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This section covers the presentation of defined benefit plans in a reporting entity's financial statements and the disclosures in the accompanying notes.
A defined benefit plan is any retirement plan that is not a defined contribution plan, as described in FSP 13.4. Generally, a defined benefit plan is one that defines an amount of benefit to be provided, usually as a function of one or more factors, such as age, years of service, or compensation.

13.3.1 Balance sheet presentation

Balance sheet presentation of defined benefit plans involves two factors: recognition of the plan's funded status, and classification of the funded status as current and noncurrent. The funded status is the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation. The benefit obligation refers to the projected benefit obligation (PBO) for pension plans and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) for OPEB plans. As discussed in ASC 715-20-50-1(c), the funded status and its classification as current and noncurrent are required to be determined on a plan-by-plan basis.

13.3.1.1 Funded status presentation

As discussed in ASC 715-20-45-2, a reporting entity is required to recognize the funded status of its defined benefit plans on the balance sheet. As discussed in ASC 715-20-45-3, an overfunded benefit plan has plan assets that are greater than the benefit obligation (which would be presented as a net benefit asset). An underfunded benefit plan has plan assets that are less than the benefit obligation, and an unfunded benefit plan has no plan assets (both are presented as a net benefit liability).
A reporting entity is not permitted to offset one plan's net benefit asset with another plan's net benefit liability. Further, all overfunded plans should be aggregated and recorded as a net benefit asset, and all unfunded or underfunded plans should be aggregated and recorded as a net benefit liability. Therefore, a reporting entity that has more than one plan may report both a net benefit asset and a net benefit liability on its balance sheet.
As defined in ASC 715-30-20 and ASC 715-60-20, for assets to be considered plan assets, the assets must be segregated in a trust or otherwise restricted for the sole use of paying benefits. The reporting entity is generally not permitted to access the funds for other uses. Only assets that meet the definition of plan assets can offset the liability on the balance sheet. Assets that do not meet the definition of plan assets are presented gross on the balance sheet and accounted for and classified depending on the nature of the asset.
Plan assets should be measured on the balance sheet date. However, ASC 715-30-35-63A provides a practical expedient as a policy election that allows employers with fiscal year-end dates that do not fall on a calendar month-end (e.g., companies with a 52/53 week fiscal year) to measure plan assets and obligations as of the calendar month-end closest to the fiscal year-end.

13.3.1.2 Balance sheet classification

As discussed in ASC 715-20-45-3, a reporting entity that presents a classified balance sheet is required to consider whether a portion of its net benefit liability should be presented as a current liability, on a plan-by-plan basis. The current liability is the amount of the benefit obligation that is payable over the next 12 months (or the operating cycle, if longer) that exceeds the fair value of plan assets. Payments include expected benefit payments, expected settlements (e.g., lump sum payments), and payments of other items reflected in the benefit obligation (e.g., administrative or claims costs). All expected payments for an unfunded plan to be made over the next 12 months (or operating cycle, if longer) from the balance sheet date are classified as a current liability.
In determining the current liability, a reporting entity should consider expected payments for the 12-month period from the balance sheet date. For example, in its 20X1 financial statements, a calendar year-end reporting entity should consider the expected payments for the period January 1, 20X2 to December 31, 20X2 in determining whether a portion of the liability should be classified as current. For its March 31, 20X2 balance sheet, the reporting entity should consider the expected payments for the period April 1, 20X2 to March 31, 20X3 (not just expected payments for the remainder of the year). A reporting entity is not required to remeasure plan assets and obligations in order to estimate expected payments for interim reporting purposes.
For plans that are overfunded (in a net asset position), the net benefit asset should be classified as a noncurrent asset. If a reporting entity expects a refund from the plan within the next 12 months—a rare occurrence in practice—the amount and timing of the refund should be disclosed, but not recorded as a current asset.

13.3.2 Income statement presentation

In the income statement, pension and OPEB costs are included in net periodic pension cost. Under ASC 715, net periodic benefit cost comprises:
  • Service cost
  • Interest cost
  • Expected return on plan assets
  • Amortization of prior service cost/credit
  • Gains and losses
  • Amortization of transition amount (this would have arisen upon the initial adoption of the guidance that is now in ASC 715)
Under ASC 715-20-45-3A, a reporting entity that sponsors one or more defined benefit plans will present net benefit cost as follows:
  • Service cost will be included with other employee compensation costs within operations, if such a subtotal is presented.
  • The other components of net benefit cost will be presented separately (in one or more line items) and outside of income from operations, if such a subtotal is presented.
If a separate line item is used to present the other components of net benefit cost, it should have an appropriate description. If a separate line item is not used, the reporting entity must disclose the line items in the income statement where the other components of net benefit cost are included.
Gains and losses from curtailments and settlements, and the cost of certain termination benefits accounted for under ASC 715, should be reported in the same fashion as the other components of net benefit cost.
Net periodic benefit cost is estimated at the beginning of the year, based on beginning-of-the-year (or end-of-prior-year) plan balances and assumptions.
When the plan is remeasured, typically at the end of the year, if the net benefit asset or liability changes by more than the net periodic benefit cost recorded, the difference is referred to as an actuarial gain or loss. How an actuarial gain or loss is recognized will depend on the reporting entity’s accounting policy for gain and loss recognition. Some reporting entities first recognize such gains and losses in OCI and subsequently recognize these amounts in net periodic benefit cost in future periods. A reporting entity that has adopted an immediate recognition policy for gains and losses would recognize the gain or loss in net periodic benefit cost in the period in which it occurs.
Capitalizing costs
Similar to other employee costs, net periodic benefit costs should be capitalized in connection with the construction or production of an asset (e.g., inventories, self-constructed assets, internal use software). The amount capitalized will be limited to only the service cost component of the total net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost attributable to specific employees.

Excerpt from ASC 330-10-55-6A

The service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost is the only component directly arising from employees’ services provided in the current period. Therefore, when it is appropriate to capitalize employee compensation in connection with the construction or production of an asset, the service cost component applicable to the pertinent employees for the period is the relevant amount to be considered for capitalization

The guidance does not prescribe how to determine the amount of net periodic benefit cost to allocate to the employees associated with the production or construction of an asset, or how to allocate the costs across the period the assets are being produced or constructed. This determination requires considerable judgment based on the relevant facts and circumstances.

13.3.3 Statement of stockholders' equity presentation

Reporting entities are permitted to recognize gains and losses in OCI and subsequently amortize those amounts as a component of net periodic benefit cost. Prior service cost (credit) generated from plan amendments is generally required to be treated in a similar manner (i.e., such amounts are first recognized in OCI and subsequently recognized in net periodic benefit cost through amortization). As amounts are amortized, a reclassification adjustment is recognized in AOCI.
See FSP 4 for further discussion of OCI reclassification adjustments.

13.3.3.1 Gains and losses

A gain or loss can result from a change in any of the following:
  • The value of plan assets due to experience, both realized and unrealized, being different from that assumed (i.e., the expected return on plan assets)
  • The benefit obligation resulting from experience different from that assumed
  • Actuarial assumptions, including changes in discount rates
The amount of the net gain or loss recognized in AOCI, as well as the amount to amortize in the subsequent period, is recalculated at each measurement date. At a minimum, an amount should be amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost for the year if the beginning-of-the-year net gain or loss in AOCI exceeds the "corridor" amount, i.e., 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets.
A reporting entity may adopt an accounting policy for recognizing the net gain or loss that differs from the corridor approach, as long as it is a systematic method and the amount recognized each period is no less than the amount that would have been recognized under the corridor method. As discussed in ASC 715-20-50-1(o), a reporting entity should also disclose any alternative recognition policy.

13.3.3.2 Prior service cost (credit)

Prior service cost (credit) arises from plan amendments that increase (decrease) benefits for services rendered in prior periods. It is measured by the change in the benefit obligation at the date the amendment is adopted. The amount to be amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost each period is established at the date of the amendment. This amount should not be subsequently changed or recalculated, unless there is a significant event such as a curtailment. Prior service cost arising from each plan amendment should generally be amortized separately.

13.3.3.3 Foreign pension and OPEB plans

A reporting entity with foreign plans in which the functional currency for the entity with the foreign plan is different from the overall parent reporting currency needs to determine at what foreign currency rate to translate amounts in AOCI that are subsequently reclassified to net income. We believe that there are two acceptable approaches to account for the translation under ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters, as described in Figure FSP 13-1 below. Selection of an approach represents an accounting policy decision that should be applied consistently.
Figure FSP 13-1
Acceptable approaches to account for the reclassification of foreign pension and OPEB items from AOCI to net income
Approach
Requirements of presentation
Historical rate
The amount of AOCI reclassified to net income each period is translated at the historical exchange rate in effect at the time the prior service costs (credits), net gain (loss), or transition asset (obligation) were initially recognized in OCI.
Current rate
The amount of AOCI reclassified to net income each period is translated at the current exchange rate in effect for the period in which the reclassification adjustment is reflected in net income.
The rate used typically represents the average exchange rate for the period, since pension and OPEB expense is recognized ratably over the period.

13.3.4 Subsidiaries participating in parent company plans

When a reporting entity participates in a pension or OPEB plan sponsored by an affiliated entity (e.g., parent company, sister entity), the accounting in the standalone financial statements of the reporting entity should generally follow the "multiemployer" guidance in ASC 715-80 (discussed in FSP 13.5). The multiemployer guidance differs significantly from the traditional "single employer" accounting guidance. Under multiemployer accounting, a reporting entity typically recognizes expense based on the required contribution to the plan for the period. The reporting entity only recognizes a liability if the required contribution had not been paid at the end of the period.
A subsidiary that participates in its parent's benefit plan is not required to provide the multiemployer disclosures described in FSP 13.5.1 and FSP 13.5.2. Rather, it should disclose the name of the plan and the amount of contributions to the plan.

13.3.5 Reporting entities with two or more plans

Reporting entities may aggregate the disclosures provided for all pension plans, and for all OPEB plans, unless disaggregating in groups provides more useful information or if a disclosure is specifically required, as discussed in this section.

13.3.5.1 Aggregate benefit obligation in excess of plan assets

Reporting entities may aggregate disclosures for plans whose plan assets exceed the benefit obligation, with separate disclosures for those plans whose benefit obligations exceed plan assets. However, ASC 715-20-50-3 requires that if a reporting entity choses to aggregate the disclosures required by ASC 715-20-50-1 for these plans, it also needs to include the disaggregated disclosure.
Post-adoption of ASU 2018-14
  • For pension plans:
    • The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets in the aggregate for plans with PBOs in excess of plan assets, and
    • The accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets in the aggregate for plans with ABOs in excess of plan assets.
  • For postretirement plans, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets in the aggregate for plans with APBOs in excess of plan assets.

13.3.5.1A Aggregate benefit obligation in excess of plan assets

Reporting entities may aggregate disclosures for plans whose plan assets exceed the benefit obligation, with separate disclosures for those plans whose benefit obligations exceed plan assets. However, ASC 715-20-50-3 requires that if a reporting entity choses to aggregate the disclosures required by ASC 715-20-50-1 for these plans, it also needs to include the disaggregated disclosure.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 for public business entities and for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2021 for all other entities. Early adoption is permitted for all entities. ASU 2018-14 only amends annual reporting requirements (i.e., it does not amend interim reporting requirements). A reporting entity should apply the amendments on a retrospective basis to all periods presented.
Pre-adoption of ASU 2018-14
Reporting entities may aggregate disclosures for plans whose plan assets exceed the benefit obligation, with separate disclosures for those plans whose benefit obligations exceed plan assets. However, ASC 715-20-50-3 requires that if a reporting entity choses to aggregate the disclosures required by ASC 715-20-50-1 for these plans, it also needs to include the disaggregated disclosure.
  • For plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of the measurement date of each balance sheet presented, disclose the aggregate benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets
  • For pension plans with an ABO in excess of plan assets, disclose the aggregate ABO and the aggregate fair value of plan assets

13.3.5.2 US and international plans

A reporting entity may aggregate its disclosure for US and non-US plans, unless the benefit obligations for the non-US plans are significant relative to the total benefit obligation and their assumptions are significantly different.

13.3.6 Disclosure

Information related to a reporting entity's net periodic benefit cost should be disclosed for each period that an income statement is presented. Similarly, information related to amounts presented in a reporting entity's balance sheet should be disclosed as of the date of each balance sheet presented. Information for pension plans should be provided separate from information about OPEB plans (see FSP 13.3.5 for discussion of disclosure requirements when a reporting entity has more than one pension or OPEB plan). Disclosure requirements differ depending on if the reporting entity is a public entity or a nonpublic entity.
ASC 715-20-20 defines both a nonpublic entity and a public entity.

Definition from ASC 715-20-20

Nonpublic entity: Any entity other than one with any of the following characteristics:
  1. Whose debt or equity securities trade in a public market either on a stock exchange (domestic or foreign) or in the over-the-counter market, including securities quoted only locally or regionally
  2. That is a conduit bond obligor for conduit debt securities that are traded in a public market (a domestic or foreign stock exchange or an over-the-counter market, including local or regional markets)
  3. That makes a filing with a regulatory agency in preparation for the sale of any class of debt or equity securities in a public market
  4. It is required to file or furnish financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  5. That is controlled by an entity covered by (a) through (d).
Publicly traded entity (or public entity): Any entity that does not meet the definition of a nonpublic entity.

Public reporting entities should provide the required disclosures from ASC 715-20-50-1 as further discussed in the remainder of this section. ASC 715-20-55-16 through ASC 715-20-55-17 include an illustrative example of the disclosure requirements.
A nonpublic company should refer to the disclosures required in ASC 715-20-50-5, and to the considerations for nonpublic companies (see FSP 13.7).

13.3.6.1 Description of the plans

Although not specifically required, a reporting entity should consider providing a general description of the defined benefit plans it sponsors to help financial statement users understand the current and future impact the benefits have on the financial statements. The following is information that a reporting entity may consider providing:
  • Nature of the plans
  • Benefits provided
  • Employee groups entitled to benefits
  • Description of the regulatory environment (e.g., ERISA) in which the plans operate
  • Description of the risks to which the plans may expose the reporting entity
  • Other information that would be useful to understand the plans

13.3.6.2 Amounts recognized on the balance sheet and funded status

ASC 715-20-50-1 requires a reporting entity to disclose the pension-related amounts recognized on the balance sheet, showing separately the net assets and net liabilities. A reporting entity should separately disclose the current and noncurrent liabilities recognized if it presents a classified balance sheet. A reporting entity should also disclose the funded status of the plans. These amounts should be consistent with the ending balances in the reconciliation of the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets, as discussed in FSP 13.3.6.3.
As discussed in ASC 715-20-50-1(e), for defined benefit pension plans, a reporting entity should disclose the accumulated benefit obligation (ABO). The ABO is a benefit obligation measure that incorporates past and current compensation levels, but unlike the projected benefit obligation, does not reflect expected benefit increases from future salary levels. The PBO is the benefit obligation that is used to calculate the net asset or liability included on the balance sheet, while the ABO is disclosed.
Reporting entities with two or more plans have additional disclosure requirements (see FSP 13.3.5 for discussion of disclosure requirements when a reporting entity has more than one pension or OPEB plan).

13.3.6.3 Reconciliation of the benefit obligation and plan assets

As discussed in ASC 715-20-50-1(a) through ASC 715-20-50-1(b), a reporting entity should disclose a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets, showing separately the items that impact the balance. Figure FSP 13-2 identifies items that typically affect the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, or both.
Figure FSP 13-2
Items that typically affect the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, or both
Benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Both
• Service cost
• Actual return on plan assets
• Contributions by plan participants
• Interest cost
• Contributions by reporting entity
• Benefits paid
• Actuarial gains and loses
• Foreign currency exchange rate changes
• Plan amendments
• Business combinations
• Curtailments
• Divestitures
• Termination benefits
• Settlements

13.3.6.4 Plan assets

ASC 715-20-50-1(d) provides disclosure objectives for plan assets, indicating that the disclosures are intended to provide users of the financial statements with an understanding of:
  • The plan's investment policies, strategies, and allocation decisions
  • The classes of plan assets
  • The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets
  • The effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period
  • Significant concentrations of risk within plan assets
The plan asset disclosures are intended to address users' desires for transparency about the types of assets and associated risks in a reporting entity's defined benefit pension and OPEB plans, and how economic events could have a significant effect on the value of plan assets.
Disclosure about investment policies and strategies
ASC 715-20-50-1(d)(5) requires a reporting entity to disclose information regarding how investment allocation decisions are made, including factors pertinent to understanding investment policies and strategies. Disclosures should include:
  • A narrative description of investment policies and strategies
  • Target allocation percentages or a range of percentages considering the classes of plan assets as of the latest balance sheet presented (on a weighted-average basis for reporting entities with more than one plan)
  • Other factors pertinent to an understanding of the plan's policies and strategies, such as:
    • Investment goals
    • Risk management practices
    • Permitted and prohibited investments, including whether the use of derivatives is permitted
    • Diversification
    • The relationship between plan assets and benefit obligations
  • A description of the significant investment strategies of investment funds (e.g., hedge funds, mutual funds, private equity funds), if those investment funds represent a major class of plan assets.
Disclosure about classes of plan assets
As discussed in ASC 715-20-50-1(d)(5)(ii), a reporting entity should disclose the fair value of each class of plan assets as of each annual reporting date for which a balance sheet is presented. Asset classes should be disclosed based on the nature and risks of the assets.
Examples of classes of plan assets include:
  • Cash and cash equivalents
  • Equity securities (segregated by industry type, reporting entity size, or investment objective)
  • Debt securities issued by national, state, and local governments
  • Corporate debt securities
  • Asset-backed securities
  • Structured debt
  • Derivatives on a gross basis (segregated by type of underlying risk in the contract, e.g., interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, credit risk)
  • Investment funds (segregated by type of fund)
  • Real estate
Plan assets may be invested indirectly in many different asset categories (e.g., a mutual fund may invest in several different types of assets). A reporting entity is not required to allocate such indirect investments into respective asset categories. However, a reporting entity should consider the objectives of the disclosure in determining under which asset class such an investment should be disclosed. Specifically, disclosure of additional asset classes and/or further disaggregation of major categories would be appropriate if that information is expected to be useful in understanding the risks associated with each asset class or the overall expected long-term rate of return on assets.
As discussed in ASC 715-20-50-1(d)(5)(iii), a reporting entity is also required to provide a narrative description of the basis used to determine the overall expected long-term rate of return on assets. Such narrative should consider the classes of assets described above and include:
  • The general approach used
  • The extent to which the overall rate of return on assets assumption was based on historical returns
  • The extent to which adjustments were made to those historical returns in order to reflect expectations of future returns and how those adjustments were determined.
Question FSP 13-1
Is a reporting entity required to separately disclose its investment strategy for each class of assets in the fair value hierarchy disclosure?
PwC response
The guidance does not explicitly require a reporting entity to disclose its investment strategy for each class of assets included in the fair value disclosure. Accordingly, investment strategies may be disclosed at the level provided to the portfolio managers provided it is clear how the strategy relates to the classes of plan assets. For example, if a plan's strategy is to invest 50% to 60% in equities, the reporting entity would not be required to break this target allocation into further subclasses (even where the fair value hierarchy disclosure presents several such subclasses of equities).

A reporting entity that applies the practical expedient related to the measurement date of defined benefit plan assets and obligations at the calendar month-end closest to the fiscal year-end date is subject to an additional disclosure requirement (if applicable), as described in ASC 715-20-50-1(d)(5)(ii).

Excerpt from ASC 715-20-50-1(d)(5)(ii)

If an employer determines the measurement date of plan assets in accordance with paragraph 715-30-35-63A or 715-60-35-123A and the employer contributes assets to the plan between the measurement date and its fiscal year-end, the employer shall not adjust the fair value of each class of plan assets for the effects of the contribution. Instead, the employer shall disclose the amount of the contribution to permit reconciliation of the total fair value of all the classes of plan assets to the ending balance of the fair value of plan assets.

Disclosure of fair value measurements of plan assets
Disclosures are required to enable users of the reporting entity's financial statements to assess the inputs and valuation techniques used to develop fair value measurements of plan assets. As discussed in ASC 715-20-50-1(d)(5)(iv), a reporting entity should disclose the following for each class of plan assets as of each annual reporting date for which a balance sheet is presented:
  • The level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 inputs. However, if the fair value is measured at net asset value (NAV) using the practical expedient, it should not be reflected in this table, but rather should be included as a reconciling item to the total fair value of plan assets. Investments for which NAV is fair value, and not a practical expedient, must still be included in the fair value table in the appropriate level.
  • For Level 3 fair value measurements of plan assets, a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to:
    • Actual return on plan assets, separately identifying the amounts related to assets still held at the reporting date and assets sold during the period
    • Purchases, sales, and settlements, net
    • Transfers in or out of Level 3
  • Information about the valuation technique(s) and inputs used to measure fair value, including a discussion of any changes in valuation techniques and inputs used during the period.
See FV 4.5 for further discussion of inputs to fair value measurement and the fair value hierarchy, including presentation when the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the fair value hierarchy.
ASC 715-20-50-1(d)(5)(iv)(02) requires the Level 3 asset reconciliation to include the actual return on plan assets, separately identifying the amount related to assets still held at the reporting date and the amount related to assets sold during the period. Questions have arisen in practice about how to define and measure realized and unrealized gains and losses on plan assets, as well as the appropriate format for presenting this information. The guidance does not specify a particular way to calculate realized and unrealized gains and losses, or the format of the Level 3 reconciliation disclosure. A reporting entity can exercise judgment in determining the manner and format of the disclosure, so long as it satisfies the disclosure objectives of the standard and is applied consistently each period.
In considering the guidance, we believe, for example, that it would be acceptable to separately present the actual return (realized and unrealized) on plan assets still held at the reporting date, and on assets sold during the period within the reconciliation. Alternatively, the actual return (realized and unrealized) may be presented as a single line item in the reconciliation, and the amounts associated with assets still held at the reporting date disclosed in a footnote to the reconciliation.
The disclosure requirements by level are similar to those required by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (see FSP 20). However, ASC 715 requires a reporting entity to segregate its Level 3 returns between those related to assets held and sold in lieu of the ASC 820 requirement to segregate gains and losses recognized in earnings from those recognized in other comprehensive income. That requirement does not apply to a reporting entity's disclosures about its pension and OPEB plan assets because the delayed recognition provisions for gains and losses makes it too difficult to determine whether gains or losses on plan assets were included in net income or OCI for the period.
Many reporting entities and plans use information provided by third parties in developing their fair value estimates. While reporting entities may receive information from the plan custodian or trustee regarding asset valuations and the classification of investments in the fair value hierarchy (i.e., whether inputs used to measure fair value are Level 1, 2 or 3), management remains responsible for the accuracy of such determinations. As such, reporting entities should understand the valuation methodologies used by their third party information providers. The AICPA Employee Benefit Plans Audit Quality Center Advisory, Valuing and Reporting Plan Investments, may help management understand its responsibility regarding the valuation and reporting of investments.
Question FSP 13-2
How should a reporting entity determine the level of disaggregation (e.g., the appropriate unit of account) for the fair value hierarchy disclosure?
PwC response
The guidance indicates that for purposes of the fair value disclosures, the asset classes should be based on the nature, characteristics, and risks of the assets in a reporting entity's plan.
Plan investments often involve complex structures with multiple layers. A reporting entity should determine the unit of account based on the legal structure, which will determine the level of disaggregation for the fair value hierarchy disclosure. In some cases, a plan may utilize a portfolio manager to manage a pool of investments (e.g., stocks and bonds) on its behalf, but the plan legally owns the underlying investments. In these situations, each individual stock and bond (i.e., CUSIP or trade lot) would be its own unit of account.
A plan may invest in an insurance contract that will generate returns based on the performance of underlying or referenced assets (e.g., pooled accounts). In these situations, the reporting entity may determine that the appropriate unit of account is the insurance contract rather than the underlying investment. Alternatively, some insurance contracts require that the underlying assets be maintained in a "separate account" of the insurance reporting entity, and sometimes the plan sponsor has some involvement in investment decisions relating to the separate account. These assets are generally not comingled with assets of the insurer or other plan sponsors, and while the insurer legally owns the assets, they may not be available to its general creditors in bankruptcy. Accordingly, it may be appropriate to look through the separate account to determine the appropriate level of the underlying investment.

Question FSP 13-3
How should investments measured at NAV using the practical expedient, cash, insurance contracts, dividends receivable, and accrued interest be included in the reporting entity’s fair value hierarchy disclosure?
PwC response
The guidance requires disclosure of the fair value of each class of plan assets and the level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to develop the fair values. The following provides guidance on specific types of plan assets:
Investments measured at NAV using the practical expedient — Investments whose fair values are measured at NAV using the practical expedient should not be included in the fair value hierarchy table. Such investments should be included as a reconciling item between the fair value hierarchy disclosure and total plan assets. Investments measured at NAV not using the practical expedient should be included in the fair value hierarchy table.
Demand deposits and other cash — Cash on deposit held by a plan is recorded at the amount on deposit. Since no judgment is required to assess the fair value of cash, and the disclosure example in ASC 715-20-55-17 explicitly includes cash, it could be included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure. It is appropriate to classify the fair value measurement for cash as Level 1 when the amounts are available on demand. It would also be acceptable to exclude cash from the fair value hierarchy disclosure and include it as a reconciling item between the fair value hierarchy disclosure and total plan assets.
Contracts with insurance companies — ASC 715-30-35-60 states that contracts with insurance companies (other than those that are in substance equivalent to the purchase of annuities) should be accounted for as investments and measured at fair value. The guidance further states that for some contracts, contract value may be the best evidence of fair value. If a contract has a determinable cash surrender value or conversion value, that amount is presumed to be its fair value.
We believe that these alternative measures are practical expedients to the required fair value measurement. This practical expedient does not relieve a reporting entity from the requirement to present such contracts as a component of the applicable major category of plan assets in the fair value disclosure. Accordingly, contracts issued by insurance companies, including those for which cash surrender value or contract value is used to estimate fair value, should be included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure.
Generally, contracts that are recorded at cash surrender value or contract value will be classified as Level 2 or Level 3, depending on the nature of the contract. For example, in some instances, the contract value or cash surrender value is based principally on a referenced pool of investment funds that actively redeems shares and for which prices may be observable, resulting in Level 2 classification. In other instances, the underlying investments may comprise less liquid funds or assets, resulting in Level 3 classification.
Dividends and interest receivable — Dividends and interest receivable included in plan assets are also required to be recorded at fair value. Given the short-term nature of these assets, reporting entities generally assert that the carrying amounts of these items approximate their fair values. A reporting entity that includes these assets in the fair value hierarchy should not classify these assets as Level 1 as there are no quoted prices in active markets. A reporting entity would need to assess the observability of inputs to determine whether the assets should be reported as Level 2 or Level 3. Alternatively, some reporting entities present these items as adjustments to reconcile the fair value hierarchy to the fair value of plan assets.

Question FSP 13-4
What should the Level 3 asset reconciliation start with -- the fair value estimates reported in the prior year financial statements or the revised amounts based on any final valuations received after those financial statements were issued?
PwC response
Many reporting entities apply a roll forward technique to estimate the year-end fair values of alternative investments (e.g., hedge funds and private equity funds) because valuations are difficult to obtain in a timely manner for year-end reporting. In these instances, reporting entities typically develop a best estimate using asset values at a period earlier than the year-end measurement date and make adjustments to roll forward the asset values to year-end. The year-end estimates are subsequently "trued-up" when the plan receives the final valuations (e.g., in the second quarter), which are used to measure current year benefit cost and disclosed in the plan financial statements filed with Form 5500.
Assuming the reporting entity has concluded that any subsequent changes to the prior year fair value estimates were "changes in estimates" rather than "corrections of errors" (as defined by ASC 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections), the change in estimate should be reflected as current period activity (e.g., unrealized gain or loss) in the Level 3 asset reconciliation. In that case, the reconciliation should start with the fair value estimates reported in the prior year financial statements.

Question FSP 13-5
How should the Level 3 asset reconciliation present foreign exchange translation and transaction gains and losses?
PwC response
The effect of foreign currency translation and transaction gains and losses, to the extent they affect the change in the fair value of the Level 3 assets, may be presented as a component of actual return on plan assets for the period, or as a separate line item. If a reporting entity elects to present the foreign exchange amounts as a separate line item in the reconciliation, it is not necessary to disclose the amounts associated with assets sold and assets held at year-end.

Question FSP 13-6
If a pension plan is party to securities lending transactions (i.e., borrower of cash and lender of securities), should the obligation to buy back the securities on loan be included in the fair value disclosures, including the fair value hierarchy disclosure?
PwC response
Yes. The liability recognized in connection with a securities lending transaction (i.e., to repurchase the securities on loan) is included in the net assets of the plan at fair value. Accordingly, it is appropriate to include the securities lending liability in the fair value disclosures, including the fair value hierarchy disclosure.

Disclosure about significant concentrations of risk
Reporting entities are required to disclose significant concentrations of risk in plan assets. The guidance does not prescribe how a significant concentration should be determined. Each reporting entity should perform a risk assessment of its plan assets to determine whether it has any significant concentrations of risk that require disclosure. Reporting entities should consider concentrations of risk related to asset type, industry, or market.
Other asset disclosures
The guidance requires the following additional asset disclosures:
  • If plan assets include securities of the reporting entity or a related party, the amounts and types of securities included in plan assets
  • The approximate amount of future annual benefits covered by insurance contracts, including annuity contracts issued by the reporting entity or a related party (upon adoption of ASU 2018-14, this disclosure will no longer be required)
  • Any significant transactions between the reporting entity or a related party and the plan during the year (upon adoption of ASU 2018-14, this disclosure will no longer be required)
  • If plan assets are expected to be returned to the reporting entity during the next year (or operating cycle, if longer), the amount and timing of any such plan assets (upon adoption of ASU 2018-14, this disclosure will no longer be required)

13.3.6.5 Net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income

A reporting entity is required to disclose the net periodic benefit cost, amounts recognized in OCI, AOCI balances, and amounts expected to be amortized in the coming year.
Net periodic benefit cost
As discussed in ASC 715-20-50-1(h), a reporting entity should disclose its net periodic benefit cost and disclose the components of cost for each period for which an income statement is presented, including the following:
  • Service cost
  • Interest cost
  • Expected return on assets
  • Gain or loss
  • Amortization of prior service cost/credit
  • Gain or loss due to settlements or curtailments
  • Amortization of transition asset or obligation
  • If not presented in a separate line, the line item(s) in the income statement in which the components other than the service cost component are presented
Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income
A reporting entity that defers amounts in AOCI (either gains and losses or prior service cost (credit) generated from a plan amendment) is required to disclose the following information about OCI and AOCI:
  • For each year that an income statement is presented, amounts recognized in OCI during the year, including separately disclosing the net gain or loss, net prior service cost (credit), and amounts that are being reclassified or amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost
  • For each year that a balance sheet is presented, amounts in AOCI that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost
  • Amounts expected to be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost in the coming year (upon adoption of ASU 2018-14, this disclosure will no longer be required)

13.3.6.6 Expected cash flows of the reporting entity and the plan

As discussed in ASC 715-20-50-1(f), a reporting entity should disclose expected benefit payments to be paid in each of the next five fiscal years, and the total to be paid in years five through ten. These amounts should be estimated based on the same assumptions that were used to measure the reporting entity's year-end benefit obligation. Expected benefit payments after year ten do not require disclosure.
A reporting entity should also disclose its best estimate of contributions expected to be paid to the plans in the coming year, including contributions required by funding regulations or laws, discretionary contributions, and noncash contributions. These amounts may be presented in the aggregate.

13.3.6.7 Assumptions

ASC 715-20-50-1(k) requires reporting entities to disclose the discount rate, the rate of salary increases (if any), and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets on a weighted average basis used to determine (1) the year-end benefit obligation, and (2) the net periodic benefit cost for the year.
As discussed in ASC 715-20-50-1(k), reporting entities are required to disclose the assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation for each year that a balance sheet is presented, and the assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost for each year that an income statement is presented.
As discussed in ASC 715-20-50-8, since net periodic benefit cost is estimated at the beginning of the year, based on beginning-of-the-year plan balances and assumptions, the assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost are generally the same assumptions as those used for measuring the benefit obligation as of the prior year end. If a reporting entity performed an interim measurement, it should disclose either the beginning and interim rates, or a weighted average of the rates.
An SEC registrant with material defined benefit plans should disclose how it determines its assumed discount rate, either in the critical accounting policies section of MD&A or in the footnotes. That disclosure should include the specific source data used to support the discount rate and adjustments made to the source data.
If the reporting entity benchmarks its assumption off of published long-term bond indices, it should explain how it determined that the timing and amount of cash outflows related to the bonds included in the indices matches its estimated defined benefit payments. If there are differences between the terms of the bonds and the terms of the defined benefit obligations, or if the bonds are callable, the reporting entity should explain how it adjusted for the differences.
Question FSP 13-7
In addition to the traditional disclosure of the weighted-average discount rate used to measure the benefit obligation, is additional disclosure required if a reporting entity uses a disaggregated approach (such as the use of spot rates) to measure interest cost and/or service cost instead of using a single weighted-average discount rate?
PwC response
When a company changes from using a single weighted-average discount rate to a disaggregated approach that uses spot rates along the yield curve to calculate interest cost or service cost, the change is accounted for as a change in estimate. This change should be accompanied by robust disclosures as required by ASC 250-10-50-4.
In the period of change and in future periods, in addition to the traditional disclosure of the weighted-average discount rate used to measure the benefit obligation, reporting entities should also disclose the weighted-average discount rates (or effective rates) that were used to measure interest cost and service cost, as well as a narrative description of the disaggregated approach utilized.
Disclosures of assumptions after adoption of ASU 2018-14
Upon adoption of ASU 2018-14, a reporting entity will also be required to disclose the interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and other plans with a promised interest crediting rate. Typically, in such plans, the benefit is based on a hypothetical account balance that grows based on the plan formula. It may be a fixed rate or a variable rate based on the market or index level, and may have a floor or a ceiling. The required disclosure should be the assumed interest crediting rate over the life of the plan used to determine the projected benefit obligation.

13.3.6.8 Certain disclosures for postretirement healthcare plans

ASC 715-20-50 and ASC 715-60-50 provide guidance on the disclosure requirements for postretirement healthcare plans.
Assumptions and sensitivity
A reporting entity that sponsors postretirement healthcare plans should provide specific disclosures regarding the assumptions used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan. These assumptions include the following:
  • Healthcare cost trend rate (used to project current per capita healthcare costs)
  • Direction and pattern of the trend rates
  • The ultimate trend rate (the rate at which healthcare cost trends will level off in some future year)
  • The year when the reporting entity expects to reach the ultimate trend rate
A reporting entity should also provide a sensitivity analysis of the healthcare cost trend rate. This includes disclosing the effect of a one percentage point increase and decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rates on the sum of service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit costs, and on the benefit obligation. This disclosure will no longer be required after adoption of ASU 2018-14.
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 authorized Medicare to provide prescription drug benefits to retirees. The federal government makes subsidy payments to reporting entities that sponsor postretirement benefit plans under which Medicare-eligible retirees receive prescription drug benefits that are "actuarially equivalent" to the prescription drug benefits provided under Medicare. This prescription drug benefit program is commonly referred to as Medicare Part D.
ASC 715-60-50 provides guidance on disclosing the effects of the subsidy by a reporting entity that offers postretirement prescription drug coverage. In the first period that a reporting entity includes the effects of the subsidy when measuring its APBO and net periodic benefit cost, it should disclose the following in both interim and annual financial statements:
  • The decrease in the APBO for the subsidy that relates to benefits attributed to past service
  • The effect of the subsidy on the measurement of the current period's net periodic benefit cost, including the reduction in service cost and interest cost from the effects of the subsidy and the amortization of the gain for the reduction in the APBO
When providing the expected benefit payment disclosures, the reporting entity should provide the gross benefit payments (paid and expected), including prescription drug benefits, and, separately, the gross amount of the subsidy receipts (received and expected).
ASC 715-60-50-6 provides guidance for reporting entities that are unable to determine whether the benefits under its plan are actuarially equivalent to the Medicare Part D benefit. Those reporting entities should disclose (1) the existence of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, and (2) that its measures of the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost do not reflect any amounts associated with the subsidy, since it cannot conclude on whether the benefit is actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.

13.3.6.9 Significant events

Reporting entities may take actions that significantly affect their defined benefit plans. Appropriate disclosure about the nature and impact of these events is required.
Curtailments and settlements
As discussed in ASC 715-30-35-63B, two common significant events are curtailments and settlements. A curtailment is defined in ASC 715-30-20 as an event that significantly reduces the expected years of service of current employees or eliminates the accrual of benefits for future service for a significant number of employees. A settlement is defined in ASC 715-30-20 as an event that relieves the employer of the primary responsibility for the obligation to some or all participants, eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to settle it, and is irrevocable. In these situations, as discussed in ASC 715-20-50-1(a), the reporting entity should disclose a description of the nature of the event and the quantitative effect on the periods presented.
Termination benefits
If a reporting entity is providing special or contractual termination benefits, ASC 715-20-50-1(q) requires the reporting entity to disclose a description of the nature of the event giving rise to the benefit and the cost recognized during the year.
Negative plan amendment that may be reversed as a result of litigation
The significant increase in the cost of providing healthcare benefits to retirees has prompted a number of reporting entities to amend the terms of their benefit plans to reduce or eliminate benefits, which may be considered a "negative plan amendment." There are presently no US federal laws prohibiting a reduction in OPEB benefits. However, reductions in benefits, whether made pursuant to a written plan or as a matter of historical procedure, have sometimes resulted in litigation against the reporting entity on behalf of the retirees. Such litigation may seek to retroactively reinstate the prior level of benefits.
If it is probable that the negative plan amendment will be rescinded due to litigation, the OPEB obligation should not be reduced by the effects of the negative plan amendment. If rescission is not probable, the facts and circumstances may indicate the existence of a contingent liability requiring disclosure pursuant to ASC 450, Contingencies.

13.3.6.10 Other disclosures

ASC 715-20-50 requires reporting entities to provide additional disclosures about defined benefit plans under certain circumstances, including the following:
  • Any alternative methods for amortizing prior service cost or gains and losses
  • A substantive commitment, such as a "past practice or a history of regular benefit increases, used as the basis for accounting for the benefit obligation"
  • Japanese governmental settlement transactions, and the related required disclosures discussed in ASC 715-20-50-10 (upon adoption of ASU 2018-14, this disclosure will no longer be required)
  • Measurement method used for plans with provisions that affect the measurement of vested benefits (discussed in ASC 715-30-35-40 and ASC 715-30-35-41) when the present value of benefits if the employee terminates immediately is greater than the present value of benefits calculated assuming a normal separation date (typically seen in foreign plans) (ASC 715-20-S99-2)
  • Any significant change in the benefit obligation or fair value of plan assets not otherwise disclosed (upon adoption of ASU 2018-14, this disclosure will be required to include an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses affecting the benefit obligation)
  • If applicable, the accounting policy election (see FSP 13.3.1.1) to measure plan assets and benefit obligations using the month-end that is closest to the employer's fiscal year-end in accordance with ASC 715-20-50-1(u), and the month-end measurement date
As a general matter, reporting entities should provide a description of all significant accounting policies and its policy for calculating the market-related value (MRV). As defined in ASC 715-30-20, the MRV is a balance used to calculate the expected return on plan assets. The MRV of plan assets is either fair value or a calculated value. If the MRV used for recognizing gains or losses or for calculating the expected return on plan assets is a calculated value, the reporting entity should disclose the methodology for determining the MRV of plan assets. If the year-end MRV significantly differs from fair value, reporting entities should disclose the year-end MRV and the expected impact on benefit expense for the upcoming year.

PwC. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the US member firm or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details. This content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisors.

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