Mercedes 2009 Annual Report Download - page 224

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The experience related adjustments, which are the differences
between the earlier actuarial assumptions applied and actual
developments, are as shown in the following table (based on
the pension benefit plans and plan assets at December 31):
Plan assets. At December 31, 2009, plan assets were invested
in diversified portfolios that consisted primarily of debt and
equity securities. Plan assets and income from plan assets are
used solely to pay pension benefits and to administer the plans.
The Group’s plan asset allocations are presented in the following
table:
Alternative investments consist of private equity and debt invest-
ments as well as investments in commodities and hedge funds.
Assumptions. The measurement date for the Group’s pension
benefit obligations and plan assets is generally December 31.
The measurement date for the Group’s net periodic pension cost
is generally January 1. The assumptions used to calculate the
projected benefit obligations together with long-term rates of return
on plan assets vary according to the economic conditions of
the country in which the pension plans are situated.
2007 2006
At December 31,
20052008
(194)
(3,970)
2009
(43)
(32)
154
(238)
45
1,685
(201)
1,629
in millions of €
Present value of obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Plan assets
Non-German plans
At December 31,
20082009
Plan assets
German plans
At December 31,
20082009
45
40
4
3
8
26
49
8
4
13
40
47
9
4
.
41
43
5
5
6
in % of plan assets
Equity securities
Debt securities
Alternative investments
Real estate
Liquidity and other plan assets