Aon shares rise after results smash Wall St expectations

Aon’s share rose 6.7% after it smashed analysts’ expectations to deliver a strong quarter of results.

Aon reported earnings per share up 19% to $2.16, with most consensus polls settling at around $2.13 for the fourth quarter of 2018.

On a pro-forma basis, revenue rose 3% to $2.7bn compared to the same quarter in 2017. Organic revenue was up 6%.

Chief executive Greg Case said: ”Our results for the quarter reflect both a strong operational and financial performance to finish the year, highlighted by organic revenue growth of 6 percent, with growth across every solution line, and substantial operating improvement reflected in +280 basis points of margin expansion and 19 percent growth in adjusted earnings per share.

“For the full year, we delivered our strongest level of organic revenue growth since 2006 and achieved $8.16 of adjusted earnings per share, fully delivering on our near-term target to exceed $7.97 per share in 2018.

“Our strong performance reflects initial success from the strategic actions we have progressively taken to drive Aon United, while also absorbing significant investments to support long-term growth initiatives.”

”Our team is excited about the momentum we have heading into 2019 and the firm’s outlook for substantial long-term client and shareholder value creation.”

Aon last year announced a relationship with Startup Bootcamp.