Expected return on plan assets

Definition

The expected return on plan assets is the anticipated income generated from the investments held within a pension plan. This figure is crucial for calculating pension expense, as it offsets the cost of pension benefits that a company must report. The expected return helps companies understand how well their invested funds are performing and what future payouts might look like based on those returns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The expected return on plan assets is typically calculated based on historical performance and anticipated future market conditions.
2. This figure is essential for determining the overall pension expense in the income statement, as it reduces the expense reported by the employer.
3. Changes in the expected return can significantly impact a company's reported financial results and may lead to volatility in earnings.
4. Companies often use various methods to estimate expected returns, including using averages of historical returns or applying a risk-adjusted rate.
5. If actual returns deviate significantly from expected returns, it can lead to funding shortfalls or overfunding, impacting future contributions and cash flow.

Review Questions

• How does the expected return on plan assets influence the calculation of pension expense for a company?
  • The expected return on plan assets plays a vital role in calculating pension expense because it is subtracted from the total pension cost incurred. This reduction reflects the income generated from the invested funds that will be used to pay future benefits. Therefore, if the expected return is high, it can lower the overall expense reported, affecting both net income and cash flow statements.
• Evaluate how fluctuations in actual returns compared to expected returns can affect a company's financial health.
  • Fluctuations between actual returns and expected returns can create discrepancies that impact a company's financial health. If actual returns are lower than expected, it could lead to increased pension expense and potentially necessitate higher contributions in future periods to meet obligations. Conversely, higher actual returns could improve funding status but may also lead to over-reliance on investment performance for meeting future liabilities.
• Synthesize the implications of using different methods for estimating expected returns on plan assets and how this can affect corporate strategy.
  • Using different methods for estimating expected returns can significantly alter a company's approach to its pension plans and corporate strategy. For instance, conservative estimates may result in higher contributions and a more cautious financial outlook, while aggressive estimates might allow for lower immediate contributions but risk future funding shortfalls. This choice impacts not only accounting practices but also influences investment strategies, employee benefits planning, and overall fiscal responsibility.

Related terms

Pension Obligation: The total amount a company is obligated to pay its employees upon retirement, which reflects the present value of future pension payments.

Pension Expense: The total cost recognized by a company during an accounting period for its pension plan, which includes contributions, interest, and amortization of prior service costs.

Plan Assets: The investments and funds that have been set aside in a pension plan to cover future pension obligations to employees.