Aon (AON) risk factors, FY2024 10-K

Risks Related to Our Business

1. 01An overall decline in economic and business activity could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of our business
2. 02We face significant competitive pressures from traditional and non-traditional competitors that could affect our business
3. 03If we are unable to effectively develop and implement innovative strategies, efficiencies and new solutions for our clients, our reputation, ability to compete effectively and financial condition may be adversely affected
4. 04If our clients are not satisfied with our services, we may face additional cost, loss of profit opportunities, damage to our reputation, or legal liability
5. 05Damage to our reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business
6. 06Revenues from commission arrangements may fluctuate due to many factors, including cyclical or permanent changes in the insurance and reinsurance markets outside of our control
7. 07The profitability of our operations may not meet our expectations due to unexpected costs, cost overruns, inflation, early contract terminations, unrealized assumptions used in our contract bidding process or the inability to maintain our prices

Financial Risks

1. 08We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows
2. 09Changes in interest rates and deterioration of credit quality could reduce the value of our cash balances and investment portfolios and adversely affect our financial condition or results
3. 10Our pension obligations and value of our pension assets could adversely affect our shareholders’ equity, net income, cash flow, and liquidity
4. 11We have debt outstanding that could adversely affect our financial flexibility
5. 12A decline in the credit ratings of our senior debt and commercial paper may adversely affect our borrowing costs, access to capital, and financial flexibility
6. 13Our tax assets and liabilities are subject to a variety of different factors, which could create volatility in our global effective tax rate, expose us to greater than anticipated tax liabilities or cause us to adjust previously recognized tax assets and liabilities
7. 14Changes in our accounting estimates and assumptions could negatively affect our financial position and results of operations
8. 15We may be required to record goodwill or other long-lived asset impairment charges, which could result in a significant charge to earnings
9. 16We are a holding company and, therefore, may not be able to receive dividends or other payments in needed amounts from our subsidiaries

Legal and Regulatory Risks

1. 17We are subject to E&O claims against us as well as other contingencies and legal proceedings, some of which, if determined unfavorably to us, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations
2. 18In addition, we provide a variety of guarantees and indemnifications to our customers and others. In the event of a default, our potential exposure is equal to the amount of the guarantee or indemnification
3. 19filing of additional lawsuits. Furthermore, our ability to limit our potential liability is restricted in certain jurisdictions and in connection with claims involving breaches of fiduciary or agency duties or other alleged errors or omissions
4. 20Our businesses are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which could reduce our profitability, limit our growth, or subject us to legal and regulatory actions
5. 21Failure to protect our intellectual property rights, or allegations that we have infringed on the intellectual property rights of others, could harm our reputation, ability to compete effectively, and financial condition

Operational Risks

1. 22The economic and political conditions of the countries and regions in which we operate could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity, and prospects for growth
2. 23We may not realize all of the expected benefits from our restructuring plan and other operational improvement initiatives
3. 24Our success depends on our ability to retain, attract and develop experienced and qualified personnel, including our senior management team and other personnel
4. 25Our global operations expose us to various international risks that could adversely affect our business
5. 26Our business performance, strategies and growth plans could be negatively affected if we are not able to develop, implement, update, and enhance solutions to support our business operations or if we are not able to effectively drive value for our clients
6. 27The occurrence of natural or human-caused disasters could result in declines in business and increases in claims that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations
7. 28Our inability to successfully recover should we experience a disaster or other business continuity problem could cause material financial loss, loss of human capital, regulatory actions, reputational harm, or legal liability
8. 29We rely on third parties to perform key functions of our business operations enabling our provision of services to our clients. These third parties may act in ways that could harm our business
9. 30Our business is exposed to risks associated with the handling of client funds
10. 31In connection with the implementation of our corporate strategies and initiatives, we face risks associated with, among others, the acquisition or disposition of businesses, the integration and development of acquired businesses, and the entry into new lines of business or products

Risks Related to Technology, Cybersecurity, and Data Protection

1. 32We rely on complex information technology systems and networks to operate our business. Any significant system or network disruption due to a breach in the security of our information technology systems could have a negative impact on our reputation, operations, sales, and operating results
2. 33Improper disclosure of confidential, personal, or proprietary data could result in regulatory scrutiny, legal liability, or harm to our reputation
3. 34protection are more frequently including provisions allowing authorities to impose substantial fines and penalties, and therefore, failure to comply could also have a significant financial impact

Risks Related to the Acquisition of NFP

1. 35We may not be able to integrate the NFP business successfully or manage the combined business effectively, and many of the anticipated synergies and other benefits of acquiring NFP may not be realized or may not be realized within the expected time frame
2. 36We have incurred and may continue to incur significant integration-related costs in connection with the acquisition of NFP

Risks Related to Being an Irish-incorporated Company

1. 37We are incorporated in Ireland, and Irish law differs from the laws in effect in the U.S. and may afford less protection to holders of our securities
2. 38As an Irish public limited company, certain capital structure decisions regarding the Company will require the approval of shareholders, which may limit the Company’s flexibility to manage its capital structure
3. 39Irish law requires us to have available “distributable profits” to pay dividends to shareholders and generally to make share repurchases and redemptions