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Employee Benefit Plans
12 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]  
Employee Benefit Plans

NOTE H  Employee Benefit Plans

 

Pension Plans The Company and certain of its international subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans for many of their hourly and salaried employees. There are two types of U.S. plans. The first type of U.S. plan is a traditional defined benefit pension plan primarily for production employees. The second is a plan for salaried workers that provides defined benefits pursuant to a cash balance feature whereby a participant accumulates a benefit comprised of a percentage of current salary that varies with years of service, interest credits and transition credits. The international plans generally provide pension benefits based on years of service and compensation level.

 

Net periodic pension costs for the Company's pension plans include the following components:

 

                     
    2012   2011   2010  
    (thousands of dollars)  
Net periodic cost:                    
Service cost   $ 15,464   $ 16,148   $ 13,184  
Interest cost     19,436     19,440     19,445  
Expected return on assets     (28,114 )   (27,538 )   (28,390 )
Transition amount amortization     216     225     226  
Prior service cost amortization     509     449     293  
Actuarial loss amortization     5,696     3,962     2,864  
Net periodic benefit cost   $ 13,207   $ 12,686   $ 7,622  

 

The obligations and funded status of the Company's pension plans as of 2012 and 2011, is as follows:

 

               
    2012   2011  
    (thousands of dollars)  
Change in benefit obligation:              
Benefit obligation, beginning of year   $ 404,012   $ 377,903  
Service cost     15,464     16,148  
Interest cost     19,436     19,440  
Plan amendments     (781 )   1,639  
Participant contributions     1,130     1,058  
Actuarial loss     51,914     1,034  
Currency exchange rates     (9,689 )   6,936  
Benefits paid     (19,994 )   (20,146 )
Benefit obligation, end of year   $ 461,492   $ 404,012  
               
Change in plan assets:              
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year   $ 373,555   $ 319,734  
Actual return on plan assets     4,442     38,758  
Company contributions     37,915     27,655  
Participant contributions     1,130     1,058  
Currency exchange rates     (9,472 )   6,496  
Benefits paid     (19,994 )   (20,146 )
Fair value of plan assets, end of year   $ 387,576   $ 373,555  
               
Funded status:              
Underfunded status at July 31, 2012 and 2011   $ (73,916 ) $ (30,457 )

 

The net underfunded status of $73.9 million at July 31, 2012 is recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. Included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at July 31, 2012 are the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension expense: unrecognized actuarial losses of $202.6 million, unrecognized prior service cost of $3.8 million, and unrecognized transition obligations of $2.4 million. The actuarial loss, prior service cost and unrecognized transition obligation are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The amounts expected to be recognized in net periodic pension expense during Fiscal 2013 for actuarial loss, prior service cost, and unrecognized transition obligation are $10.3 million, $0.4 million, and $0.2 million, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $423.6 million and $365.2 million at July 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $347.5 million, $335.1 million, and $277.5 million, respectively, as of July 31, 2012, and $294.2 million, $282.3 million, and $262.4 million, respectively, as of July 31, 2011.

 

For the years ended July 31, 2012 and 2011 the U.S. pension plans represented approximately 71 percent, of the Company's total plan assets, and approximately 74 percent and 72 percent, respectively, of the Company's total projected benefit obligation.

 

The weighted-average discount rates and rates of increase in future compensation levels used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation are as follows:

 

               
Weighted average actuarial assumptions   2012   2011  
All U.S. plans:              
Discount rate     3.59 %   4.91 %
Rate of compensation increase     2.61 %   4.50 %
Non - U.S. plans:              
Discount rate     4.13 %   5.36 %
Rate of compensation increase     2.86 %   3.57 %

 

The weighted-average discount rates, expected returns on plan assets and rates of increase in future compensation levels used to determine the net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

                     
Weighted average actuarial assumptions   2012   2011   2010  
All U.S. plans:                    
Discount rate     4.91 %   5.25 %   6.00 %
Expected return on plan assets     7.75 %   8.00 %   8.50 %
Rate of compensation increase     4.50 %   5.00 %   5.00 %
Non - U.S. plans:                    
Discount rate     5.36 %   5.17 %   5.90 %
Expected return on plan assets     6.03 %   6.17 %   6.64 %
Rate of compensation increase     3.57 %   3.69 %   3.87 %

 

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company considered the historical returns and the future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio. As of our measurement date of July 31, 2012, the Company decreased its long-term rate of return for the U.S. pension plans to 7.50 percent from 7.75 percent as of July 31, 2011. The Company believes that based on the asset mix and the target asset allocation, the 7.50 percent rate is an appropriate rate. This is slightly below the Company's twenty year average but above the five and ten year averages. Thus, the Company will use the 7.50 percent rate for the calculation of its Fiscal 2013 net periodic cost. The expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the plans outside the U.S. reflects the investment allocation and expected total portfolio returns specific to each plan and country. The expected long-term rate of return on assets shown in the pension benefit disclosure for non-U.S. plans is an asset-based weighted average of all non-U.S. plans.

 

Discount Rate The Company's objective in selecting a discount rate is to select the best estimate of the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled on the measurement date, taking into account the nature and duration of the benefit obligations of the plan. In making this best estimate, the Company looks at rates of return on high-quality fixed-income investments currently available, and expected to be available, during the period to maturity of the benefits. This process includes looking at the universe of bonds available on the measurement date with a quality rating of Aa or better. Similar appropriate benchmarks are used to determine the discount rate for the non-U.S. plans. The discount rate disclosed in the assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost and to determine benefit obligations is based upon a weighted average, using year-end projected benefit obligations.

 

Plan Assets The Company used the following definitions to classify pension assets into either Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3:

 

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices available in Level 1 that are observable either directly or indirectly.

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

 

The fair values of the assets held by the U.S. pension plans by asset category are as follows (in millions):

 

                                 
Asset Category   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
    Total  
2012                                
Cash   $ 0.9     $     $     $ 0.9  
Global Equity Securities     61.5       57.3       0.2       119.0  
Fixed Income Securities     29.2                   29.2  
Private Equity                 19.1       19.1  
Alternative           19.5       56.1       75.6  
Real Assets                 30.4       30.4  
Total U.S. Assets at July 31, 2012   $ 91.6     $ 76.8     $ 105.8     $ 274.2  
                                 
2011                                
Cash   $ 0.3     $     $     $ 0.3  
Global Equity Securities     64.8       56.2       0.3       121.3  
Fixed Income Securities     36.6                   36.6  
Private Equity                 17.6       17.6  
Alternative           20.1       31.4       51.5  
Real Assets                 38.0       38.0  
Total U.S. Assets at July 31, 2011   $ 101.7     $ 76.3     $ 87.3     $ 265.3  
                                 
2010                                
Cash   $ 0.9     $     $     $ 0.9  
Global Equity Securities     48.7       50.2       2.4       101.3  
Fixed Income Securities     17.1                   17.1  
Private Equity                 14.8       14.8  
Alternative           39.4       33.1       72.5  
Real Assets           9.6       16.3       25.9  
Total U.S. Assets at July 31, 2010   $ 66.7     $ 99.2     $ 66.6     $ 232.5  

 

Global equity consists of publicly traded U.S. and non-U.S. equities, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) index funds, equity private placement funds, and some cash and cash equivalents. Publicly traded equities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded. Index funds are valued at the net asset value (NAV) as determined by the custodian of the fund. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities then divided by the number of units outstanding.

 

Fixed income consists primarily of investment grade debt securities, but may include up to 10% in high yield securities rated B or higher by Moody's or S&P. It may also include up to 20% in securities dominated in foreign currencies. Corporate and other bonds and notes are valued at either the yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings or valued under a discounted cash flows approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, but includes adjustments for certain risks that may not be observable such as credit and liquidity risks.

 

Private equity consists of interests in partnerships that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. debt and equity securities. The portfolio is a diversified mix of partnership interests including buyouts, distressed debt, growth equity, mezzanine, real estate, and venture capital investments. Partnership interests are valued using the most recent general partner statement of fair value, updated for any subsequent partnership interests' cash flow.

 

Alternative consists primarily of private partnership interests in hedge funds of funds. Partnership interests are valued using the NAV as determined by the administrator or custodian of the fund.

 

Real Assets consist of commodity funds, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS), and interests in partnerships that invest in private real estate, commodity, and timber investments. Private investments are valued using the most recent partnership statement of fair value, updated for any subsequent partnership interests' cash flows. Commodity funds and REITS are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which they are traded.

 

The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair values of the U.S. pension plans' Level 3 assets for the years ended July 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 (in millions):

 

                                         
    Global
Equity
    Private
Equity
    Alternative     Real Assets     Total  
Beginning balance at August 1, 2009   $ 2.7     $ 11.4     $ 41.4     $ 15.5     $ 71.0  
Unrealized gains     0.1       1.8       2.8       0.1       4.8  
Realized gains                 0.7             0.7  
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net     (0.4 )     1.6       (11.8 )     0.7       (9.9 )
Ending balance at July 31, 2010   $ 2.4     $ 14.8     $ 33.1     $ 16.3     $ 66.6  
Unrealized gains           1.5       2.1       3.4       7.0  
Realized gains           1.0                   1.0  
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net     (2.1 )     0.3       (3.8 )     18.3       12.7  
Ending balance at July 31, 2011   $ 0.3     $ 17.6     $ 31.4     $ 38.0     $ 87.3  
Unrealized gains     (0.1 )     0.2       (0.3 )     (1.2 )     (1.4 )
Realized gains     0.1       1.4       0.4             1.9  
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net     (0.1 )     (0.1 )     17.3       0.9       18.0  
Net transfers into (out of) level 3                 7.3       (7.3 )      
Ending balance at July 31, 2012   $ 0.2     $ 19.1     $ 56.1     $ 30.4     $ 105.8  

 

 

 

 

Fair values of the assets held by the international pension plans by asset category are as follows (in millions):

 

                                 
Asset Category   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
 Assets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
    Total  
2012                                
Global Equity Securities   $ 37.1     $     $     $ 37.1  
Fixed Income Securities     5.9       28.4             34.3  
Equity/Fixed Income     13.3             21.8       35.1  
Real Assets           6.8             6.8  
Total International Assets at July 31, 2012   $ 56.3     $ 35.2     $ 21.8     $ 113.3  
                                 
2011                                
Global Equity Securities   $ 33.5     $     $     $ 33.5  
Fixed Income Securities           26.5             26.5  
Equity/Fixed Income     15.4             26.3       41.7  
Real Assets           6.5             6.5  
Total International Assets at July 31, 2011   $ 48.9     $ 33.0     $ 26.3     $ 108.2  
                                 
2010                                
Global Equity Securities   $ 26.8     $     $     $ 26.8  
Fixed Income Securities           20.7             20.7  
Equity/Fixed Income     12.5             21.7       34.2  
Real Assets           5.5             5.5  
Total International Assets at July 31, 2010   $ 39.3     $ 26.2     $ 21.7     $ 87.2  

 

Global equity consists of a fixed weights index fund, used to maintain a fixed 50/50 distribution between UK and overseas assets. Publicly traded equities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded.

 

Fixed income consists primarily of investment grade debt securities. Corporate bonds and notes are valued at either the yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings or valued under a discounted cash flows approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, but includes adjustments for certain risks that may not be observable such as credit and liquidity risks.

 

Equity/Fixed Income consists of Level 1 assets that are part of a unit linked fund with a strategic asset allocation of 40% fixed income products and 60% equity type products. Assets are valued at either the closing price reported if traded on an active market or at yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. Index funds are valued at the net asset value as determined by the custodian of the fund. The Level 3 assets are composed of mathematical reserves on individual contracts and the Company does not have any influence on the investment decisions as made by the insurer due to the specific minimum guaranteed return characteristics of this type of contract. European insurers in general, broadly have a strategic asset allocation with 80%-90% fixed income products and 20%-10% equity type products (including real estate).

 

Real Assets consists of property funds. Property funds are valued using the most recent partnership statement of fair value, updated for any subsequent partnership interests' cash flows.

 

The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair values of the International pension plans' Level 3 assets for the year ended July 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 (in millions):

 

         
    Equity/Fixed
Income
 
Beginning balance at August 1, 2009   $ 23.1  
Unrealized gains     0.3  
Foreign currency exchange     (1.9 )
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net     0.2  
Ending balance at July 31, 2010   $ 21.7  
Unrealized gains     0.9  
Foreign currency exchange     2.5  
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net     1.2  
Ending balance at July 31, 2011   $ 26.3  
Unrealized gains     1.4  
Foreign currency exchange     (3.8 )
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net     (2.0 )
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3     (0.1 )
Ending balance at July 31, 2012   $ 21.8  

 

Investment Policies and Strategies. For the Company's U.S. plans, the Company uses a total return investment approach to achieve a long-term return on plan assets, with a prudent level of risk for the purpose of meeting its retirement income commitments to employees. The plans' investments are diversified to assist in managing risk. The Company's asset allocation guidelines target an allocation of 45 percent equity securities, 30 percent alternative investments (funds of hedge funds), 10 percent real assets (investments into funds containing commodities and real estate), 10 percent fixed income, and 5 percent private equity. Within equity securities, the Company will target an allocation of 15 percent international, 15 percent equity long/short, 10 percent small cap and 5 percent large cap. These target allocation guidelines are determined in consultation with the Company's investment consultant, and through the use of modeling the risk/return trade-offs among asset classes utilizing assumptions about expected annual return, expected volatility/standard deviation of returns, and expected correlations with other asset classes.

 

For the Company's non-U.S. plans, the general investment objectives are to maintain a suitably diversified portfolio of secure assets of appropriate liquidity which will generate income and capital growth to meet, together with any new contributions from members and the Company, the cost of current and future benefits. Investment policy and performance is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis by the Company's investment committee through its use of an investment consultant and through quarterly investment portfolio reviews.

 

Estimated Contributions and Future Payments The Company's general funding policy for its pension plans is to make at least the minimum contributions as required by applicable regulations. Additionally, the Company may elect to make additional contributions up to the maximum tax deductible contribution. As such, the Company made contributions of $25.5 million to its U.S. pension plans in Fiscal 2012. The minimum funding requirement for the Company's U.S. plans for Fiscal 2013 is $13.5 million. Per the Pension Protection Act of 2006, this obligation could be met with existing credit balances. The Company is still considering whether a cash contribution will be made. The Company made contributions of $12.5 million to its non-U.S. pension plans in Fiscal 2012 and estimates that it will contribute approximately $7.0 million in Fiscal 2013 based upon the local government prescribed funding requirements. Future estimates of the Company's pension plan contributions may change significantly depending on the actual rate of return on plan assets, discount rates and regulatory requirements.

 

Estimated future benefit payments for the Company's U.S. and non-U.S. plans are as follows (thousands of dollars):

 

         
Fiscal Year        
2013   $ 19,516  
2014   $ 22,667  
2015   $ 20,875  
2016   $ 21,399  
2017   $ 28,955  
2018-2022   $ 142,611  

 

Postemployment and Postretirement Benefit Plans The Company provides certain postemployment and postretirement health care benefits for certain U.S. employees for a limited time after termination of employment. The Company has recorded a liability for its postretirement benefit plan in the amount of $1.5 million as of July 31, 2012 and July 31, 2011. The annual cost resulting from these benefits is not material. For measurement purposes, a 7.3 percent annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for Fiscal 2012. The Company has assumed that the long-term rate of increase will decrease gradually to an ultimate annual rate of 4.5 percent. A one-percentage point increase in the health care cost trend rate would increase the Fiscal 2012 and 2011 liability by $0.1 million.

 

Retirement Savings and Employee Stock Ownership Plan The Company provides a contributory employee savings plan to U.S. employees that permits participants to make contributions by salary reduction pursuant to section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employee contributions of up to 25 percent of compensation are matched at a rate equaling 100 percent of the first 3 percent contributed and 50 percent of the next 2 percent contributed. The Company's contributions under this plan are based on the level of employee contributions as well as a discretionary contribution based on performance of the Company.  Total contribution expense for these plans was $5.5 million, $9.1 million, and $4.5 million for the years ended July 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. This plan also includes shares from an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"). As of July 31, 2012, all shares of the ESOP have been allocated to participants. Total ESOP shares are considered to be shares outstanding for earnings per share calculations.

 

Deferred Compensation and Other Benefit Plans The Company provides various deferred compensation and other benefit plans to certain executives. The deferred compensation plan allows these employees to defer the receipt of all of their bonus and other stock related compensation and up to 75 percent of their salary to future periods. Other benefit plans are provided to supplement the benefits for a select group of highly compensated individuals which are reduced because of compensation limitations set by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company has recorded a liability in the amount of $9.5 million and $9.2 million as of the year ended July 31, 2012 and July 31, 2011, respectively, related primarily to its deferred compensation plans.