The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the first day of the Plan Year. They also are “actuarial values”.
Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets.
Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations,market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time.
As of December 31, 2014, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was estimated at $3,747,000,000.
On this same date, the Plan’s liabilities, determined using market rates, were estimated at $5,610,000,000.
For this purpose, liabilities were calculated based on a discount rate of approximately 4.19% as mandated by ERISA. This liability calculation is not the same methodology provided by Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) airline relief rules which is the basis for the funded status calculated on page one of this notice.