PENSIONS
H&M has several different plans for benefits after employment has
ended. The plans are either defined benefit or defined contribution
plans. Defined contribution plans are reported as an expense in the
period when the employee performs the service to which the benefit
relates. Defined benefit plans are assessed separately for the respective
plan based on the benefits earned during the previous and current
periods. The defined benefit obligations less the fair value of
managed assets are reported under the heading Provisions for pensions.
Defined benefit plans are primarily found in Sweden, but also
in the UK, Norway, Switzerland, Spain and Germany. Pension obligations
are assessed annually with the help of independent actuaries
according to the so-called Projected Unit Credit Method. The assessment
is made using actuarial assumptions. These assumptions include
such things as the discount rate, anticipated salary and pension
increases as well as the expected return on managed assets. Changes
in the actuarial assumptions and outcomes that deviate from the
assumptions
give rise to actuarial gains or losses. Such gains or losses
are recognised in other comprehensive income in the year they arise.