Medtronic 2015 Annual Report Download - page 126

Medtronic plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The actuarial assumptions are as follows:
U.S. Pension Benefits Non-U.S. Pension Benefits
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
Weighted average assumptions - projected benefit obligation:
Discount rate 4.20% 4.75% 4.55% 1.88% 3.32% 3.52%
Rate of compensation increase 3.90% 3.90% 3.90% 2.92% 2.80% 2.78%
Weighted average assumptions - net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate 4.75% 4.55% 5.05% 3.32% 3.52% 3.98%
Expected return on plan assets 8.25% 8.25% 8.25% 4.77% 4.76% 5.19%
Rate of compensation increase 3.90% 3.90% 3.80% 2.80% 2.78% 2.85%
The Company’s discount rates are determined by considering current yield curves representing high quality, long-term fixed
income instruments. The resulting discount rates are consistent with the duration of plan liabilities.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumptions are determined using a building block approach, considering
historical averages and real returns of each asset class. In certain countries, where historical returns are not meaningful,
consideration is given to local market expectations of long-term returns.
Retirement Benefit Plan Investment Strategy The Company has an account that holds the assets for both the U.S. pension
plan and other U.S. post-retirement benefits, primarily retiree medical benefits. For investment purposes, the plans are managed
in an identical way, as their objectives are similar.
The Company has a Qualified Plan Committee (the Plan Committee) that sets investment guidelines for U.S. pension plan and
other U.S. post-retirement benefits with the assistance of an external consultant. These guidelines are established based on
market conditions, risk tolerance, funding requirements, and expected benefit payments. The Plan Committee also oversees the
investment allocation process, selects the investment managers, and monitors asset performance. As pension liabilities are long-
term in nature, the Company employs a long-term total return approach to maximize the long-term rate of return on plan assets
for a prudent level of risk. An annual analysis on the risk versus the return of the investment portfolio is conducted to justify the
expected long-term rate of return assumption.
The investment portfolio contains a diversified portfolio of investment categories, including equities, fixed income securities,
hedge funds, and private equity. Securities are also diversified in terms of domestic and international securities, short- and long-
term securities, growth and value styles, large cap and small cap stocks, active and passive management, and derivative-based
styles.
Outside the U.S., pension plan assets are typically managed by decentralized fiduciary committees. There is significant variation
in policy asset allocation from country to country. Local regulations, local funding rules, and local financial and tax
considerations are part of the funding and investment allocation process in each country.
The Plan did not hold any investments in the Company’s ordinary shares as of April 24, 2015 or April 25, 2014.
The Company’s pension plan target allocations at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014, by asset category, are as follows:
U.S. Plans
Target Allocation
2015 2014
Asset Category
Equity securities 49% 50%
Debt securities 23 20
Other 28 30
Total 100% 100%
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