Aon’s Profit Up 20%

Chicago-based brokerage giant Aon Corp. said its profit was up 20 percent in 2003, from $1.64 per share to $1.97 per share. Fourth-quarter net income per share was 67 cents, compared to 59 cents in 2002.

Fourth-quarter net income from continuing operations rose to $215 million, 67 cents per share, from $186 million or 62 cents per share, in 2002. Twelve months net income from continuing operations grew to $663 million, or $2.08 per share, from $486 million or $1.71 per share in 2002.

Unusual World Trade Center (WTC) credits per share were 12 cents and 2 cents, respectively, in fourth quarter 2003 and 2002. Twelve months unusual WTC credits were 3 cents per share and 6 cents per share for the comparable periods.

Aon Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan said margins in the brokerage segment were lower than last year thanks to higher pension costs and said the company is “evaluating strategic options for our claims operations.”

Topics Profit Loss Aon