjusted                         $232                             $874
                                       ======                            =====
    Diluted
     earnings
     per share
     from
     continuing
     operations -
     as
     adjusted                           $0.81                            $2.90
                                       ======                            =====

    Weighted
     average
     common
     shares
     outstanding -
     diluted                            288.1                            300.9
                                       ======                            =====

    Pretax
     income
     margins -
     as
     adjusted   19.9%   19.0%   N/A      16.9%    18.6%    17.0%   N/A   15.9%
             ========= ======= ======= ======  ========= ======= ======= =====

                     Fourth Quarter Ended            Twelve Months Ended
                      December 31, 2007               December 31, 2007
    (millions-------------------------------   -------------------------------
     except  Risk and          Unallo-         Risk and          Unallo-
     per     Insurance         cated           Insurance         cated
     share   Brokerage Cons-   Income &        Brokerage Cons-   Income &
     data)   Services  ulting  Expense  Total  Services  ulting  Expense Total
    Revenue  --------- ------- ------- ------  --------- ------- ------- -----
     as
     reported $1,627    $373     $6    $2,006   $5,957   $1,352   $50   $7,359
             ========= ======= ======= ======  ========= ======= ======= =====

    Income
     (loss)
     from
     continuing
     operations
     before
     provision
     for income
     tax - as
     reported   $276     $60   $(65)     $271   $1,010     $189 $(189)  $1,010
      Restruc-
       turing
       charges
       (2005
       and
       2007
       plans)     30       4      -        34       74       11     -       85
      Gain on
       sale of
       businesses (6)      -      -        (6)     (36)       -     -     (36)
      Resolution
       of U.K.
       balance
       sheet
       reconcil-
       iation
       difference  -       -     15        15        -        -    15       15
      Reinsur-
       ance
       litiga-
       tion        -       -      -         -       21        -     -       21
             --------- ------- ------- ------  --------- ------- ------- -----
    Income (loss)
     from
     continuing
     operations
     before
     provision
     for income
     tax - as
     adjusted   $300     $64   $(50)      314   $1,069     $200  $(174)  1,095
             ========= ======= =======         ========= ======= =======
    Provision
     for income
     taxes (2)                             93                              348
                                       ------                            -----
    Income from
     continuing
     operations -
     as adjusted                         $221                             $747
                                       ======                            =====
    Diluted
     earnings per
     share from
     continuing
     operations -
     as adjusted                        $0.68                            $2.33
                                       ======                            =====

    Weighted average
     common shares
     outstanding -
     diluted                            324.1                            323.0
                                       ======                            =====

    Pretax
     income
     margins -
     as
     adjusted   18.4%   17.2%   N/A      15.7%    17.9%    14.8%   N/A   14.9%
             ========= ======= ======= ======  ========= ======= ======= =====

    (1) Certain noteworthy items impacting revenue and pretax income in 2008
        and 2007 are described in this schedule.  The revenue, income (loss)
        from continuing operations before provision for income tax, diluted
        earnings per share from continuing operations and related margins
        shown with the caption "as adjusted" are non-GAAP measures.

    (2) Tax rate from continuing operations is 28.6% and 29.6% for the fourth
        quarters ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 28.0% and
        31.8% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007,
        respectively.

    Aon Corporation
    2007 Restructuring Plan (Unaudited)

    By Type:                                Actual                Estimated
                        ----------------------------------------- ---------
                                  Nine    4th      Full    Total
                                 Months  Quarter   Year  Incurred
    (millions)          2007      2008    2008     2008   to Date   Total
                        ----------------------------------------- ---------
    Workforce reduction
     (Compensation and
      benefits)          $17      $118     $48     $166      $183    $330
    Lease consolidation
     (Other general
      expenses)           22        25      13       38        60     134
    Asset impairments
     (Depreciation and
      amortization)        4        13       5       18        22      45
    Other costs
     associated with
     restructuring
     (Other general
      expenses)            3         9      20       29        32      41
                        ----------------------------------------- ---------
    Total restructuring
     and related
     expenses            $46      $165     $86     $251      $297    $550
                        ========================================= =========

    By Segment:                             Actual                Estimated
                        ----------------------------------------- ---------
                                  Nine    4th      Full    Total
                                 Months  Quarter   Year  Incurred
    (millions)          2007      2008    2008     2008   to Date   Total
                        ----------------------------------------- ---------
    Risk and Insurance
     Brokerage Services  $41      $157     $77     $234      $275    $503
    Consulting             5         8       9       17        22      47
                        ----------------------------------------- ---------
    Total restructuring
     and related
     expenses            $46      $165     $86     $251      $297    $550
                        ========================================= =========

    Benfield Restructuring
    Plan (Unaudited)

    By Type:                    Estimated
                      ------------------------
                                   Non-
                                 Purchase
                       Purchase  Account-
    (millions)        Accounting   ing   Total
                      ------------------------
    Workforce reduction
     (Compensation and
      benefits)          $74       $52    $126
    Lease consolidation
     (Other general
      expenses)           28        21      49
    Asset impairments
     (Depreciation and
      amortization)        -         8       8
    Other costs
     associated with
     restructuring
     (Other general
      expenses)            2         -       2
                      ------------------------
    Total restructuring
     and related
     expenses           $104       $81    $185
                      ========================

    Aon Corporation

    Consolidated Summary of Operations - Reclassified for Discontinued
    Operations (Unaudited)

                        2007                                2008
           --------------------------------  ---------------------------------
    (millions
     except
     per   1st    2nd    3rd    4th           1st    2nd    3rd    4th
     share Quar-  Quar-  Quar-  Quar-  Full   Quar-  Quar-  Quar-  Quar- Full
     data) ter    ter    ter    ter    Year   ter    ter    ter    ter   Year
          ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
    Revenue
    -------
     Comm-
     issions,
     fees
     and
     oth-
     er  $1,702 $1,750 $1,671 $1,943 $7,066 $1,848 $1,889 $1,756 $1,873 $7,366
     Invest-
     ment
     income  67     88     75     63    293     57     67     90     51    265
          ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
      Total
      reve-
      nue 1,769  1,838  1,746  2,006  7,359  1,905  1,956  1,846  1,924  7,631
          ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----

    Expenses
    --------
     Compen-
     sation
     and
     bene-
     fits 1,040  1,097  1,047  1,157  4,341  1,154  1,143  1,131  1,153  4,581
     Other
     general
     expen-
     ses    413    413    390    496  1,712    419    503    423    455  1,800
     Deprecia-
     tion
     and
     amorti-
     zation  47     46     48     52    193     50     58     49     65    222
          ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
      Total
      opera-
      ting
      expen-
      ses 1,500  1,556  1,485  1,705  6,246  1,623  1,704  1,603  1,673  6,603
          ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
    Operating
    income  269    282    261    301  1,113    282    252    243    251  1,028

     Interest
     expense 35     34     33     36    138     33     31     32     30    126
     Other
     (income)
     expense  -    (29)     -     (6)   (35)    (4)    (2)    (3)    48     39
          ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
    Income
    from
    continuing
    operations
    before
    provision
    for
    income
    tax     234    277    228    271  1,010    253    223    214    173    863
     Provision
     for
     income
     tax     73     97     95     83    348     76     57     59     50    242
          ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
    Income
    from
    continuing
    opera-
    tions   161    180    133    188    662    177    166    155    123    621

    Discontinued
    operations
     Income
     (loss)
     from
     discon-
     tinued
     opera-
     tions   79     91     83     77    330     66  1,431    (57)  (184) 1,256
     Provision
     for
     (benefit
     from)
     income
     tax     27     31     12     58    128     25    464    (19)   (71)   399
          ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
    Income
    (loss)
    from
    discont-
    inued
    opera-
    tions    52     60     71     19    202     41    967    (38)  (113)   857
          ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----

    Net
    income $213   $240   $204   $207   $864   $218 $1,133   $117    $10 $1,478
          ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====

    Basic
    net
    income
    (loss)
    per
    share:
     Continu-
     ing
     operat-
     ions $0.54  $0.61  $0.45  $0.62  $2.23  $0.58  $0.57  $0.57  $0.45  $2.18
     Discont-
     inued
     operat
     ions  0.17   0.20   0.24   0.07   0.67   0.14   3.34  (0.14) (0.41)  3.00
          ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
     Net
     in-
     come $0.71  $0.81  $0.69  $0.69  $2.90  $0.72  $3.91  $0.43  $0.04  $5.18
          ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====

    Dilutive
    net
    income
    (loss)
    per
    share:
     Contin-
     uing
     operat-
     ions $0.50  $0.57  $0.42  $0.58  $2.07  $0.55  $0.54  $0.53  $0.43  $2.06
     Discont-
     inued
     opera-
     tions 0.16   0.18   0.22   0.06   0.62   0.13   3.17  (0.13) (0.40)  2.85
          ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
     Net
     in-
     come $0.66  $0.75  $0.64  $0.64  $2.69  $0.68  $3.71  $0.40  $0.03  $4.91
          ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====

    Weighted
    average
    common
    shares
    out-
    standing -
    di-
    luted 324.4  321.9  321.5  324.1  323.0  319.8  305.3  290.3  288.1  300.9
          ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====

    Aon Corporation
    Segments  - Reclassification for Discontinued Operations (Unaudited)

                              2007                            2008
               ----------------------------------  ---------------------------

                1st     2nd    3rd    4th          1st    2nd    3rd
                Quar-   Quar-  Quar-  Quar- Full   Quar-  Quar-  Quar-  Nine
    (millions)  ter     ter    ter    ter   Year   ter    ter    ter    Months
               ------  ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
    Revenue
    -------
    Risk and
     insurance
     brokerage
     services $1,429 $1,490  $1,411 $1,627 $5,957 $1,566 $1,610 $1,473 $4,649

    Consulting   329    325     325    373  1,352    343    336    337  1,016

    Unallocated
     As reported  23     32      21     13     89      7     18     41     66
     Less:
      reclass-
      ification
      to
      discont-
      inued
      opera-
      tions       (2)     (3)    (3)    (2)   (10)    (2)    (1)    (1)    (4)
               ------  ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
     As
      reclass-
      ified       21      29     18     11     79      5     17     40     62

    Inter-
    segment      (10)     (6)    (8)    (5)   (29)    (9)    (7)    (4)   (20)
               ------  ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
     Total    $1,769  $1,838 $1,746 $2,006 $7,359 $1,905 $1,956 $1,846 $5,707
               ======  ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======

    Income
     (loss)
     before
     income
     tax
    -------
    Risk
     and
     insurance
     brokerage
     services   $234   $272    $228   $276 $1,010   $238   $231   $188   $657

    Consulting    47     44      38     60    189     63     43     52    158

    Unallocated
     As reported (48)   (41)    (43)   (68)  (200)   (50)   (52)   (28)  (130)
     Less:
      reclass-
      ification
      to
      dis-
      continued
      opera-
      tions        1      2       5      3     11      2      1      2      5
               ------  ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
     As
      reclass-
      ified      (47)   (39)    (38)   (65)  (189)   (48)   (51)   (26)  (125)
               ------  ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------

    Total       $234   $277    $228   $271 $1,010   $253   $223   $214   $690
               ======  ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======

    Income
     from
     continuing
     operations
     before
     income
     tax -
     margins
    --------

    Risk and
     insurance
     brokerage
     services   16.4%  18.3%   16.2%  17.0%  17.0%  15.2%  14.3%  12.8%  14.1%

    Consulting  14.3%  13.5%   11.7%  16.1%  14.0%  18.4%  12.8%  15.4%  15.6%

    Total
     As
      reported  13.2%  14.9%   12.8%  13.3%  13.6%  13.2%  11.3%  11.5%  12.0%
     As
      reclass-
      ified     13.2%  15.1%   13.1%  13.5%  13.7%  13.3%  11.4%  11.6%  12.1%

    Aon Corporation
    Property and Casualty Run-off Insurance Operations (Unaudited)

                                                        2007
                                      ----------------------------------------
                                        1st     2nd     3rd     4th     Full
    (millions except per share data)  Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter   Year
                                      ------- ------- ------- -------- -------
    Revenue
    -------
      Commissions, fees and other          $-      $1      $1      $1      $3
      Investment income                     2       2       2       1       7
                                      ------- ------- ------- -------- -------
       Total revenue                        2       3       3       2      10
                                      ------- ------- ------- -------- -------
    Expenses
    --------
      Compensation and benefits             2       1       1       2       6
      Other general expenses                1       4       7       3      15
                                      ------- ------- ------- -------- -------
       Total operating expenses             3       5       8       5      21
                                      ------- ------- ------- -------- -------
    Operating loss                         (1)     (2)     (5)     (3)    (11)

      Other expense                         -       -       -       -       -
                                      ------- ------- ------- -------- -------
    Loss before benefit from income
     tax                                   (1)     (2)     (5)     (3)    (11)
      Benefit from income tax               -      (1)     (2)     (1)     (4)
                                      ------- ------- ------- -------- -------
    Net loss                              $(1)    $(1)    $(3)    $(2)    $(7)
                                      ======= ======= ======= ======== =======
    Basic net loss per share           $(0.01) $(0.01) $(0.01) $(0.01) $(0.02)
                                      ======= ======= ======= ======== =======
    Dilutive net loss per share            $-      $-  $(0.01)     $-  $(0.02)
                                      ======= ======= ======= ======== =======
    Weighted average common shares
     outstanding - diluted              324.4   321.9   321.5   324.1   323.0
                                      ======= ======= ======= ======== =======

                                                        2008
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                          1st     2nd     3rd     4th     Full
    (millions except per share data)    Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter   Year
                                       -------- ------- ------- -------- -----
    Revenue
      Commissions, fees and other          $-      $-      $-      $1      $1
      Investment income                     2       1       1       1       5
                                       -------- ------- ------- -------- -----
       Total revenue                        2       1       1       2       6
                                       -------- ------- ------- -------- -----
    Expenses
      Compensation and benefits             1       2       1       -       4
      Other general expenses                3       -       2      (3)      2
                                       -------- ------- ------- -------- -----
       Total operating expenses             4       2       3      (3)      6
                                       -------- ------- ------- -------- -----
    Operating income (loss)                (2)     (1)     (2)      5       -

      Other expense                         -       -       -     191     191
                                       -------- ------- ------- -------- -----
    Loss before benefit from income
     tax                                   (2)     (1)     (2)   (186)   (191)
      Benefit from income tax              (1)      -       -     (73)    (74)
                                       -------- ------- ------- -------- -----
    Net loss                              $(1)    $(1)    $(2)  $(113)  $(117)
                                       ======== ======= ======= ======== =====
    Basic net loss per share           $(0.01)     $-  $(0.01) $(0.41) $(0.41)
                                       ======== ======= ======= ======== =====
    Dilutive net loss per share            $-      $-  $(0.01) $(0.39) $(0.39)
                                       ======== ======= ======= ======== =====
    Weighted average common shares
     outstanding - diluted              319.8   305.3   290.3   288.1   300.9
                                       ======== ======= ======= ======== =====

                               Aon Corporation
           Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

                                                          As of
                                            ----------------------------------
     (millions)                             Dec. 31, 2008    Dec. 31, 2007 (2)
     ----------                             --------------  ------------------
                                              (Unaudited)
    ASSETS
    ------
       CURRENT ASSETS
       Cash                                       $657             $584
       Short-term investments                      579            1,120
       Receivables                               1,992            1,993
       Fiduciary assets (1)                     10,678            9,498
       Other current assets                        480              276
       Assets held for sale                        237            4,601
                                            --------------  ------------------
         Total Current Assets                   14,623           18,072
       Goodwill                                  5,637            4,915
       Other intangible assets                     779              204
       Fixed assets, net                           451              497
       Long-term investments                       342              332
       Other non-current assets                  1,340              914
                                            --------------  ------------------
       TOTAL ASSETS                            $23,172          $24,934
                                            ==============  ==================
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
     EQUITY
    ------------------------------
       CURRENT LIABILITIES
       Fiduciary liabilities                   $10,678           $9,498
       Short-term debt                             105              252
       Accounts payable and accrued
        liabilities                              1,536            1,413
       Other current liabilities                   438              293
       Liabilities held for sale                   142            3,172
                                            --------------  ------------------
           Total Current Liabilities            12,899           14,628
       Long-term debt                            1,872            1,893
       Pension, post employment and post
        retirement liabilities                   1,694            1,251
       Other non-current liabilities             1,393              941
                                            --------------  ------------------
       TOTAL LIABILITIES                        17,858           18,713
       TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                5,314            6,221
                                            --------------  ------------------
       TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
        EQUITY                                 $23,172          $24,934
                                            ==============  ==================

    (1) Includes short-term investments:  2008 - $3,204; 2007 - $3,122.
    (2) Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2008
        presentation.

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Friday, February 6th, 2009 Aon, Steve Wevodau - Accident & Health Comments Off

Statement by Aon on New York Insurance Department Draft Rules on Producer Transparency and Compensation - Posted by Steven Wevodau

CHICAGO, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Aon today issued the following statement from Greg Case, president and CEO:

“Aon strongly supports Superintendent Eric Dinallo’s efforts to introduce more transparency into the insurance sector and to establish consistent rules for all producers who operate in New York. As Steve McGill, chairman and CEO of Aon Risk Services, testified at the hearings in July, we believe that all brokers and agents should, at a minimum, be willing to tell their clients who will pay them, how much they’ll make and the quotes insurers provide. This is the basic information every client deserves. The draft rules are clearly a step in the right direction, and we look forward to working with the superintendent on providing increased transparency for all market participants.”

About Aon

Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC - News) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human capital consulting. Through its 36,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon readily delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Our industry-leading global resources, technical expertise and industry knowledge are delivered locally through more than 500 offices in more than 120 countries. Aon was named the world’s best broker by Euromoney magazine’s 2008 Insurance Survey. In 2008, Aon ranked highest on the Business Insurance ranking of the world’s largest insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues. Aon also was ranked by A.M. Best as the number one insurance broker based on brokerage revenues in 2007 and 2008, and was voted best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary, and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007 and 2008 by the readers of Business Insurance. Sign up to receive Aon news alerts by email or RSS feed at: http://aon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=58.

 

     Media Contact
     David Prosperi
     312.381.2485
     david_prosperi@aon.com

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041215/CGW049LOGO)

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