GENERAL ELECTRIC CO | 2013 | FY | 3


NOTE 12. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Pension Benefits

We sponsor a number of pension plans. Principal pension plans, together with affiliate and certain other pension plans (other pension plans) detailed in this note, represent about 99% of our total pension assets. We use a December 31 measurement date for our plans.

 

Principal Pension Plans are the GE Pension Plan and the GE Supplementary Pension Plan.

 

The GE Pension Plan provides benefits to certain U.S. employees based on the greater of a formula recognizing career earnings or a formula recognizing length of service and final average earnings. Certain benefit provisions are subject to collective bargaining. Salaried employees who commence service on or after January 1, 2011 and any employee who commences service on or after January 1, 2012 will not be eligible to participate in the GE Pension Plan, but will participate in a defined contribution retirement program.

 

The GE Supplementary Pension Plan is an unfunded plan providing supplementary retirement benefits primarily to higher-level, longer-service U.S. employees.

 

Other Pension Plans in 2013 included 40 U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans with pension assets or obligations greater than $50 million. These defined benefit plans generally provide benefits to employees based on formulas recognizing length of service and earnings.

Pension Plan Participants     
   Principal Other
   pension pension
December 31, 2013Total plans plans
      
Active employees128,000 94,000 34,000
Vested former employees229,000 184,000 45,000
Retirees and beneficiaries263,000 230,000 33,000
Total620,000 508,000 112,000

Cost of Pension Plans                          
 Total Principal pension plans Other pension plans
(In millions) 2013  2012  2011  2013  2012  2011  2013  2012  2011
                           
Service cost for benefits earned$1,970 $1,779 $1,498 $1,535 $1,387 $1,195 $435 $392 $303
Prior service cost amortization 253  287  207  246  279  194  7  8  13
Expected return on plan assets (4,163)  (4,394)  (4,543)  (3,500)  (3,768)  (3,940)  (663)  (626)  (603)
Interest cost on benefit obligations 2,983  2,993  3,176  2,460  2,479  2,662  523  514  514
Net actuarial loss amortization 4,007  3,701  2,486  3,664  3,421  2,335  343  280  151
Pension plans cost$5,050 $4,366 $2,824 $4,405 $3,798 $2,446 $645 $568 $378
                           
                           

 

Actuarial assumptions are described below. The actuarial assumptions at December 31 are used to measure the year-end benefit obligations and the pension costs for the subsequent year.

 Principal pension plans  Other pension plans (weighted average)
December 312013 2012 2011 2010  2013 2012 2011 2010 
                  
Discount rate4.85%3.96%4.21%5.28% 4.39%3.92%4.42%5.11%
Compensation increases4.00 3.90 3.75 4.25  3.76 3.30 4.31 4.44 
Expected return on assets7.50 8.00 8.00 8.00  6.92 6.82 7.09 7.25 

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider current and target asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets. In developing future return expectations for our principal pension plans' assets, we formulate views on the future economic environment, both in the U.S. and abroad. We evaluate general market trends and historical relationships among a number of key variables that impact asset class returns such as expected earnings growth, inflation, valuations, yields and spreads, using both internal and external sources. We also take into account expected volatility by asset class and diversification across classes to determine expected overall portfolio results given current and target allocations. Based on our analysis of future expectations of asset performance, past return results, and our current and target asset allocations, we have assumed a 7.5% long-term expected return on those assets for cost recognition in 2014. This is a reduction from the 8.0% we had assumed in 2013, 2012 and 2011. For the principal pension plans, we apply our expected rate of return to a market-related value of assets, which stabilizes variability in the amounts to which we apply that expected return.

 

We amortize experience gains and losses, as well as the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions and plan provisions, over a period no longer than the average future service of employees.

 

Funding policy for the GE Pension Plan is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet minimum funding requirements as set forth in employee benefit and tax laws plus such additional amounts as we may determine to be appropriate. We contributed $433 million to the GE Pension Plan in 2012. The ERISA minimum funding requirements did not require a contribution in 2013. As such, we did not contribute to the GE Pension Plan in 2013. We expect to contribute $528 million to the GE Pension Plan in 2014. In addition, we expect to pay approximately $244 million for benefit payments under our GE Supplementary Pension Plan and administrative expenses of our principal pension plans and expect to contribute approximately $800 million to other pension plans in 2014. In 2013, comparative amounts were $225 million and $673 million, respectively.

 

Benefit obligations are described in the following tables. Accumulated and projected benefit obligations (ABO and PBO) represent the obligations of a pension plan for past service as of the measurement date. ABO is the present value of benefits earned to date with benefits computed based on current compensation levels. PBO is ABO increased to reflect expected future compensation.

Projected Benefit Obligation           
 Principal pension plans Other pension plans
(In millions)2013 2012 2013 2012
            
Balance at January 1$63,502 $ 60,510 $ 13,584 $ 11,637
Service cost for benefits earned 1,535   1,387   435   392
Interest cost on benefit obligations 2,460   2,479   523   514
Participant contributions 156   157   14   16
Plan amendments  -   -   11   (6)
Actuarial loss (gain) (a) (6,406)   2,021   (575)   890
Benefits paid (3,134)   (3,052)   (477)   (425)
Acquisitions (dispositions) / other - net  -   -   46   230
Exchange rate adjustments  -   -   (26)   336
Balance at December 31(b)$58,113 $ 63,502 $ 13,535 $ 13,584
            
            

(a)       Principally associated with discount rate changes.

(b)       The PBO for the GE Supplementary Pension Plan, which is an unfunded plan, was $5,162 million and $5,494 million at year-end 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Accumulated Benefit Obligation     
December 31 (In millions)2013 2012
      
GE Pension Plan$ 50,967 $ 55,664
GE Supplementary Pension Plan  3,946   4,114
Other pension plans  12,629   12,687

Plans With Assets Less Than ABO     
December 31 (In millions)2013 2012
      
Funded plans with assets less than ABO     
   Plan assets$ 57,430 $ 53,276
   Accumulated benefit obligations  60,715   66,069
   Projected benefit obligations  63,532   69,234
Unfunded plans(a)     
   Accumulated benefit obligations  5,243   5,390
   Projected benefit obligations  6,512   6,828
      
      

(a)       Primarily related to the GE Supplementary Pension Plan.

 

Plan Assets

The fair value of the classes of the pension plans' investments is presented below. The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the assets are consistently applied and described in Note 1.

Fair Value of Plan Assets           
 Principal pension plans Other pension plans
(In millions)2013 2012 2013 2012
            
Balance at January 1$44,738 $ 42,137 $ 9,702 $ 8,381
Actual gain on plan assets 6,312   4,854   1,212   720
Employer contributions 225   642   673   737
Participant contributions 156   157   14   16
Benefits paid (3,134)   (3,052)   (477)   (425)
Acquisitions (dispositions) / other - net  -   -   (31)   -
Exchange rate adjustments  -   -   (34)   273
Balance at December 31$48,297 $ 44,738 $ 11,059 $ 9,702

Asset Allocation        
   Other pension plans 
 Principal pension plans (weighted average) 
 2013 2013 2013 2013 
 Target Actual Target Actual 
 allocation allocation allocation allocation 
         
Equity securities17 - 57% (a)45% (b)55%55%
Debt securities (including cash equivalents)13 - 53 31 32 34 
Private equities8 - 18 13 2 1 
Real estate2 - 12 7 6 5 
Other3 - 13 4 5 5 
         
         

(a)       Target equally divided between U.S. equity securities and non-U.S. equity securities.

(b)       Actual allocations were 26% for U.S. equity securities and 19% for non-U.S. equity securities.

 

 

Plan fiduciaries of the GE Pension Plan set investment policies and strategies for the GE Pension Trust and oversee its investment allocation, which includes selecting investment managers, commissioning periodic asset-liability studies and setting long-term strategic targets. Long-term strategic investment objectives take into consideration a number of factors, including the funded status of the plan, a balance between risk and return and the plan's liquidity needs. Target allocation percentages are established at an asset class level by plan fiduciaries. Target allocation ranges are guidelines, not limitations, and occasionally plan fiduciaries will approve allocations above or below a target range.

 

Plan fiduciaries monitor the GE Pension Plan's liquidity position in order to meet the near-term benefit payment and other cash needs. The GE Pension Plan holds short-term debt securities to meet its liquidity needs.

 

GE Pension Trust assets are invested subject to the following additional guidelines:

 

According to statute, the aggregate holdings of all qualifying employer securities (e.g., GE common stock) and qualifying employer real property may not exceed 10% of the fair value of trust assets at the time of purchase. GE securities represented 4.5% and 4.2% of trust assets at year-end 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

The GE Pension Plan has a broadly diversified portfolio of investments in equities, fixed income, private equities, real estate and hedge funds; these investments are both U.S. and non-U.S. in nature. As of December 31, 2013, U.S. government direct and indirect obligations represented 16% of total GE Pension Plan assets. No other sector concentration of assets exceeded 15% of total GE Pension Plan assets.

 

The following tables present GE Pension Plan investments measured at fair value.

(In millions) Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total
            
December 31, 2013           
            
Equity securities           
   U.S. equity securities(a)$ 11,067 $ 1,568 $ - $ 12,635
   Non-U.S. equity securities(a)  7,832   1,292   -   9,124
Debt securities           
   Fixed income and cash investment funds  -   2,078   -   2,078
   U.S. corporate(b)  -   4,555   -   4,555
   Residential mortgage-backed  -   1,093   -   1,093
   U.S. government and federal agency(c)  -   5,253   -   5,253
   Other debt securities(d)  -   2,317   -   2,317
Private equities(a)  -   -   6,269   6,269
Real estate(a)  -   -   3,354   3,354
Other investments(e)  -   169   1,622   1,791
Total investments$ 18,899 $ 18,325 $ 11,245   48,469
Other(f)           (172)
Total assets         $ 48,297
            
December 31, 2012           
            
Equity securities           
   U.S. equity securities(a)$ 8,876 $ 2,462 $ - $ 11,338
   Non-U.S. equity securities(a)  6,699   1,644   -   8,343
Debt securities           
   Fixed income and cash investment funds  -   1,931   50   1,981
   U.S. corporate(b)  -   2,758   -   2,758
   Residential mortgage-backed  -   1,420   3   1,423
   U.S. government and federal agency(c)  -   5,489   -   5,489
   Other debt securities(d)  -   2,053   22   2,075
Private equities(a)  -   -   6,878   6,878
Real estate(a)  -   -   3,356   3,356
Other investments(e)  -   44   1,694   1,738
Total investments$ 15,575 $ 17,801 $ 12,003   45,379
Other(f)           (641)
Total assets         $ 44,738
            
            

(a)       Included direct investments and investment funds.

(b)       Primarily represented investment-grade bonds of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.

(c)       Included short-term investments to meet liquidity needs.

(d)       Primarily represented investments in non-U.S. corporate bonds, non-U.S. government bonds and commercial mortgage-backed securities.

(e)       Substantially all represented hedge fund investments.

(f)       Primarily represented net unsettled transactions related to purchases and sales of investments and accrued income receivables.

 

 

The following tables present the changes in Level 3 investments for the GE Pension Plan.

Changes in Level 3 Investments for the Year Ended December 31, 2013
              
              
              
              
        Purchases, Transfers  
         issuances in and/or  
 January 1, Net realized Net unrealized and out of December 31,
(In millions)2013 gains (losses) gains (losses) settlements Level 3(a)2013
                  
Debt securities                 
   Fixed income and cash                  
      investment funds$ 50 $ (7) $ - $ (43) $ - $ -
   Residential mortgage-backed  3   -   -   -   (3)   -
   Other debt securities  22   -   -   (22)   -   -
Private equities  6,878   525   588   (1,675)   (47)   6,269
Real estate  3,356   23   330   (355)   -   3,354
Other investments 1,694  (1)  200  (77)  (194)  1,622
 $12,003 $540 $1,118 $(2,172) $(244) $11,245
                  
                  

(a)       Transfers in and out of Level 3 are considered to occur at the beginning of the period.

Changes in Level 3 Investments for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
              
              
              
              
        Purchases, Transfers  
         issuances in and/or  
 January 1, Net realized Net unrealized and out of December 31,
(In millions)2012 gains (losses) gains (losses) settlements Level 3(a)2012
                  
Debt securities                 
   Fixed income and cash                  
      investment funds$ 62 $ - $ 9 $ (21) $ - $ 50
   U.S. corporate  3   (1)   -   (2)   -   -
   Residential mortgage-backed  5   (2)   -   -   -   3
   Other debt securities  146   (2)   -   (122)   -   22
Private equities  6,786   133   438   (479)   -   6,878
Real estate  3,274   20   279   (217)   -   3,356
Other investments  1,709   32   72   (71)   (48)   1,694
 $ 11,985 $ 180 $ 798 $ (912) $ (48) $ 12,003
                  
                  

(a)       Transfers in and out of Level 3 are considered to occur at the beginning of the period.

 

 

Other pension plans' assets were $11,059 million and $9,702 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Equity and debt securities amounting to $9,781 million and $8,497 million represented approximately 89% of total investments at both December 31, 2013 and 2012. The plans' investments were classified as 11% Level 1, 78% Level 2 and 11% Level 3 at December 31, 2013. The plans' investments were classified as 14% Level 1, 75% Level 2 and 11% Level 3 at December 31, 2012. The changes in Level 3 investments were insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Pension Asset (Liability)           
 Principal pension plans Other pension plans
December 31 (In millions)2013 2012 2013 2012
            
Funded status(a)(b)$(9,816) $(18,764) $(2,476) $(3,882)
Pension asset (liability) recorded in the           
   Statement of Financial Position           
      Pension asset$ - $ - $325 $141
      Pension liabilities           
         Due within one year(c) (170)  (159)  (67)  (62)
         Due after one year (9,646)  (18,605)  (2,734)  (3,961)
Net amount recognized$(9,816) $(18,764) $(2,476) $(3,882)
Amounts recorded in shareowners’            
   equity (unamortized)           
      Prior service cost (credit)$1,160 $1,406 $9 $(4)
      Net actuarial loss 11,555  24,437  2,459  3,962
Total$12,715 $25,843 $2,468 $3,958
            
            

(a)       Fair value of assets less PBO, as shown in the preceding tables.

(b)       The GE Pension Plan was underfunded by $4.7 billion and $13.3 billion at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

(c)       For principal pension plans, represents the GE Supplementary Pension Plan liability.

 

 

In 2014, we estimate that we will amortize $215 million of prior service cost and $2,565 million of net actuarial loss for the principal pension plans from shareowners' equity into pension cost. For other pension plans, the estimated prior service cost and net actuarial loss to be amortized in 2014 will be $5 million and $215 million, respectively. Comparable amortized amounts in 2013, respectively, were $246 million and $3,664 million for the principal pension plans and $7 million and $343 million for other pension plans.

 

Estimated Future Benefit Payments 
                 2019-
(In millions) 2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2023 
                   
Principal pension$3,105 $3,175 $3,240 $3,310 $3,380 $18,370 
   plans                  
Other pension                  
   plans$495 $505 $510 $525 $540 $2,935 

Retiree Health and Life Benefits

We sponsor a number of retiree health and life insurance benefit plans (retiree benefit plans). Principal retiree benefit plans are discussed below; other such plans are not significant individually or in the aggregate. We use a December 31 measurement date for our plans.

 

Principal Retiree Benefit Plans provide health and life insurance benefits to certain eligible participants and these participants share in the cost of healthcare benefits. In 2012, we amended our principal retiree benefit plans such that, effective January 1, 2015, our post-65 retiree medical plans will be closed to salaried and retired salaried employees who are not enrolled in the plans as of that date, and we will no longer offer company-provided life insurance in retirement for certain salaried employees who retire after that date. These plans cover approximately 198,000 retirees and dependents.

Cost of Principal Retiree Benefit Plans        
(In millions)2013 2012 2011
         
Service cost for benefits earned$ 229 $ 219 $ 216
Prior service cost amortization  393   518   647
Expected return on plan assets  (60)   (73)   (97)
Interest cost on benefit obligations  410   491   604
Net actuarial loss (gain) amortization  (45)   32   (110)
Net curtailment/settlement gain  -   (101)   -
Retiree benefit plans cost$ 927 $ 1,086 $ 1,260
         
         

 

Actuarial assumptions are described below. The actuarial assumptions at December 31 are used to measure the year-end benefit obligations and the retiree benefit plan costs for the subsequent year.

 

 

 

December 312013 2012 2011 2010 
         
Discount rate 4.61% 3.74%(a) 4.09%(a) 5.15%
Compensation increases 4.00  3.90  3.75  4.25 
Expected return on assets 7.00  7.00  7.00  8.00 
Initial healthcare trend rate(b) 6.00  6.50  7.00  7.00 
         
         

 

 

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on retiree life plan assets, we consider current and target asset allocations, historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets, as well as expected benefit payments and resulting asset levels. In developing future return expectations for retiree benefit plan assets, we formulate views on the future economic environment, both in the U.S. and abroad. We evaluate general market trends and historical relationships among a number of key variables that impact asset class returns such as expected earnings growth, inflation, valuations, yields and spreads, using both internal and external sources. We also take into account expected volatility by asset class and diversification across classes to determine expected overall portfolio results given current and target allocations. Based on our analysis of future expectations of asset performance, past return results, our current and target asset allocations as well as a shorter time horizon for retiree life plan assets, we have assumed a 7.0% long-term expected return on those assets for cost recognition in 2014. We apply our expected rate of return to a market-related value of assets, which stabilizes variability in the amounts to which we apply that expected return.

 

We amortize experience gains and losses, as well as the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions and plan provisions, over a period no longer than the average future service of employees.

 

Funding Policy. We fund retiree health benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis. We expect to contribute approximately $545 million in 2014 to fund such benefits. We fund the retiree life insurance trust at our discretion.

 

Changes in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for retiree benefit plans follow.

 

Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (APBO)      
(In millions) 2013  2012 
       
Balance at January 1$ 11,804 $ 13,056 
Service cost for benefits earned  229   219 
Interest cost on benefit obligations  410   491 
Participant contributions  52   54 
Plan amendments  -   (832) 
Actuarial gain  (1,836)(a)  (60) 
Benefits paid  (746)   (758) 
Net curtailment/settlement  -   (366) 
Balance at December 31(b)$ 9,913 $ 11,804 
       
       

(a)       Primarily associated with discount rate change and lower costs from new healthcare supplier contracts.

(b)       The APBO for the retiree health plans was $7,626 million and $9,218 million at year-end 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

 

A one percentage point change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would have the following effects.

 1% 1%
(In millions)Increase Decrease
      
APBO at December 31, 2013$ 788 $ (671)
Service and interest cost in 2013  63   (52)

Plan Assets

The fair value of the classes of retiree benefit plans' investments is presented below. The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of assets are consistently applied and described in Note 1.

Fair Value of Plan Assets     
(In millions) 2013  2012
      
Balance at January 1$ 946 $ 1,004
Actual gain on plan assets  118   98
Employer contributions  533   548
Participant contributions  52   54
Benefits paid  (746)   (758)
Balance at December 31$ 903 $ 946
      

Asset Allocation    
December 312013 2013 
 Target Actual 
 allocation allocation 
     
Equity securities35 - 75%(a) 39%(b)
Debt securities (including cash equivalents)11 - 46  38 
Private equities0 - 25  14 
Real estate0 - 12  7 
Other0 - 10  2 
     
     

(a)       Target allocations were 18-38% for U.S. equity securities and 17-37% for non-U.S. equity securities.

(b)       Actual allocations were 23% for U.S. equity securities and 16% for non-U.S. equity securities.

Plan fiduciaries set investment policies and strategies for the trust and oversee its investment allocation, which includes selecting investment managers and setting long-term strategic targets. The primary strategic investment objectives are balancing investment risk and return and monitoring the plan's liquidity position in order to meet the near-term benefit payment and other cash needs. Target allocation percentages are established at an asset class level by plan fiduciaries. Target allocation ranges are guidelines, not limitations, and occasionally plan fiduciaries will approve allocations above or below a target range.

 

Trust assets invested in short-term securities must generally be invested in securities rated A-1/P-1 or better, except for 15% of such securities that may be rated A-2/P-2 and other short-term securities as may be approved by the plan fiduciaries. According to statute, the aggregate holdings of all qualifying employer securities (e.g., GE common stock) and qualifying employer real property may not exceed 10% of the fair value of trust assets at the time of purchase. GE securities represented 4.0% and 5.8% of trust assets at year-end 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Retiree life plan assets were $903 million and $946 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Equity and debt securities amounting to $727 million and $741 million represented approximately 77% and 75% of total investments at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The plans' investments were classified as 33% Level 1, 43% Level 2 and 24% Level 3 at December 31, 2013. The plans' investments were classified as 28% Level 1, 47% Level 2 and 25% Level 3 at December 31, 2012. The changes in Level 3 investments were insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Retiree Benefit Asset (Liability)     
December 31 (In millions) 2013  2012
      
Funded status(a)$ (9,010) $ (10,858)
Liability recorded in the Statement of Financial Position     
   Retiree health plans     
      Due within one year$ (531) $ (589)
      Due after one year  (7,095)   (8,629)
   Retiree life plans  (1,384)   (1,640)
Net liability recognized$ (9,010) $ (10,858)
Amounts recorded in shareowners' equity (unamortized)     
   Prior service cost$ 963 $ 1,356
   Net actuarial loss (gain)  (1,667)   182
Total$ (704) $ 1,538
      
      

(a)       Fair value of assets less APBO, as shown in the preceding tables.

 

In 2014, we estimate that we will amortize $395 million of prior service cost and $170 million of net actuarial gain from shareowners' equity into retiree benefit plans cost. Comparable amortized amounts in 2013 were $393 million of prior service cost and $45 million of net actuarial gain.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments 
                 2019
(In millions) 2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2023 
                   
 $ 725 $ 725 $ 725 $ 725 $ 725 $ 3,500 
                   

Postretirement Benefit Plans

2013 Cost of Postretirement Benefit Plans and Changes in Other Comprehensive Income

 

 

 

 Total Principal Other Retiree
 postretirement pension pension benefit
(In millions)benefit plans plans plans plans
            
Cost of postretirement benefit plans$ 5,977 $ 4,405 $ 645 $ 927
Changes in other comprehensive income           
      Prior service cost – current year  11   -   11   -
      Net actuarial gain – current year(a)  (12,263)   (9,218)   (1,151)   (1,894)
      Prior service cost amortization  (646)   (246)   (7)   (393)
      Net actuarial gain (loss) amortization  (3,962)   (3,664)   (343)   45
Total changes in other comprehensive income  (16,860)   (13,128)   (1,490)   (2,242)
Cost of postretirement benefit plans and           
   changes in other comprehensive income$ (10,883) $ (8,723) $ (845) $ (1,315)
            

 


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