high match confidence
Sentence-level differences:
- Reworded sentence: "Effective January 1, 2023, certain postretirement benefit plans and liabilites were legally split or allocated between GE HealthCare, GE Energy and GE Aerospace."
- Reworded sentence: "participants ~89,300 retirees and dependents and ~15,000 active employeesWe fund retiree benefit plans on a pay-as-you-go basis and the retiree benefit insurance trust at our discretion.Participants share in the cost of the healthcare benefits."
- Reworded sentence: "No contributions were required or made for the GE Energy Pension Plan or GE Aerospace Pension Plan during 2023 and based on our current assumptions, we do not anticipate having to make additional required contributions in the near future."
- Reworded sentence: "2023 FORM 10-K 62 2023 FORM 10-K 62 2023 FORM 10-K 62 COST OF OUR BENEFITS PLANS202320222021AND ASSUMPTIONSPrincipal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Components of expense (income)Service cost - operating$94 $37 $17 $221 $86 $39 $237 $233 $44 Interest cost1,892 422 111 2,069 398 108 1,951 383 103 Expected return on plan assets(2,376)(587)— (3,142)(967)— (3,049)(1,194)— Amortization of net loss (gain)(723)20 (124)1,422 101 (115)3,483 403 (79)Amortization of prior service cost (credit)5 (4)(148)5 (8)(235)28 (3)(236)Curtailment / settlement loss (gain)— (6)— — (6)— — 76 — Non-operating$(1,202)$(155)$(161)$354 $(482)$(242)$2,413 $(335)$(212)Net periodic expense (income)$(1,108)$(118)$(144)$575 $(396)$(203)$2,650 $(102)$(168)Less: discontinued operations— — — 199 (109)(80)885 (8)(61)Continuing operations - net periodic expense (income)$(1,108)$(118)$(144)— $376 $(287)$(123)— $1,765 $(94)$(107)Weighted-average benefit obligations assumptionsDiscount rate5.18 %3.93 %5.09 %5.53 %4.59 %5.43 %2.94 %1.93 %2.64 %Compensation increases3.86 2.24 3.25 3.07 2.44 3.12 3.05 2.35 2.63 Initial healthcare trend rate(a)N/AN/A6.50 N/AN/A6.40 N/AN/A5.70 Weighted-average benefit cost assumptionsDiscount rate5.53 4.59 5.43 2.94 1.93 2.64 2.61 1.44 2.15 Expected rate of return on plan assets7.00 5.66 —6.00 4.80 — 6.25 5.69 1.25 (a) For 2023, ultimately declining to 5% for 2030 and thereafter."
- Reworded sentence: "2023 FORM 10-K 63 2023 FORM 10-K 63 2023 FORM 10-K 63 PLAN FUNDED STATUS AND AMOUNTS RECORDED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (INCOME)20232022Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Change in benefit obligationsBalance at January 1$53,591 $13,916 $3,304 $72,299 $22,256 $4,308 Service cost94 37 17 221 86 39 Interest cost1,892 422 111 2,069 398 108 Participant contributions10 19 31 14 19 54 Plan amendments49 — — — — — Actuarial loss (gain) - net1,081 (a)526 (a)(5)(17,281)(a)(6,282)(a)(778)(a)Benefits paid(2,503)(618)(254)(3,731)(920)(438) Dispositions/acquisitions/other - net(17,997)(4,387)(1,149)— — 11 Exchange rate adjustments— 462 — — (1,641)— Balance at December 31$36,217 (b)$10,377 $2,055 (c)$53,591 (b)$13,916 $3,304 (c)Change in plan assetsBalance at January 1$44,993 $14,663 $10 $60,990 $22,490 $42 Actual gain (loss) on plan assets1,869 442 — (12,605)(5,334)— Employer contributions212 161 221 325 209 352 Participant contributions10 19 31 14 19 54 Benefits paid(2,503)(618)(254)(3,731)(920)(438)Dispositions/acquisitions/other - net(14,837)(4,439)— — — — Exchange rate adjustments— 536 — — (1,801)— Balance at December 31$29,744 $10,764 $8 $44,993 $14,663 $10 Funded status - surplus (deficit)$(6,473)$387 $(2,047)$(8,598)$747 $(3,294)Amounts recorded inStatement of Financial PositionContinuing operations:Non-current assets - other$— $1,489 $— $— $1,747 $— Current liabilities - other(224)(54)(205)(214)(55)(222)Non-current liabilities - compensation and benefits(d)(6,249)(1,048)(1,842)(5,243)(1,013)(1,923)Discontinued operations:Non-current assets— — — — 844 — Current and non-current liabilities— — — (3,141)(776)(1,149)Net amount recorded$(6,473)$387 $(2,047)$(8,598)$747 $(3,294)Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)Prior service cost (credit)$(25)$(16)$(909)$(113)$(42)$(1,677)Net loss (gain)(1,454)1,680(990)(5,710)1,787 (1,705)Total recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)$(1,479)$1,664 $(1,899)$(5,823)$1,745 $(3,382) (a)Primarily due to impact of discount rates."
Current (2024):
PENSION BENEFITS AND RETIREE HEALTH AND LIFE BENEFITS. We sponsor a number of pension and retiree health and life insurance benefit plans that we present in three categories, principal pension plans, other pension plans and principal retiree benefit plans. Smaller pension plans…
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PENSION BENEFITS AND RETIREE HEALTH AND LIFE BENEFITS. We sponsor a number of pension and retiree health and life insurance benefit plans that we present in three categories, principal pension plans, other pension plans and principal retiree benefit plans. Smaller pension plans with pension assets or obligations that have not reached $50 million and other retiree benefit plans are not presented. Effective January 1, 2023, certain postretirement benefit plans and liabilites were legally split or allocated between GE HealthCare, GE Energy and GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace and GE Energy plans and liabilities remain with GE until the planned GE Vernova spin-off. In connection with the Separation, net postretirement benefit plan liabilities of approximately $4.2 billion, including a portion of the principal pension plans, other pension plans and the principal retiree benefit plans, and other compensation and benefits obligations of approximately $0.7 billion, were transferred to GE HealthCare and are now reported in discontinued operations. See Note 2 for further information. Assumptions used in calculations, estimates of future benefits payments and funding, and other forward looking statements are for continuing operations unless otherwise noted. DESCRIPTION OF OUR PLANSPlan CategoryParticipantsFundingCommentsPrincipal Pension PlansGE Energy Pension Plan and GE Aerospace Pension PlanCovers U.S. participants ~115,400 retirees and beneficiaries, ~47,500 vested former employees and ~15,700 active employeesOur funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet minimum funding requirements under employee benefit and tax laws. We may decide to contribute additional amounts beyond this level.Closed to new participants since 2012. Benefits for employees with salaried benefits were frozen effective January 1, 2021, and thereafter these employees receive increased company contributions in the company sponsored defined contribution plan in lieu of participation in a defined benefit plan (announced October 2019).GE Energy Supplementary Pension Plan and GE Aerospace Supplementary Pension PlanProvides supplementary benefits to higher-level, longer-service U.S. employeesUnfunded. We pay benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis from company cash.The annuity benefit has been closed to new participants since 2011 and has been replaced by an installment benefit (which was closed to new executives after 2020). Benefits for employees who became executives before 2011 were frozen effective January 1, 2021, and thereafter these employees accrue the installment benefit.Other Pension Plans(a)34 U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans with pension assets or obligations that have reached $50 millionCovers ~42,600 retirees and beneficiaries, ~28,300 vested former employees and ~7,700 active employeesOur funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet minimum funding requirements under employee benefit and tax laws in each country. We may decide to contribute additional amounts beyond this level. We pay benefits for some plans from company cash. In certain countries, benefit accruals have ceased and/or have been closed to new hires as of various dates.Principal Retiree Benefit PlansProvides health and life insurance benefits to certain eligible participantsCovers U.S. participants ~89,300 retirees and dependents and ~15,000 active employeesWe fund retiree benefit plans on a pay-as-you-go basis and the retiree benefit insurance trust at our discretion.Participants share in the cost of the healthcare benefits. Covers U.S. participants ~115,400 retirees and beneficiaries, ~47,500 vested former employees and ~15,700 active employees Other Pension Plans(a) 34 U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans with pension assets or obligations that have reached $50 million Covers ~42,600 retirees and beneficiaries, ~28,300 vested former employees and ~7,700 active employees Covers U.S. participants ~89,300 retirees and dependents and ~15,000 active employees (a) Plans for GE Energy, including Power and Renewable Energy (will be part of GE Vernova) and GE Aerospace that reach $50 million are not removed from the presentation unless part of a disposition or plan termination. 2023 FORM 10-K 61 2023 FORM 10-K 61 2023 FORM 10-K 61 FUNDING STATUS BY PLAN TYPEBenefit ObligationFair Value of AssetsDeficit/(Surplus)202320222023202220232022Principal Pension Plans:GE Pension Plan (subject to regulatory funding)$— $48,134 $— $44,993 $— $3,141 GE Supplementary Pension Plan (not subject to regulatory funding)— 5,457 — — — 5,457 GE Energy Pension Plan and GE Aerospace Pension Plan (subject to regulatory funding)32,676 — 29,744 — 2,932 — GE Energy Supplementary Pension Plan and GE Aerospace Supplementary Pension Plan (not subject to regulatory funding)3,541 — — — 3,541 — 36,217 53,591 29,744 44,993 6,473 8,598 Other Pension Plans:Subject to regulatory funding9,174 12,078 10,601 14,512 (1,427)(2,434)Not subject to regulatory funding1,203 1,838 163 151 1,040 1,687 Principal retiree benefit (not subject to regulatory funding)2,055 3,304 8 10 2,047 3,294 Total plans subject to regulatory funding41,850 60,212 40,345 59,505 1,505 707 Total plans not subject to regulatory funding6,799 10,599 171 161 6,628 10,438 Total plans 48,649 70,811 40,516 59,666 8,133 11,145 Less: discontinued operations— 23,513 — 19,291 — 4,222 Total plans - continuing operations$48,649 $47,298 $40,516 $40,375 $8,133 $6,923 Effective January 1, 2023, certain postretirement benefit plans and liabilities were legally split or allocated. The HealthCare plans were transferred to GE HealthCare in connection with the Separation. The GE Aerospace and GE Energy plans remain with GE until the planned GE Vernova spin-off. Below is the funding status of the plans at December 31, 2023. FUNDING STATUS BY PLAN TYPE at December 31, 2023Benefit ObligationFair Value of AssetsDeficit/(Surplus)Power and Renewable Energy: GE Energy Pension Plan$10,239 $9,491 $748 GE Energy Supplementary Pension Plan541 — 541 Other pension plans6,712 6,851 (139) Principal retiree benefit plans766 — 766 18,258 16,342 1,916 Aerospace: GE Aerospace Pension Plan22,437 20,253 2,184 GE Aerospace Supplementary Pension Plan3,000 — 3,000 Other pension plans3,665 3,913 (248) Principal retiree benefit plans1,289 8 1,281 30,391 24,174 6,217 Total plans$48,649 $40,516 $8,133 FUNDING. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) determines minimum funding requirements in the U.S. No contributions were required or made for the GE Energy Pension Plan or GE Aerospace Pension Plan during 2023 and based on our current assumptions, we do not anticipate having to make additional required contributions in the near future. On an ERISA basis, our estimate is that the GE Energy Pension Plan and GE Aerospace Pension Plan was 87% and 93% funded, respectively. The GAAP funded status for GE Energy Pension Plan and GE Aerospace Pension Plan is 93% and 90%, respectively. We expect to pay approximately $235 million for benefit payments in total under our GE Energy Supplementary Pension Plan and GE Aerospace Supplementary Pension Plan and administrative expenses of our remaining principal pension plans and expect to contribute approximately $100 million to other remaining pension plans in 2024. We fund retiree benefit plans on a pay-as-you-go basis and the retiree benefit insurance trust at our discretion. We expect to contribute approximately $210 million in 2024 to fund such benefits. ACTIONS. Pension benefits for United Kingdom (UK) participants have been frozen effective January 1, 2022. In addition, pension benefits for Canadian participants have been frozen effective December 31, 2023. These transactions were reflected as a curtailment loss in 2021 upon announcement. 2023 FORM 10-K 62 2023 FORM 10-K 62 2023 FORM 10-K 62 COST OF OUR BENEFITS PLANS202320222021AND ASSUMPTIONSPrincipal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Components of expense (income)Service cost - operating$94 $37 $17 $221 $86 $39 $237 $233 $44 Interest cost1,892 422 111 2,069 398 108 1,951 383 103 Expected return on plan assets(2,376)(587)— (3,142)(967)— (3,049)(1,194)— Amortization of net loss (gain)(723)20 (124)1,422 101 (115)3,483 403 (79)Amortization of prior service cost (credit)5 (4)(148)5 (8)(235)28 (3)(236)Curtailment / settlement loss (gain)— (6)— — (6)— — 76 — Non-operating$(1,202)$(155)$(161)$354 $(482)$(242)$2,413 $(335)$(212)Net periodic expense (income)$(1,108)$(118)$(144)$575 $(396)$(203)$2,650 $(102)$(168)Less: discontinued operations— — — 199 (109)(80)885 (8)(61)Continuing operations - net periodic expense (income)$(1,108)$(118)$(144)— $376 $(287)$(123)— $1,765 $(94)$(107)Weighted-average benefit obligations assumptionsDiscount rate5.18 %3.93 %5.09 %5.53 %4.59 %5.43 %2.94 %1.93 %2.64 %Compensation increases3.86 2.24 3.25 3.07 2.44 3.12 3.05 2.35 2.63 Initial healthcare trend rate(a)N/AN/A6.50 N/AN/A6.40 N/AN/A5.70 Weighted-average benefit cost assumptionsDiscount rate5.53 4.59 5.43 2.94 1.93 2.64 2.61 1.44 2.15 Expected rate of return on plan assets7.00 5.66 —6.00 4.80 — 6.25 5.69 1.25 (a) For 2023, ultimately declining to 5% for 2030 and thereafter. Net periodic benefit income in 2024 is estimated to be $1,235 million, which is a decrease of approximately $135 million in income from 2023 from continuing operations. The decrease is primarily due to the impact of the discount rates and investment performance offset by interest cost. The components of net periodic benefit costs, other than the service cost component, are included in Non-operating benefit cost (income) in our Statement of Earnings (Loss). 2023 FORM 10-K 63 2023 FORM 10-K 63 2023 FORM 10-K 63 PLAN FUNDED STATUS AND AMOUNTS RECORDED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (INCOME)20232022Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Change in benefit obligationsBalance at January 1$53,591 $13,916 $3,304 $72,299 $22,256 $4,308 Service cost94 37 17 221 86 39 Interest cost1,892 422 111 2,069 398 108 Participant contributions10 19 31 14 19 54 Plan amendments49 — — — — — Actuarial loss (gain) - net1,081 (a)526 (a)(5)(17,281)(a)(6,282)(a)(778)(a)Benefits paid(2,503)(618)(254)(3,731)(920)(438) Dispositions/acquisitions/other - net(17,997)(4,387)(1,149)— — 11 Exchange rate adjustments— 462 — — (1,641)— Balance at December 31$36,217 (b)$10,377 $2,055 (c)$53,591 (b)$13,916 $3,304 (c)Change in plan assetsBalance at January 1$44,993 $14,663 $10 $60,990 $22,490 $42 Actual gain (loss) on plan assets1,869 442 — (12,605)(5,334)— Employer contributions212 161 221 325 209 352 Participant contributions10 19 31 14 19 54 Benefits paid(2,503)(618)(254)(3,731)(920)(438)Dispositions/acquisitions/other - net(14,837)(4,439)— — — — Exchange rate adjustments— 536 — — (1,801)— Balance at December 31$29,744 $10,764 $8 $44,993 $14,663 $10 Funded status - surplus (deficit)$(6,473)$387 $(2,047)$(8,598)$747 $(3,294)Amounts recorded inStatement of Financial PositionContinuing operations:Non-current assets - other$— $1,489 $— $— $1,747 $— Current liabilities - other(224)(54)(205)(214)(55)(222)Non-current liabilities - compensation and benefits(d)(6,249)(1,048)(1,842)(5,243)(1,013)(1,923)Discontinued operations:Non-current assets— — — — 844 — Current and non-current liabilities— — — (3,141)(776)(1,149)Net amount recorded$(6,473)$387 $(2,047)$(8,598)$747 $(3,294)Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)Prior service cost (credit)$(25)$(16)$(909)$(113)$(42)$(1,677)Net loss (gain)(1,454)1,680(990)(5,710)1,787 (1,705)Total recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)$(1,479)$1,664 $(1,899)$(5,823)$1,745 $(3,382) (a)Primarily due to impact of discount rates. (b)The benefit obligation for the GE Energy Supplementary Pension Plan and GE Aerospace Supplementary Pension Plan, which are unfunded plans, was $3,541 million at December 31, 2023 and the GE Supplementary Pension Plan was $5,457 million at December 31, 2022. (c)The benefit obligation for retiree health plans from continuing operations was $1,208 million at December 31, 2023. The benefit obligation for retiree health plans was $1,991 million at December 31, 2022. (d)Includes $37 million and $35 million of liabilities held for sale related to our Steam business as disclosed in Note 2 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. ASSUMPTIONS USED IN CALCULATIONS. Our defined benefit pension plans are accounted for on an actuarial basis, which requires the selection of various assumptions, including a discount rate, a compensation assumption, an expected return on assets, mortality rates of participants and expectation of mortality improvement. Projected benefit obligations are measured as the present value of expected benefit payments. We discount those cash payments using a discount rate. We determine the discount rate using the weighted-average yields on high-quality fixed-income securities with maturities that correspond to the payment of benefits. Lower discount rates increase present values and generally increase subsequent-year pension expense; higher discount rates decrease present values and generally reduce subsequent-year pension expense. 2023 FORM 10-K 64 2023 FORM 10-K 64 2023 FORM 10-K 64 The compensation assumption is used to estimate the annual rate at which pay of plan participants will grow. If the rate of growth assumed increases, the size of the pension obligations will increase, as will the amount recorded in AOCI in our Statement of Financial Position and amortized into earnings in subsequent periods. The expected return on plan assets is the estimated long-term rate of return that will be earned on the investments used to fund the benefit obligations. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider our asset allocation, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets. In developing future long-term return expectations for our principal benefit 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 our asset allocation. Based on our analysis, we have assumed a 7.00% long-term expected return on the GE Energy Pension Plan and GE Aerospace Pension Plan assets for cost recognition in 2023 and 6.00% for the GE Pension Plan in 2022. For 2024 cost recognition, based on GE Energy Pension Plan and GE Aerospace Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2023, we have assumed a 7.00% long-term expected return. The healthcare trend assumptions primarily apply to our pre-65 retiree medical plans. Most participants in our post-65 retiree plan have a fixed subsidy and therefore are not subject to healthcare inflation. We evaluate these critical assumptions at least annually on a plan and country-specific basis. We periodically evaluate other assumptions involving demographics factors such as retirement age and turnover, and update them to reflect our actual experience and expectations for the future. Actual results in any given year will often differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors. Differences between our actual results and what we assumed are recorded in AOCI each period. These differences are amortized into earnings over the remaining average future service of active participating employees or the expected life of inactive participants, as applicable. For the principal pension plans, gains and losses are amortized using a straight-line method with a separate layer for each year’s gains and losses. For most other pension plans and principal retiree benefit plans, gains and losses are amortized using a straight-line or a corridor amortization method. SENSITIVITIES TO KEY ASSUMPTIONS. Fluctuations in discount rates can significantly impact pension cost and obligations. We would expect that a 25 basis point decrease in discount rate would increase our principal pension plan cost for the following year by approximately $85 million and would also expect an increase in the principal pension plan projected benefit obligation at year-end by approximately $905 million. The deficit sensitivity to the discount rate would be lower than the projected benefit obligation sensitivity as a result of the liability hedging program incorporated in the asset allocation. A 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase principal pension plan cost in the following year by approximately $165 million. THE COMPOSITION OF OUR PLAN ASSETS. The fair value of our pension plans' investments is presented below. The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of these assets are described in Note 1 and have been applied consistently. The fair value of our pension plans' investments is presented below. The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of these assets are described in Note 1 and have been applied consistently. December 3120232022Principal pension Other pension Principal pension Other pension Global equities$1,985 $1,152 $3,918 $1,097 Debt securitiesFixed income and cash investment funds1,764 4,188 4,918 6,506 U.S. corporate(a)6,599 145 8,715 382 Other debt securities(b)6,064 218 7,853 443 Real estate775 18 1,486 53 Private equities and other investments600 259 1,245 364 Total17,787 5,980 28,135 8,845 Plan assets measured at net asset valueGlobal equities$3,169 $612 $3,285 $1,029 Debt securities1,907 2,224 3,469 1,024 Real estate1,067 1,074 1,624 1,976 Private equities and other investments5,814 874 8,480 1,789 Total plan assets at fair value29,744 10,764 44,993 14,663 Less: discontinued operations— — 14,860 4,431 Total plan assets - continuing operations$29,744 $10,764 $30,133 $10,232 (a)Primarily represented investment-grade bonds of U.S. issuers from diverse industries. (b)Primarily represented investments in residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, non-U.S. corporate and government bonds and U.S. government, federal agency, state and municipal debt. 2023 FORM 10-K 65 2023 FORM 10-K 65 2023 FORM 10-K 65 Plan assets that were measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient were excluded from the fair value hierarchy. Principal Pension Plans' investments with a fair value of $1,203 million and $2,255 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were classified within Level 3 and primarily relate to private equities and real estate. The remaining investments were substantially all considered Level 1 and 2. Investments with a fair value of $4,034 million and $6,759 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were classified within Level 1 and primarily relate to global equities and cash. Investments with a fair value of $12,703 million and $18,606 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were classified within Level 2 and primarily relate to debt securities. Other pension plans investments with a fair value of $26 million and $81 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were classified within Level 3 and primarily relate to private equities and real estate. The remaining investments were substantially all considered Level 1 and 2. Investments with a fair value of $786 million and $841 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were classified within Level 1 and primarily relate to global equities and cash. Investments with a fair value of $4,913 million and $7,580 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were classified within Level 2 and primarily relate to debt securities. Principal retiree benefit plan investments have a fair value of $8 million and $10 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There were no Level 3 principal retiree benefit plan investments held in 2023 and 2022. ASSET ALLOCATION OF PENSION PLANS2023 Target allocation2023 Actual allocationPrincipal PensionOther Pension (weighted average)Principal PensionOther Pension (weighted average)Global equities10.0 - 30.0%16 %17 %17 %Debt securities (including cash equivalents)31.0 - 81.560 55 62 Real estate1.0 - 10.08 6 10 Private equities & other investments6.0 - 34.016 22 11 10.0 - 30.0 31.0 - 81.5 1.0 - 10.0 6.0 - 34.0 Plan fiduciaries set investment policies and strategies for the principal pension plans and oversee their investment allocation, which includes selecting investment managers and setting long-term strategic targets. The plan fiduciaries' primary strategic investment objectives are balancing investment risk and return and monitoring the plan’s liquidity position in order to meet near-term benefit payment and other cash needs. The plan has incorporated de-risking objectives and liability hedging programs as part of its long-term investment strategy and utilizes a combination of long-dated corporate bonds, treasuries, strips and derivatives to implement its investment strategies as well as for hedging asset and liability risks. 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. GE securities represented 0.5% and 0.7% of the Principal Pension Plans' assets at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. ANNUALIZED RETURNS(a)1 year5 years10 years25 yearsGE Aerospace Pension Plan6.5 %5.2 %4.6 %5.3 %GE Energy Pension Plan6.6 %5.2 %4.6 %5.3 % (a) Prior to 2023, the annualized returns represent the GE Pension Plan's returns. EXPECTED FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS OF OUR BENEFIT PLANS(a)Principal pensionOther pensionPrincipal retiree benefit2024$2,570 $570 $220 20252,590 560 210 20262,605 560 205 20272,615 580 200 20282,615 590 195 2029-203312,885 3,065 845 (a) As of the measurement date of December 31, 2023. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS. We have a defined contribution plan for eligible U.S. employees that provides employer contributions which were $342 million, $444 million and $418 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Employer contributions for continuing operations were $342 million, $322 million, and $299 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. We also have deferred incentive compensation plans and deferred salary plans for eligible employees. Liabilities associated with these plans were $916 million and $913 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Expenses associated with these plans from continuing operations was $63 million, $46 million, and $43 million for the years ended December 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. 2023 FORM 10-K 66 2023 FORM 10-K 66 2023 FORM 10-K 66 COST OF POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS AND CHANGES IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEFor the years ended December 31202320222021(Pre-tax)Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Cost (income) of postretirement benefit plans$(1,108)$(118)$(144)$575 $(396)$(203)$2,650 $(102)$(168)Changes in other comprehensive loss (income)Prior service cost (credit) - current year49 — — — — — — (1)— Net loss (gain) - current year(a)1,588 721 (5)(1,533)(128)(778)(4,959)(2,104)(488)Reclassifications out of AOCICurtailment/settlement gain (loss)— 6 — — 6 — — (68)— Dispositions/acquisitions/other - net1,989 (792)1,216 — — — — (68)— Amortization of net gain (loss)723 (20)124 (1,422)(101)115 (3,483)(403)79 Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(5)4 148 (5)8 235 (28)3 236 Total changes in other comprehensive loss (income)4,344 (81)1,483 (2,960)(215)(428)(8,470)(2,641)(173)Cost (income) of postretirement benefit plans and changes in other comprehensive loss (income)$3,236 $(199)$1,339 $(2,385)$(611)$(631)$(5,820)$(2,743)$(341) (a) Primarily due to impact of discount rates and investment performance.
View prior text (2023)
PENSION BENEFITS AND RETIREE HEALTH AND LIFE BENEFITS. We sponsor a number of pension and retiree health and life insurance benefit plans that we present in three categories, principal pension plans, other pension plans and principal retiree benefit plans. Smaller pension plans with pension assets or obligations that have not reached $50 million and other retiree benefit plans are not presented. Information in this Note is as of a December 31 measurement date for these plans and does not reflect the impact of the GE HealthCare Separation, including the legal split and the transfer of certain postretirement benefit plans. See Note 28 for information regarding the legal split and the transfer of certain postretirement benefit plans to GE HealthCare in connection with the Separation. DESCRIPTION OF OUR PLANSPlan CategoryParticipantsFundingCommentsPrincipal Pension PlansGE Pension PlanCovers U.S. participants ~177,000 retirees and beneficiaries, ~82,500 vested former employees and ~23,000 active employeesOur funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet minimum funding requirements under employee benefit and tax laws. We may decide to contribute additional amounts beyond this level.This plan has been closed to new participants since 2012. Benefits for ~20,000 employees with salaried benefits were frozen effective January 1, 2021, and thereafter these employees receive increased company contributions in the company sponsored defined contribution plan in lieu of participation in a defined benefit plan (announced October 2019). GE Supplementary Pension PlanProvides supplementary benefits to higher-level, longer-service U.S. employeesThis plan is unfunded. We pay benefits from company cash.The annuity benefit has been closed to new participants since 2011 and has been replaced by an installment benefit (which was closed to new executives after 2020). Benefits for ~700 employees who became executives before 2011 were frozen effective January 1, 2021, and thereafter these employees accrue the installment benefit.Other Pension Plans(a)41 U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans with pension assets or obligations that have reached $50 millionCovers ~58,000 retirees and beneficiaries, ~48,500 vested former employees and ~14,000 active employeesOur funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet minimum funding requirements under employee benefit and tax laws in each country. We may decide to contribute additional amounts beyond this level. We pay benefits for some plans from company cash. In certain countries, benefit accruals have ceased and/or have been closed to new hires as of various dates.Principal Retiree Benefit PlansProvides health and life insurance benefits to certain eligible participantsCovers U.S. participants ~151,500 retirees and dependents and ~21,500 active employeesWe fund retiree health benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis and the retiree life insurance trust at our discretion.Participants share in the cost of the healthcare benefits. Covers U.S. participants ~177,000 retirees and beneficiaries, ~82,500 vested former employees and ~23,000 active employees This plan has been closed to new participants since 2012. Benefits for ~20,000 employees with salaried benefits were frozen effective January 1, 2021, and thereafter these employees receive increased company contributions in the company sponsored defined contribution plan in lieu of participation in a defined benefit plan (announced October 2019). The annuity benefit has been closed to new participants since 2011 and has been replaced by an installment benefit (which was closed to new executives after 2020). Benefits for ~700 employees who became executives before 2011 were frozen effective January 1, 2021, and thereafter these employees accrue the installment benefit. Other Pension Plans(a) 41 U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans with pension assets or obligations that have reached $50 million Covers ~58,000 retirees and beneficiaries, ~48,500 vested former employees and ~14,000 active employees Covers U.S. participants ~151,500 retirees and dependents and ~21,500 active employees (a) Plans that reach $50 million are not removed from the presentation unless part of a disposition or plan termination. 2022 FORM 10-K 63 2022 FORM 10-K 63 2022 FORM 10-K 63 FUNDING STATUS BY PLAN TYPEBenefit ObligationFair Value of AssetsDeficit/(Surplus)202220212022202120222021Principal Pension Plans:GE Pension Plan (subject to regulatory funding)$48,134 $65,073 $44,993 $60,990 $3,141 $4,083 GE Supplementary Pension Plan (not subject to regulatory funding)5,457 7,226 — — 5,457 7,226 53,591 72,299 44,993 60,990 8,598 11,309 Other Pension Plans:Subject to regulatory funding12,078 19,698 14,512 22,280 (2,434)(2,582)Not subject to regulatory funding1,838 2,558 151 210 1,687 2,348 Principal retiree benefit plans (not subject to regulatory funding)3,304 4,308 10 42 3,294 4,266 Total plans subject to regulatory funding60,212 84,771 59,505 83,270 707 1,501 Total plans not subject to regulatory funding10,599 14,092 161 252 10,438 13,840 Total plans $70,811 $98,863 $59,666 $83,522 $11,145 $15,341 FUNDING. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) determines minimum funding requirements in the U.S. No contributions were required or made for the GE Pension Plan during 2022 or 2021 and based on our current assumptions, we do not anticipate having to make additional required contributions to the plan in the near future. On an ERISA basis, our estimate is that the GE Pension Plan was 92.8% and 107.3% funded for 2022 and 2021, respectively. The GAAP funded status is 93.5% and 93.7% for 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of the measurement date of December 31, we would expect to pay approximately $370 million for benefit payments under our GE Supplementary Pension Plan and administrative expenses of our principal pension plans and would expect to contribute approximately $170 million to other pension plans in 2023. We fund retiree health benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis and the retiree life insurance trust at our discretion. As of the measurement date of December 31, we would expect to contribute approximately $365 million in 2023 to fund such benefits. ACTIONS. Pension benefits for approximately 2,700 United Kingdom (UK) participants have been frozen effective January 1, 2022. In addition, pension benefits for approximately 800 Canadian participants will be frozen effective December 31, 2023. These transactions were reflected as a curtailment loss in 2021 upon announcement. COST OF OUR BENEFITS PLANS202220212020AND ASSUMPTIONSPrincipal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Components of expense (income)Service cost - operating$221 $86 $39 $237 $233 $44 $657 $243 $59 Interest cost2,069 398 108 1,951 383 103 2,350 422 150 Expected return on plan assets(3,142)(967)— (3,049)(1,194)— (2,993)(1,082)(11)Amortization of net loss (gain)1,422 101 (115)3,483 403 (79)3,399 434 (82)Amortization of prior service cost (credit)5 (8)(235)28 (3)(236)146 1 (234)Curtailment / settlement loss (gain)— (6)— — 76 — — 12 — Non-operating$354 $(482)$(242)$2,413 $(335)$(212)$2,902 $(213)$(177)Net periodic expense (income)$575 $(396)$(203)$2,650 $(102)$(168)$3,559 $30 $(118)Weighted-average benefit obligations assumptionsDiscount rate5.53 %4.59 %5.43 %2.94 %1.93 %2.64 %2.61 %1.44 %2.15 %Compensation increases3.07 2.44 3.12 3.05 2.35 2.63 2.95 3.06 2.82 Initial healthcare trend rate(a)N/AN/A6.40 N/AN/A5.70 N/AN/A5.90 Weighted-average benefit cost assumptionsDiscount rate2.94 1.93 2.64 2.61 1.44 2.15 3.36 1.97 3.05 Expected rate of return on plan assets6.00 4.80 —6.25 5.69 1.25 6.25 6.10 7.00 (a) For 2022, ultimately declining to 5% for 2030 and thereafter. As of the measurement date of December 31, we would expect 2023 net periodic benefit income for principal pension, other pension and principal retiree benefit plans to be about $2,010 million, which is an increase of approximately $1,985 million in income from 2022. The increase would primarily be due to the discount rate. The components of net periodic benefit costs, other than the service cost component, are included in Non-operating benefit cost (income) in our Statement of Earnings (Loss). 2022 FORM 10-K 64 2022 FORM 10-K 64 2022 FORM 10-K 64 PLAN FUNDED STATUS AND AMOUNTS RECORDED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (INCOME)20222021Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Change in benefit obligationsBalance at January 1$72,299 $22,256 $4,308 $76,298 $24,658 $5,019 Service cost221 86 39 237 233 44 Interest cost2,069 398 108 1,951 383 103 Participant contributions14 19 54 15 24 60 Plan amendments— — — — (1)— Actuarial loss (gain) - net(17,281)(a)(6,282)(a)(778)(a)(2,448)(a)(1,561)(a)(446)Benefits paid(3,731)(920)(438)(3,754)(998)(472) Curtailments— — — — (74)— Dispositions/acquisitions/other - net— — 11 — (188)— Exchange rate adjustments— (1,641)— — (220)— Balance at December 31$53,591 (b)$13,916 $3,304 (c)$72,299 (b)$22,256 $4,308 (c)Change in plan assetsBalance at January 1$60,990 $22,490 $42 $58,843 $21,506 $134 Actual gain (loss) on plan assets(12,605)(5,334)— 5,559 1,602 41 Employer contributions325 209 352 327 594 279 Participant contributions14 19 54 15 24 60 Benefits paid(3,731)(920)(438)(3,754)(998)(472)Dispositions/acquisitions/other - net— — — — (138)— Exchange rate adjustments— (1,801)— — (100)— Balance at December 31$44,993 $14,663 $10 $60,990 $22,490 $42 Funded status - surplus (deficit)$(8,598)$747 $(3,294)$(11,309)$234 $(4,266)Amounts recorded inStatement of Financial PositionNon-current assets - other$— $2,591 $— $— $2,898 $— Current liabilities - other(351)(101)(355)(337)(107)(362)Non-current liabilities - compensation and benefits(8,247)(1,743)(2,939)(10,972)(2,557)(3,904)Net amount recorded$(8,598)$747 $(3,294)$(11,309)$234 $(4,266)Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)Prior service cost (credit)$(113)$(42)$(1,677)$(109)$(52)$(1,912)Net loss (gain)(5,710)1,787(1,705)(2,754)2,012 (1,042)Total recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)$(5,823)$1,745 $(3,382)$(2,863)$1,960 $(2,954) (a)Principally associated with discount rate changes. (b)The benefit obligation for the GE Supplementary Pension Plan, which is an unfunded plan, was $5,457 million and $7,226 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. (c)The benefit obligation for retiree health plans was $1,991 million and $2,548 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. ASSUMPTIONS USED IN CALCULATIONS. Our defined benefit pension plans are accounted for on an actuarial basis, which requires the selection of various assumptions, including a discount rate, a compensation assumption, an expected return on assets, mortality rates of participants and expectation of mortality improvement. Projected benefit obligations are measured as the present value of expected benefit payments. We discount those cash payments using a discount rate. We determine the discount rate using the weighted-average yields on high-quality fixed-income securities with maturities that correspond to the payment of benefits. Lower discount rates increase present values and generally increase subsequent-year pension expense; higher discount rates decrease present values and generally reduce subsequent-year pension expense. The compensation assumption is used to estimate the annual rate at which pay of plan participants will grow. If the rate of growth assumed increases, the size of the pension obligations will increase, as will the amount recorded in AOCI in our Statement of Financial Position and amortized into earnings in subsequent periods. 2022 FORM 10-K 65 2022 FORM 10-K 65 2022 FORM 10-K 65 The expected return on plan assets is the estimated long-term rate of return that will be earned on the investments used to fund the benefit obligations. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider our asset allocation, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets. In developing future long-term return expectations for our principal benefit 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 our asset allocation. Based on our analysis, we have assumed a 6.00% and 6.25% long-term expected return on the GE Pension Plan assets for cost recognition in 2022 and 2021, respectively. For 2023 cost recognition, based on GE Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2022, we have assumed a 7.00% long-term expected return. The Society of Actuaries issued new mortality improvement tables during 2021 that were used to update mortality assumptions in the U.S. These changes in assumptions increased the December 31, 2021 U.S. pension and retiree benefit plans' obligations by $278 million. The healthcare trend assumptions primarily apply to our pre-65 retiree medical plans. Most participants in our post-65 retiree plan have a fixed subsidy and therefore are not subject to healthcare inflation. We evaluate these critical assumptions at least annually on a plan and country-specific basis. We periodically evaluate other assumptions involving demographics factors such as retirement age and turnover, and update them to reflect our actual experience and expectations for the future. Actual results in any given year will often differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors. Differences between our actual results and what we assumed are recorded in AOCI each period. These differences are amortized into earnings over the remaining average future service of active participating employees or the expected life of inactive participants, as applicable. For the principal pension plans, gains and losses are amortized using a straight-line method with a separate layer for each year’s gains and losses. For most other pension plans and principal retiree benefit plans, gains and losses are amortized using a straight-line or a corridor amortization method. SENSITIVITIES TO KEY ASSUMPTIONS. Fluctuations in discount rates can significantly impact pension cost and obligations. As of the December 31 measurement date, we would expect a 25 basis point decrease in discount rate would increase principal pension plan cost in the following year by approximately $130 million and would also expect an increase in the principal pension plan projected benefit obligation at year-end by approximately $1,300 million. The deficit sensitivity to the discount rate would be lower than the projected benefit obligation sensitivity as a result of the liability hedging program incorporated in the plan's asset allocation. A 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase principal pension plan cost in the following year by approximately $260 million. THE COMPOSITION OF OUR PLAN ASSETS. The fair value of our pension plans' investments is presented below. The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of these assets are described in Note 1 and have been applied consistently. 20222021Principal pension Other pension Principal pension Other pension Global equities$3,918 $1,097 $7,778 $3,589 Debt securitiesFixed income and cash investment funds4,918 6,506 7,665 10,527 U.S. corporate(a)8,715 382 10,324 468 Other debt securities(b)7,853 443 7,331 492 Real estate1,486 53 2,510 89 Private equities and other investments1,245 364 1,515 943 Total28,135 8,845 37,123 16,108 Plan assets measured at net asset valueGlobal equities$3,285 $1,029 $9,517 $1,172 Debt securities3,469 1,024 5,269 1,287 Real estate1,624 1,976 1,408 2,126 Private equities and other investments8,480 1,789 7,673 1,797 Total plan assets at fair value$44,993 $14,663 $60,990 $22,490 (a)Primarily represented investment-grade bonds of U.S. issuers from diverse industries. (b)Primarily represented investments in residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, non-U.S. corporate and government bonds and U.S. government, federal agency, state and municipal debt. 2022 FORM 10-K 66 2022 FORM 10-K 66 2022 FORM 10-K 66 Plan assets that were measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient were excluded from the fair value hierarchy. GE Pension Plan investments with a fair value of $2,255 million and $3,872 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were classified within Level 3 and primarily relate to private equities and real estate. The remaining investments were substantially all considered Level 1 and 2. Investments with a fair value of $6,759 million and $12,377 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were classified within Level 1 and primarily relate to global equities and cash. Investments with a fair value of $18,606 million and $20,942 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were classified within Level 2 and primarily relate to debt securities. Other pension plans investments with a fair value of $81 million and $138 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were classified within Level 3 and primarily relate to private equities and real estate. The remaining investments were substantially all considered Level 1 and 2. Investments with a fair value of $841 million and $1,312 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were classified within Level 1 and primarily relate to global equities and cash. Investments with a fair value of $7,580 million and $13,802 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were classified within Level 2 and primarily relate to debt securities. Principal retiree benefit plan investments have a fair value of $10 million and $42 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. There were no Level 3 principal retiree benefit plan investments held in 2022 and 2021. ASSET ALLOCATION OF PENSION PLANS2022 Target allocation2022 Actual allocationPrincipal PensionOther Pension (weighted average)Principal PensionOther Pension (weighted average)Global equities14.0 - 34.0%17 %16 %14 %Debt securities (including cash equivalents)31.0 - 81.560 55 57 Real estate1.0 - 10.08 7 14 Private equities & other investments6.0 - 30.015 22 15 14.0 - 34.0 31.0 - 81.5 1.0 - 10.0 6.0 - 30.0 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 and setting long-term strategic targets. The plan fiduciaries' primary strategic investment objectives are balancing investment risk and return and monitoring the plan’s liquidity position in order to meet the plan's near-term benefit payment and other cash needs. The plan has incorporated de-risking objectives and liability hedging programs as part of its long-term investment strategy. The plan utilizes a combination of long-dated corporate bonds, treasuries, strips and derivatives to implement its investment strategies as well as for hedging asset and liability risks. 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. GE securities represented 0.7% and 0.6% of the GE Pension Trust assets at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The GE Pension Trust has a broadly diversified portfolio of investments in equities, fixed income, private equities and real estate; these investments are both U.S. and non-U.S. in nature. ANNUALIZED RETURNS1 year5 years10 years25 yearsGE Pension Plan(20.5)%2.7 %5.4 %5.8 % EXPECTED FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS OF OUR BENEFIT PLANS(a)Principal pensionOther pensionPrincipal retiree benefit2023$3,830 $850 $375 20243,865 845 360 20253,890 855 345 20263,910 870 330 20273,920 885 325 2028-203219,510 4,585 1,375 (a) As of the measurement date of December 31, 2022 DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN. We have a defined contribution plan for eligible U.S. employees that provides employer contributions which were $444 million, $418 million and $318 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. 2022 FORM 10-K 67 2022 FORM 10-K 67 2022 FORM 10-K 67 COST OF POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS AND CHANGES IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEFor the years ended December 31202220212020(Pre-tax)Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Principal pension Other pension Principal retiree benefit Cost (income) of postretirement benefit plans$575 $(396)$(203)$2,650 $(102)$(168)$3,559 $30 $(118)Changes in other comprehensive loss (income)Prior service cost (credit) - current year— — — — (1)— — 27 (7)Net loss (gain) - current year(1,533)(128)(778)(4,959)(2,104)(488)1,124 529 119 Reclassifications out of AOCICurtailment/settlement gain (loss)— 6 — — (68)— — (3)— Dispositions— — — — (68)— — (166)— Amortization of net gain (loss)(1,422)(101)115 (3,483)(403)79 (3,399)(434)82 Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(5)8 235 (28)3 236 (146)(1)234 Total changes in other comprehensive loss (income)(2,960)(215)(428)(8,470)(2,641)(173)(2,421)(48)428 Cost (income) of postretirement benefit plans and changes in other comprehensive loss (income)$(2,385)$(611)$(631)$(5,820)$(2,743)$(341)$1,138 $(18)$310