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Benefit Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Benefit Plans
BENEFIT PLANS
(a) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Plans - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL provide retirement benefits to substantially all of their employees through various qualified and non-qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, and/or through defined contribution plans (including 401(k) savings plans). Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s qualified and non-qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plans are currently closed to new hires. Benefits of the non-contributory defined benefit pension plans are based on the plan participant’s years of service, age and compensation. Benefits of the defined contribution plans are based on the plan participant’s years of service, age, compensation and contributions. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL also provide certain defined benefit postretirement health care and life benefits to eligible retirees. In general, the retiree health care plans consist of fixed benefit subsidy structures and the retiree life insurance plans are non-contributory.

Assumptions - The assumptions for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans at the measurement date of December 31 were as follows:
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Discount rate for benefit obligations
4.97%
 
4.11%
 
4.86%
 
4.59%
 
3.82%
 
4.60%
Discount rate for net periodic cost
4.11%
 
4.86%
 
5.56%
 
3.82%
 
4.60%
 
5.25%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
7.60%
 
7.90%
 
7.90%
 
7.40%
 
7.50%
 
7.00%
Rate of compensation increase
3.50
%
-
4.50%
 
3.50
%
-
4.50%
 
3.50
%
-
4.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
Medical cost trend on covered charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial trend rate (end of year)
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
7.50%
 
8.00%
Ultimate trend rate
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
IPL
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Discount rate for benefit obligations
5.05%
 
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
4.55%
 
3.76%
 
4.60%
Discount rate for net periodic cost
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
5.70%
 
3.76%
 
4.60%
 
5.25%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
7.60%
 
7.90%
 
7.90%
 
7.50%
 
7.40%
 
7.30%
Rate of compensation increase
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
Medical cost trend on covered charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial trend rate (end of year)
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
7.50%
 
8.00%
Ultimate trend rate
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
WPL
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Discount rate for benefit obligations
5.05%
 
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
4.56%
 
3.81%
 
4.60%
Discount rate for net periodic cost
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
5.70%
 
3.81%
 
4.60%
 
5.25%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
7.60%
 
7.90%
 
7.90%
 
7.20%
 
7.00%
 
6.30%
Rate of compensation increase
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
Medical cost trend on covered charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial trend rate (end of year)
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
7.50%
 
8.00%
Ultimate trend rate
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
 
5.00%


Expected rate of return on plan assets - The expected rate of return on plan assets is determined by analysis of projected asset class returns based on the target asset class allocations. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL use a forward-looking building blocks approach and also review historical returns, survey information and capital market information to support the expected rate of return on plan assets assumption. Refer to “Investment Policy and Strategy for Plan Assets” below for additional information related to Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investment policy and strategy and mix of assets for the pension and other postretirement benefits plans.

Medical cost trend on covered charges - The assumed medical trend rates are assumptions used in determining the service and interest cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation related to postretirement benefits costs. A 1% change in the medical trend rates for 2013, holding all other assumptions constant, would have the following effects (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components

$0.4

 

($0.3
)
 

$0.2

 

($0.2
)
 

$0.2

 

($0.2
)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
2.4

 
(2.2
)
 
1.1

 
(1.0
)
 
1.2

 
(1.1
)


Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits) - The components of net periodic benefit costs (credits) for Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s sponsored defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans are included in the tables below (in millions). In the “IPL” and “WPL” tables below, the defined benefit pension plans costs represent those respective costs for IPL’s and WPL’s bargaining unit employees covered under the qualified plans that are sponsored by IPL and WPL, respectively, as well as amounts directly assigned to each of IPL and WPL related to IPL’s and WPL’s current and former non-bargaining employees who are participants in the Alliant Energy and Corporate Services sponsored qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans. In the “IPL” and “WPL” tables below, the other postretirement benefits plans costs (credits) represent costs (credits) for IPL and WPL employees, respectively.
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost

$15.7

 

$13.5

 

$11.4

 

$6.3

 

$6.9

 

$7.0

Interest cost
49.0

 
51.6

 
52.0

 
8.5

 
10.2

 
12.3

Expected return on plan assets (a)
(74.0
)
 
(68.8
)
 
(63.8
)
 
(8.1
)
 
(7.5
)
 
(7.9
)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (b)
0.2

 
0.3

 
0.7

 
(11.9
)
 
(12.0
)
 
(10.0
)
Amortization of actuarial loss (c)
36.2

 
33.3

 
21.1

 
4.9

 
6.3

 
5.3

Additional benefit costs (d) (e)
9.0

 
0.1

 
10.2

 

 

 

Settlement losses (f)

 
5.4

 
1.1

 

 

 

 

$36.1

 

$35.4

 

$32.7

 

($0.3
)
 

$3.9

 

$6.7

IPL
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost

$8.6

 

$7.5

 

$6.1

 

$2.9

 

$3.0

 

$2.6

Interest cost
22.9

 
24.1

 
24.0

 
3.6

 
4.4

 
5.5

Expected return on plan assets (a)
(35.2
)
 
(32.6
)
 
(29.7
)
 
(5.6
)
 
(5.1
)
 
(5.4
)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (b)
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.3

 
(6.3
)
 
(6.3
)
 
(5.0
)
Amortization of actuarial loss (c)
15.2

 
14.1

 
8.7

 
2.7

 
3.5

 
2.9

Additional benefit costs (d) (e)
2.6

 

 
2.8

 

 

 

 

$14.2

 

$13.3

 

$12.2

 

($2.7
)
 

($0.5
)
 

$0.6

WPL
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost

$5.9

 

$5.2

 

$4.5

 

$2.5

 

$2.7

 

$2.9

Interest cost
20.7

 
21.6

 
21.6

 
3.4

 
4.1

 
4.9

Expected return on plan assets (a)
(31.9
)
 
(29.6
)
 
(27.3
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(1.3
)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (b)
0.3

 
0.4

 
0.3

 
(3.9
)
 
(3.9
)
 
(3.4
)
Amortization of actuarial loss (c)
17.1

 
15.7

 
10.1

 
1.9

 
2.3

 
2.1

Additional benefit costs (d) (e)
0.6

 
0.1

 
0.7

 

 

 

 

$12.7

 

$13.4

 

$9.9

 

$2.6

 

$3.9

 

$5.2


(a)
The expected return on plan assets is based on the expected rate of return on plan assets and the fair value approach to the market-related value of plan assets.
(b)
Unrecognized prior service costs (credits) for the postretirement benefits plans are amortized over the average future service period to full eligibility of the participants of each plan.
(c)
Unrecognized net actuarial gains or losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the plans’ benefit obligations or assets are amortized over the average future service lives of plan participants, except for the Cash Balance Plan where gains or losses outside the 10% threshold are amortized over the time period the participants are expected to receive benefits.
(d)
In 2013, Alliant Energy filed a stipulation agreement with the Court related to the class-action lawsuit against the Cash Balance Plan. As a result, Alliant Energy recognized $9.0 million of additional benefits costs in 2013 related to the agreement. IPL recognized $5.5 million ($2.6 million directly assigned and $2.9 million allocated by Corporate Services) and WPL recognized $2.8 million ($0.6 million directly assigned and $2.2 million allocated by Corporate Services) of additional benefits costs in 2013 related to the agreement. Refer to Note 16(c) for additional information regarding the Cash Balance Plan.
(e)
Alliant Energy reached an agreement with the IRS, which resulted in a favorable determination letter for the Cash Balance Plan in 2011. The agreement with the IRS required Alliant Energy to amend the Cash Balance Plan, which was completed in 2011 resulting in aggregate additional benefits of $10.2 million paid by Alliant Energy to certain former participants in the Cash Balance Plan in 2011. Alliant Energy recognized $10.2 million of additional benefits costs in 2011 related to these benefits. IPL recognized $6.3 million ($2.8 million directly assigned and $3.5 million allocated by Corporate Services) and WPL recognized $3.4 million ($0.7 million directly assigned and $2.7 million allocated by Corporate Services) of additional benefits costs in 2011 related to these benefits. Refer to Note 16(c) for additional information regarding the Cash Balance Plan.
(f)
Settlement losses related to payments made to retired executives of Alliant Energy.

Corporate Services provides services to IPL and WPL, and as a result, IPL and WPL are allocated pension and other postretirement benefits costs (credits) associated with Corporate Services employees. Such costs (credits) are allocated to IPL and WPL based on labor costs of plan participants. The following table includes the allocated qualified and non-qualified pension and other postretirement benefits costs (credits) associated with Corporate Services employees providing services to IPL and WPL (in millions):
 
Pension Benefits Costs (a)
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Costs (Credits)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
IPL

$4.8

 

$4.9

 

$5.8

 

($0.3
)
 

$0.1

 

$0.3

WPL
3.6

 
3.6

 
4.2

 
(0.2
)
 
0.1

 
0.2


(a)
Refer to IPL’s and WPL’s “Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits)” tables above for additional benefits costs related to the Cash Balance Plan allocated to IPL and WPL by Corporate Services in 2013 and 2011.

The estimated amortization from “Regulatory assets” and “Regulatory liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and AOCL on Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheet into net periodic benefit cost in 2014 is as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
Other
 
Defined Benefit
 
Postretirement
 
Defined Benefit
 
Postretirement
 
Defined Benefit
 
Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
Actuarial loss

$19.5

 

$2.4

 

$8.0

 

$1.1

 

$9.2

 

$1.2

Prior service cost (credit)

 
(11.9
)
 

 
(6.3
)
 
0.3

 
(3.9
)
 

$19.5

 

($9.5
)
 

$8.0

 

($5.2
)
 

$9.5

 

($2.7
)


Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s net periodic benefit costs are primarily included in “Utility - Other operation and maintenance” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Benefit Plan Assets and Obligations - A reconciliation of the funded status of Alliant Energy’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to the amounts recognized on Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 was as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net projected benefit obligation at January 1

$1,207.5

 

$1,081.4

 

$223.2

 

$224.2

Service cost
15.7

 
13.5

 
6.3

 
6.9

Interest cost
49.0

 
51.6

 
8.5

 
10.2

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
2.6

 
2.7

Additional benefit costs
9.0

 
0.1

 

 

Actuarial (gain) loss
(94.1
)
 
135.4

 
(13.2
)
 
(1.6
)
Gross benefits paid
(73.7
)
 
(74.5
)
 
(18.7
)
 
(19.2
)
Net projected benefit obligation at December 31
1,113.4

 
1,207.5

 
208.7

 
223.2

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
965.6

 
897.4

 
123.1

 
120.4

Actual return on plan assets
128.5

 
126.9

 
14.4

 
14.3

Employer contributions
2.5

 
15.8

 
3.5

 
4.9

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
2.6

 
2.7

Gross benefits paid
(73.7
)
 
(74.5
)
 
(18.7
)
 
(19.2
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
1,022.9

 
965.6

 
124.9

 
123.1

Under funded status at December 31

($90.5
)
 

($241.9
)
 

($83.8
)
 

($100.1
)

Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets

$—

 

$—

 

$14.5

 

$3.5

Other current liabilities
(2.4
)
 
(2.4
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(2.8
)
Pension and other benefit obligations
(88.1
)
 
(239.5
)
 
(93.5
)
 
(100.8
)
Net amount recognized at December 31

($90.5
)
 

($241.9
)
 

($83.8
)
 

($100.1
)
Amounts recognized in Regulatory Assets, Regulatory Liabilities and AOCL consist of (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss

$348.6

 

$533.4

 

$38.1

 

$62.1

Prior service credit
(7.4
)
 
(7.2
)
 
(28.6
)
 
(40.5
)
 

$341.2

 

$526.2

 

$9.5

 

$21.6


(a)
Refer to Note 2 and Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Statements of Common Equity for amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets” and “AOCL,” respectively, on Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $5.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of regulatory liabilities were recognized related to Alliant Energy’s other postretirement benefits plans.

In the “IPL” and “WPL” tables below, the defined benefit pension plans amounts represent those respective amounts for IPL’s and WPL’s bargaining unit employees covered under the qualified plans that are sponsored by IPL and WPL, respectively, as well as amounts directly assigned to each of IPL and WPL related to IPL’s and WPL’s current and former non-bargaining employees who are participants in the Alliant Energy and Corporate Services sponsored qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans.

A reconciliation of the funded status of IPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to the amounts recognized on IPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 was as follows (in millions):
IPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net projected benefit obligation at January 1

$559.2

 

$499.9

 

$96.0

 

$97.5

Service cost
8.6

 
7.5

 
2.9

 
3.0

Interest cost
22.9

 
24.1

 
3.6

 
4.4

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
0.9

 
0.9

Additional benefit costs
2.6

 

 

 

Actuarial (gain) loss
(44.3
)
 
56.1

 
(7.0
)
 
(1.4
)
Gross benefits paid
(35.0
)
 
(28.4
)
 
(8.6
)
 
(8.4
)
Net projected benefit obligation at December 31
514.0

 
559.2

 
87.8

 
96.0

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
458.8

 
426.1

 
78.8

 
74.7

Actual return on plan assets
61.2

 
60.4

 
10.0

 
9.4

Employer contributions
0.9

 
0.7

 
0.1

 
2.2

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
0.9

 
0.9

Gross benefits paid
(35.0
)
 
(28.4
)
 
(8.6
)
 
(8.4
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
485.9

 
458.8

 
81.2

 
78.8

Under funded status at December 31

($28.1
)
 

($100.4
)
 

($6.6
)
 

($17.2
)

IPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets

$—

 

$—

 

$8.8

 

$—

Other current liabilities
(0.8
)
 
(0.8
)
 

 

Pension and other benefit obligations
(27.3
)
 
(99.6
)
 
(15.4
)
 
(17.2
)
Net amount recognized at December 31

($28.1
)
 

($100.4
)
 

($6.6
)
 

($17.2
)
Amounts recognized in Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities consist of (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss

$146.1

 

$231.6

 

$18.2

 

$32.0

Prior service credit
(2.6
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(15.0
)
 
(21.3
)
 

$143.5

 

$229.1

 

$3.2

 

$10.7


(a)
Refer to Note 2 for amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets” on IPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of regulatory liabilities were recognized related to IPL’s other postretirement benefits plans.

A reconciliation of the funded status of WPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to the amounts recognized on WPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 was as follows (in millions):
WPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net projected benefit obligation at January 1

$506.7

 

$447.7

 

$89.1

 

$89.6

Service cost
5.9

 
5.2

 
2.5

 
2.7

Interest cost
20.7

 
21.6

 
3.4

 
4.1

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
1.2

 
1.2

Additional benefit costs
0.6

 
0.1

 

 

Actuarial (gain) loss
(41.1
)
 
57.9

 
(3.0
)
 
0.3

Gross benefits paid
(32.0
)
 
(25.8
)
 
(7.6
)
 
(8.8
)
Net projected benefit obligation at December 31
460.8

 
506.7

 
85.6

 
89.1

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
415.4

 
386.6

 
22.3

 
25.1

Actual return on plan assets
55.2

 
54.5

 
2.5

 
2.5

Employer contributions
0.2

 
0.1

 
3.3

 
2.3

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
1.2

 
1.2

Gross benefits paid
(32.0
)
 
(25.8
)
 
(7.6
)
 
(8.8
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
438.8

 
415.4

 
21.7

 
22.3

Under funded status at December 31

($22.0
)
 

($91.3
)
 

($63.9
)
 

($66.8
)

WPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets

$—

 

$—

 

$5.8

 

$3.5

Other current liabilities
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(2.8
)
Pension and other benefit obligations
(21.8
)
 
(91.1
)
 
(64.9
)
 
(67.5
)
Net amount recognized at December 31

($22.0
)
 

($91.3
)
 

($63.9
)
 

($66.8
)
Amounts recognized in Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities consist of (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss

$152.2

 

$233.7

 

$18.3

 

$24.3

Prior service credit
(0.7
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(9.5
)
 
(13.4
)
 

$151.5

 

$233.3

 

$8.8

 

$10.9


(a)
Refer to Note 2 for amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets” on WPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $1.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of regulatory liabilities were recognized related to WPL’s other postretirement benefits plans.

Included in the following tables are accumulated benefit obligations, aggregate amounts applicable to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, as well as defined benefit pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of the December 31 measurement date (in millions):
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Accumulated benefit obligations

$1,071.7

 

$1,155.5

 

$208.7

 

$223.2

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligations
406.5

 
1,155.5

 
208.7

 
223.2

Fair value of plan assets
347.6

 
965.6

 
124.9

 
123.1

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligations
1,113.4

 
1,207.5

 
N/A

 
N/A

Fair value of plan assets
1,022.9

 
965.6

 
N/A

 
N/A


IPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plan
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Accumulated benefit obligations

$491.5

 

$530.4

 

$87.8

 

$96.0

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligations
159.3

 
530.4

 
87.8

 
96.0

Fair value of plan assets
144.6

 
458.8

 
81.2

 
78.8

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligations
514.0

 
559.2

 
N/A

 
N/A

Fair value of plan assets
485.9

 
458.8

 
N/A

 
N/A


WPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plan
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Accumulated benefit obligations

$446.7

 

$490.2

 

$85.6

 

$89.1

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligations
115.6

 
490.2

 
85.6

 
89.1

Fair value of plan assets
106.8

 
415.4

 
21.7

 
22.3

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligations
460.8

 
506.7

 
N/A

 
N/A

Fair value of plan assets
438.8

 
415.4

 
N/A

 
N/A



In addition to the amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities” in the above tables for IPL and WPL, “Regulatory assets” and “Regulatory liabilities” were recognized for amounts associated with Corporate Services employees participating in other Alliant Energy sponsored benefit plans that were allocated to IPL and WPL at December 31 as follows (in millions):
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Regulatory assets

$26.5

 

$38.1

 

$19.8

 

$25.5

Regulatory liabilities
1.7

 
0.6

 
1.3

 
0.4



Estimated Future Employer Contributions and Benefit Payments - Estimated funding for the qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans for 2014 is as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
Defined benefit pension plans (a)

$2.4

 

$0.7

 

$0.2

Other postretirement benefits plans
5.1

 

 
5.0


(a)
Alliant Energy sponsors several non-qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover certain current and former key employees of IPL and WPL. Alliant Energy allocates pension costs to IPL and WPL for these plans. In addition, IPL and WPL amounts reflect funding for their non-bargaining employees who are participants in the Alliant Energy and Corporate Services sponsored qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans.

Expected benefit payments for the qualified and non-qualified defined benefit plans, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019 - 2023
Defined benefit pension benefits

$71.2

 

$68.0

 

$66.3

 

$67.8

 

$71.2

 

$378.6

Other postretirement benefits
17.0

 
16.7

 
16.3

 
16.3

 
16.7

 
83.5

 

$88.2

 

$84.7

 

$82.6

 

$84.1

 

$87.9

 

$462.1

IPL
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019 - 2023
Defined benefit pension benefits

$32.2

 

$29.9

 

$31.3

 

$32.8

 

$34.4

 

$180.4

Other postretirement benefits
7.7

 
7.3

 
7.1

 
7.0

 
7.2

 
35.4

 

$39.9

 

$37.2

 

$38.4

 

$39.8

 

$41.6

 

$215.8

WPL
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019 - 2023
Defined benefit pension benefits

$26.4

 

$27.2

 

$27.1

 

$28.3

 

$29.4

 

$155.8

Other postretirement benefits
6.9

 
7.0

 
6.7

 
6.7

 
6.9

 
33.9

 

$33.3

 

$34.2

 

$33.8

 

$35.0

 

$36.3

 

$189.7



Investment Policy and Strategy for Plan Assets - Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investment policies and their strategies employed with respect to assets of defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans are to combine both preservation of principal and prudent and reasonable risk-taking to protect the integrity of plan assets, in order to meet the obligations to plan participants while minimizing benefit costs over the long term. It is recognized that risk and volatility are present with all types of investments. However, risk is mitigated at the total fund level through diversification by asset class including U.S. and international equity and fixed income exposure, global asset and risk parity strategies, the number of individual investments, and sector and industry limits. Global asset and risk parity strategies include investments in global equity, global debt, commodities and currencies.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Assets - For assets of defined benefit pension plans, the mix among asset classes is controlled by asset allocation targets. Historical performance results and future expectations suggest that equity securities will provide higher total investment returns than debt securities over a long-term investment horizon. Consistent with the goals of meeting obligations to plan participants and minimizing benefit costs over the long-term, the defined benefit pension plans have a long-term investment posture more heavily weighted towards equity holdings. The asset allocation is monitored regularly and appropriate steps are taken as needed to rebalance the assets within the prescribed ranges. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL also use an overlay management service to help maintain target allocations and liquidity needs. The overlay manager is authorized to use derivative financial instruments to facilitate this service. For separately managed accounts, prohibited investment vehicles include, but may not be limited to, direct ownership of real estate, margin trading, oil and gas limited partnerships and securities of the managers’ firms or affiliate firms. At December 31, 2013, the current target ranges and actual allocations for Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s defined benefit pension plan assets were as follows:
 
Target Range
 
Actual
 
Allocation
 
Allocation
Cash and equivalents
%
-
5%
 
3%
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
8
%
-
18%
 
13%
U.S. large cap value
2.5
%
-
12.5%
 
7%
U.S. large cap growth
2.5
%
-
12.5%
 
8%
U.S. small cap value
%
-
4%
 
2%
U.S. small cap growth
%
-
4%
 
2%
International - developed markets
7
%
-
19%
 
13%
International - emerging markets
%
-
10%
 
5%
Global asset allocation securities
5
%
-
15%
 
10%
Risk parity allocation securities
5
%
-
15%
 
9%
Fixed income securities
20
%
-
40%
 
28%


Other Postretirement Benefits Plans Assets - Other postretirement benefits plans assets are comprised of specific assets within certain defined benefit pension plans (401(h) assets) as well as assets held in VEBA trusts. The investment policy and strategy of the 401(h) assets mirrors those of the defined benefit pension plans, which are discussed above. For VEBA trusts with assets greater than $5 million, the mix among asset classes is controlled by allocation targets. The asset allocation is monitored regularly and appropriate steps are taken as needed to rebalance the assets within the prescribed ranges. Mutual funds are used to achieve the desired diversification. At December 31, 2013, the current target ranges and actual allocations for Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s VEBA trusts with assets greater than $5 million were as follows:
 
Target Range
 
Actual
 
Allocation
 
Allocation
Cash and equivalents
%
-
5%
 
1%
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
25
%
-
45%
 
37%
International
10
%
-
20%
 
15%
Global asset allocation securities
20
%
-
40%
 
28%
Fixed income securities
10
%
-
30%
 
19%


Securities Lending Program - In 2013, Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL terminated their securities lending program with a third party agent. The program allowed the agent to lend certain securities from their defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to selected entities against receipt of collateral (in the form of cash, government and agency securities or letters of credit) as provided for and determined in accordance with its securities lending agency agreement. Refer to “Fair Value Measurements” below for details of fair value of invested collateral and amounts due to borrowers for the securities lending program at December 31, 2012.

Fair Value Measurements - The following tables report a framework for measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy and examples of each are as follows:

Level 1 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investments in securities held in registered investment companies and directly held equity securities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the securities are traded.

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investments in corporate bonds and government and agency obligations are valued at the closing price reported in the active market for similar assets in which the individual securities are traded or based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investments in common/collective trusts are valued at the net asset value of shares held by the plans, which is based on the fair market value of the underlying investments in the common/collective trusts. Level 2 plan assets at December 31, 2012 also consisted of asset-backed securities within their securities lending invested collateral.

Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities for which little or no market data exist and require significant management judgment or estimation. At December 31, 2012, Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s Level 3 plan assets included certain asset-backed securities and corporate bonds within their securities lending invested collateral.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.

The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL believe their valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

At December 31, the fair values of Alliant Energy’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$32.6

 

$—

 

$32.6

 

$—

 

$43.9

 

$—

 

$43.9

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
134.1

 
134.1

 

 

 
129.0

 
129.0

 

 

U.S. large cap value
77.0

 

 
77.0

 

 
107.9

 

 
107.9

 

U.S. large cap growth
77.4

 

 
77.4

 

 
105.8

 

 
105.8

 

U.S. small cap value
20.7

 

 
20.7

 

 
30.4

 

 
30.4

 

U.S. small cap growth
20.8

 
20.8

 

 

 
25.0

 
25.0

 

 

International - developed markets
136.3

 
68.0

 
68.3

 

 
153.7

 
80.3

 
73.4

 

International - emerging markets
48.4

 
48.4

 

 

 
38.5

 
38.5

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
99.1

 
56.7

 
42.4

 

 
94.5

 
56.3

 
38.2

 

Risk parity allocation securities
96.1

 

 
96.1

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
29.2

 

 
29.2

 

 
30.7

 

 
30.7

 

Government and agency obligations
49.1

 

 
49.1

 

 
49.2

 

 
49.2

 

Fixed income funds
202.2

 
0.2

 
202.0

 

 
162.6

 
0.2

 
162.4

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
4.4

 

 
2.9

 
1.5

 
1,023.0

 

$328.2

 

$694.8

 

$—

 
975.6

 

$329.3

 

$644.8

 

$1.5

Accrued investment income
0.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to brokers, net (pending trades with brokers)
(0.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total pension plan assets

$1,022.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$965.6

 
 
 
 
 
 

At December 31, the fair values of IPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$15.4

 

$—

 

$15.4

 

$—

 

$20.8

 

$—

 

$20.8

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
63.7

 
63.7

 

 

 
61.3

 
61.3

 

 

U.S. large cap value
36.6

 

 
36.6

 

 
51.3

 

 
51.3

 

U.S. large cap growth
36.8

 

 
36.8

 

 
50.3

 

 
50.3

 

U.S. small cap value
9.8

 

 
9.8

 

 
14.4

 

 
14.4

 

U.S. small cap growth
9.9

 
9.9

 

 

 
11.9

 
11.9

 

 

International - developed markets
64.8

 
32.3

 
32.5

 

 
73.0

 
38.2

 
34.8

 

International - emerging markets
23.0

 
23.0

 

 

 
18.3

 
18.3

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
47.1

 
27.0

 
20.1

 

 
44.9

 
26.7

 
18.2

 

Risk parity allocation securities
45.7

 

 
45.7

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
13.9

 

 
13.9

 

 
14.6

 

 
14.6

 

Government and agency obligations
23.3

 

 
23.3

 

 
23.4

 

 
23.4

 

Fixed income funds
96.1

 
0.1

 
96.0

 

 
77.3

 
0.1

 
77.2

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
2.1

 

 
1.4

 
0.7

 
486.1

 

$156.0

 

$330.1

 

$—

 
463.6

 

$156.5

 

$306.4

 

$0.7

Accrued investment income
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to brokers, net (pending trades with brokers)
(0.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total pension plan assets

$485.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$458.8

 
 
 
 
 
 

At December 31, the fair values of WPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$14.0

 

$—

 

$14.0

 

$—

 

$18.9

 

$—

 

$18.9

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
57.5

 
57.5

 

 

 
55.5

 
55.5

 

 

U.S. large cap value
33.1

 

 
33.1

 

 
46.4

 

 
46.4

 

U.S. large cap growth
33.2

 

 
33.2

 

 
45.5

 

 
45.5

 

U.S. small cap value
8.9

 

 
8.9

 

 
13.1

 

 
13.1

 

U.S. small cap growth
8.9

 
8.9

 

 

 
10.8

 
10.8

 

 

International - developed markets
58.5

 
29.2

 
29.3

 

 
66.1

 
34.5

 
31.6

 

International - emerging markets
20.8

 
20.8

 

 

 
16.6

 
16.6

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
42.5

 
24.3

 
18.2

 

 
40.6

 
24.2

 
16.4

 

Risk parity allocation securities
41.2

 

 
41.2

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
12.5

 

 
12.5

 

 
13.2

 

 
13.2

 

Government and agency obligations
21.0

 

 
21.0

 

 
21.2

 

 
21.2

 

Fixed income funds
86.8

 
0.1

 
86.7

 

 
70.0

 
0.1

 
69.9

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
1.9

 

 
1.2

 
0.7

 
438.9

 

$140.8

 

$298.1

 

$—

 
419.8

 

$141.7

 

$277.4

 

$0.7

Accrued investment income
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to brokers, net (pending trades with brokers)
(0.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total pension plan assets

$438.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$415.4

 
 
 
 
 
 

At December 31, the fair values of Alliant Energy’s other postretirement benefits plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$3.9

 

$—

 

$3.9

 

$—

 

$8.4

 

$—

 

$8.4

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. blend
36.8

 
36.8

 

 

 
32.9

 
32.9

 

 

U.S. large cap core
2.9

 
2.9

 

 

 
2.8

 
2.8

 

 

U.S. large cap value
1.7

 

 
1.7

 

 
2.4

 

 
2.4

 

U.S. large cap growth
1.7

 

 
1.7

 

 
2.3

 

 
2.3

 

U.S. small cap value
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

U.S. small cap growth
0.5

 
0.5

 

 

 
0.6

 
0.6

 

 

International - blend
15.4

 
15.4

 

 

 
14.3

 
14.3

 

 

International - developed markets
3.0

 
1.5

 
1.5

 

 
3.4

 
1.8

 
1.6

 

International - emerging markets
1.1

 
1.1

 

 

 
0.8

 
0.8

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
30.4

 
29.5

 
0.9

 

 
30.4

 
29.6

 
0.8

 

Risk parity allocation securities
2.1

 

 
2.1

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
0.6

 

 
0.6

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

Government and agency obligations
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

Fixed income funds
23.2

 
18.8

 
4.4

 

 
22.4

 
18.8

 
3.6

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

 
124.9

 

$106.5

 

$18.4

 

$—

 
123.3

 

$101.6

 

$21.7

 

$—

Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other postretirement benefits plan assets

$124.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$123.1

 
 
 
 
 
 


At December 31, the fair values of IPL’s other postretirement benefits plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$1.5

 

$—

 

$1.5

 

$—

 

$3.3

 

$—

 

$3.3

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. blend
27.8

 
27.8

 

 

 
24.3

 
24.3

 

 

U.S. large cap core
0.7

 
0.7

 

 

 
0.8

 
0.8

 

 

U.S. large cap value
0.4

 

 
0.4

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

U.S. large cap growth
0.4

 

 
0.4

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

U.S. small cap value
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.2

 

 
0.2

 

U.S. small cap growth
0.1

 
0.1

 

 

 
0.2

 
0.2

 

 

International - blend
11.6

 
11.6

 

 

 
10.6

 
10.6

 

 

International - developed markets
0.8

 
0.4

 
0.4

 

 
1.0

 
0.5

 
0.5

 

International - emerging markets
0.3

 
0.3

 

 

 
0.2

 
0.2

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
21.6

 
21.4

 
0.2

 

 
21.5

 
21.3

 
0.2

 

Risk parity allocation securities
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.2

 

 
0.2

 

Government and agency obligations
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

Fixed income funds
15.0

 
13.9

 
1.1

 

 
14.9

 
13.9

 
1.0

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
81.2

 

$76.2

 

$5.0

 

$—

 
78.9

 

$71.8

 

$7.1

 

$—

Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other postretirement benefits plan assets

$81.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$78.8

 
 
 
 
 
 


At December 31, the fair values of WPL’s other postretirement benefits plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$1.4

 

$—

 

$1.4

 

$—

 

$3.9

 

$—

 

$3.9

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. blend
3.6

 
3.6

 

 

 
3.1

 
3.1

 

 

U.S. large cap core
1.5

 
1.5

 

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 

 

U.S. large cap value
0.8

 

 
0.8

 

 
1.2

 

 
1.2

 

U.S. large cap growth
0.8

 

 
0.8

 

 
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

U.S. small cap value
0.2

 

 
0.2

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

U.S. small cap growth
0.2

 
0.2

 

 

 
0.3

 
0.3

 

 

International - blend
1.5

 
1.5

 

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 

 

International - developed markets
1.5

 
0.7

 
0.8

 

 
1.6

 
0.8

 
0.8

 

International - emerging markets
0.5

 
0.5

 

 

 
0.4

 
0.4

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
3.8

 
3.3

 
0.5

 

 
3.6

 
3.2

 
0.4

 

Risk parity allocation securities
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

Government and agency obligations
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

Fixed income funds
4.0

 
1.8

 
2.2

 

 
3.5

 
1.8

 
1.7

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
21.7

 

$13.1

 

$8.6

 

$—

 
22.4

 

$12.2

 

$10.2

 

$—

Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other postretirement benefits plan assets

$21.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$22.3

 
 
 
 
 
 


For the various defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans, Alliant Energy common stock represented less than 1% of assets held in the plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Cash Balance Plan - Alliant Energy’s defined benefit pension plans include the Cash Balance Plan, which provides benefits for certain non-bargaining unit employees. The Cash Balance Plan has been closed to new hires since 2005. Effective 2008, Alliant Energy amended the Cash Balance Plan by discontinuing additional contributions into employees’ Cash Balance Plan accounts and increased its level of contributions to its 401(k) Savings Plan. In 2009, Alliant Energy amended the Cash Balance Plan by changing participants’ future interest credit formula to use the annual change in the consumer price index. This amendment provides participants an interest crediting rate that is 3% more than the annual change in the consumer price index. Refer to Note 16(c) for discussion of a class-action lawsuit filed against the Cash Balance Plan in 2008.

401(k) Savings Plans - A significant number of Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL employees participate in defined contribution retirement plans (401(k) savings plans). Alliant Energy common stock represented 11.3% and 12.5% of total assets held in 401(k) savings plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Costs related to the 401(k) savings plans, which are partially based on the participants’ contributions, were as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL (a)
 
WPL (a)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013

 
2012

 
2011

 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
401(k) costs

$19.2

 

$18.5

 

$18.4

 

$9.9

 

$9.6

 

$9.2

 

$8.5

 

$8.1

 

$8.4


(a)
IPL’s and WPL’s amounts include allocated costs associated with Corporate Services employees.
(b) Equity-based Compensation Plans - In 2010, Alliant Energy’s shareowners approved the OIP, which permits the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards and performance-based cash awards to key employees. At December 31, 2013, performance shares and restricted stock were outstanding and 4.1 million shares of Alliant Energy’s common stock remained available for grants under the OIP. Alliant Energy satisfies payouts related to equity awards under the OIP through the issuance of new shares of its common stock. Alliant Energy also has the DLIP, which permits the grant of long-term performance-based awards, including performance units and restricted cash awards to certain key employees. At December 31, 2013, performance units and performance contingent cash awards were outstanding under the DLIP. There is no limit to the number of grants that can be made under the DLIP and Alliant Energy satisfies all payouts under the DLIP through cash payments.

A summary of compensation expense (including amounts allocated to IPL and WPL) and the related income tax benefits recognized for share-based compensation awards was as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Compensation expense

$12.0

 

$6.9

 

$10.1

 

$6.2

 

$3.6

 

$5.5

 

$5.2

 

$3.0

 

$4.1

Income tax benefits
4.8

 
2.8

 
4.0

 
2.5

 
1.5

 
2.2

 
2.1

 
1.2

 
1.7



As of December 31, 2013, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation awards was $5.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of between 1 and 2 years. Share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods and is primarily recorded in “Utility - Other operation and maintenance” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Performance Shares and Units - Payouts of performance shares and units to key employees are contingent upon achievement over 3-year periods of specified performance criteria, which currently include metrics of total shareowner return relative to investor-owned utility peer groups. Payouts of nonvested performance shares and units issued in 2012 and after are prorated at retirement, death or disability based on time worked during the first year of the performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Upon achievement of the performance criteria, payouts of these performance shares and units to participants who terminate employment after the first year of the performance period due to retirement, death or disability are not prorated. Payouts of nonvested performance shares and units issued prior to 2012 are prorated at retirement, death, disability or involuntary termination without cause based on time worked during the full or entire performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Participants’ nonvested performance shares and units are forfeited if the participant voluntarily leaves Alliant Energy or is terminated for cause. Nonvested performance shares and units do not have non-forfeitable rights to dividends when dividends are paid to common shareowners. Alliant Energy assumes it will make future payouts of its performance shares and units in cash; therefore, performance shares and units are accounted for as liability awards.

Performance Shares - Performance shares can be paid out in shares of Alliant Energy’s common stock, cash or a combination of cash and stock and are adjusted by a performance multiplier, which ranges from zero to 200% based on the performance criteria. A summary of the performance shares activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Shares (a)
 
Shares (a)
 
Shares (a)
Nonvested shares, January 1
145,277

 
236,979

 
234,518

Granted
49,093

 
45,612

 
64,217

Vested (b)
(54,430
)
 
(111,980
)
 
(57,838
)
Forfeited (c)

 
(25,334
)
 
(3,918
)
Nonvested shares, December 31
139,940

 
145,277

 
236,979


(a)
Share amounts represent the target number of performance shares. Each performance share’s value is based on the price of one share of Alliant Energy’s common stock at the end of the performance period. The actual number of shares that will be paid out upon vesting is dependent upon actual performance and may range from zero to 200% of the target number of shares.
(b)
In 2013, 54,430 performance shares granted in 2010 vested at 197.5% of the target, resulting in payouts valued at $4.8 million, which consisted of a combination of cash and common stock (4,177 shares). In 2012, 111,980 performance shares granted in 2009 vested at 162.5% of the target, resulting in payouts valued at $8.0 million, which consisted of a combination of cash and common stock (6,399 shares). In 2011, 57,838 performance shares granted in 2008 vested at 75% of the target, resulting in payouts valued at $1.6 million, which consisted of a combination of cash and common stock (1,387 shares).
(c)
Forfeitures were primarily caused by retirements and voluntary terminations of participants.

Performance Units - Performance units must be paid out in cash and are adjusted by a performance multiplier, which ranges from zero to 200% based on the performance criteria. A summary of the performance unit activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Units (a)
 
Units (a)
 
Units (a)
Nonvested units, January 1
64,969

 
42,996

 
23,128

Granted
22,201

 
24,686

 
23,975

Vested (b)
(19,760
)
 

 

Forfeited
(1,498
)
 
(2,713
)
 
(4,107
)
Nonvested units, December 31
65,912

 
64,969

 
42,996


(a)
Unit amounts represent the target number of performance units. Each performance unit’s value is based on the average price of one share of Alliant Energy’s common stock on the grant date of the award. The actual payout for performance units is dependent upon actual performance and may range from zero to 200% of the target number of units.
(b)
In 2013, 19,760 performance units granted in 2010 vested at 197.5% of the target, resulting in cash payouts valued at $1.3 million.

Fair Value of Awards - Information related to fair values of nonvested performance shares and units at December 31, 2013, by year of grant, were as follows:
 
Performance Shares
 
Performance Units
 
2013 Grant
 
2012 Grant
 
2011 Grant
 
2013 Grant
 
2012 Grant
 
2011 Grant
Nonvested awards
49,093

 
45,612

 
45,235

 
21,935

 
23,226

 
20,751

Alliant Energy common stock closing price on December 31, 2013

$51.60

 

$51.60

 

$51.60

 
 
 
 
 
 
Alliant Energy common stock average price on grant date
 
 
 
 
 
 

$47.58

 

$43.05

 

$38.75

Estimated payout percentage based on performance criteria
110
%
 
109
%
 
148
%
 
110
%
 
109
%
 
148
%
Fair values of each nonvested award

$56.76

 

$56.24

 

$76.11

 

$52.34

 

$46.92

 

$57.16



At December 31, 2013, fair values of nonvested performance shares and units were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation to determine the anticipated total shareowner returns of Alliant Energy and its investor-owned utility peer groups. Expected volatility was based on historical volatilities using daily stock prices over the past three years. Expected dividend yields were calculated based on the most recent quarterly dividend rates announced prior to the measurement date and stock prices at the measurement date. The risk-free interest rate was based on the three-year U.S. Treasury rate in effect as of the measurement date.

Performance-contingent Restricted Stock - Vesting of performance-contingent restricted stock grants are based on the achievement of certain performance targets (currently specified growth of consolidated income from continuing operations). If performance targets are not met within the performance period, which currently ranges from two to four years, these restricted stock grants are forfeited. Payouts of nonvested performance-contingent restricted stock issued in 2012 and after are prorated at retirement, death or disability based on time worked during the first year of the performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Upon achievement of the performance criteria, payouts of this performance-contingent restricted stock to participants who terminate employment after the first year of the performance period due to retirement, death or disability are not prorated. Nonvested shares of performance-contingent restricted stock issued prior to 2012 are prorated at retirement based on time worked during the full or entire performance period and vest only if and when the performance criteria are met. Participants’ nonvested performance-contingent restricted stock is forfeited if the participant voluntarily leaves Alliant Energy or is terminated for cause. The fair value of performance-contingent restricted stock is based on the average market price at the grant date. A summary of the performance-contingent restricted stock activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
Nonvested shares, January 1
211,651

 

$32.42

 
301,738

 

$32.60

 
296,190

 

$32.32

Granted
49,093

 
47.58

 
45,612

 
43.05

 
64,217

 
38.75

Vested (a)

 

 
(65,172
)
 
32.56

 
(53,274
)
 
37.93

Forfeited (b)
(101,822
)
 
23.67

 
(70,527
)
 
39.93

 
(5,395
)
 
38.00

Nonvested shares, December 31
158,922

 
42.71

 
211,651

 
32.42

 
301,738

 
32.60



(a)
In 2012 and 2011, 65,172 and 53,274 performance-contingent restricted shares granted in 2010 and 2007, respectively, vested because the specified performance criteria for such shares were met.
(b)
In 2013 and 2012, 101,822 and 65,516 performance-contingent restricted shares granted in 2009 and 2008, respectively, were forfeited because the specified performance criteria for such shares were not met. The remaining forfeitures during 2012 and 2011 were primarily caused by retirements and terminations of participants.

Time-based Restricted Stock - At December 31, 2013, the amount of nonvested shares of time-based restricted stock was not material.

Performance Contingent Cash Awards - Performance contingent cash award payouts to key employees are based on the achievement of certain performance targets (currently specified growth of consolidated income from continuing operations). If performance targets are not met within the performance period, which currently ranges from two to four years, there are no payouts for these awards. Payouts of nonvested awards issued in 2012 and after are prorated at retirement, death or disability based on time worked during the first year of the performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Upon achievement of the performance criteria, payouts of these awards to participants who terminate employment after the first year of the performance period due to retirement, death or disability are not prorated. Nonvested awards issued prior to 2012 are prorated at retirement based on time worked during the full or entire performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Participants’ nonvested awards are forfeited if the participant voluntarily leaves Alliant Energy or is terminated for cause. Each performance contingent cash award’s value is based on the price of one share of Alliant Energy’s common stock at the end of the performance period. Alliant Energy accounts for performance contingent cash awards as liability awards because payouts will be made in the form of cash. A summary of the performance contingent cash awards activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Awards
 
Awards
 
Awards
Nonvested awards, January 1
59,639

 
46,676

 
23,428

Granted
39,530

 
36,936

 
23,975

Vested (a)

 
(21,605
)
 

Forfeited
(2,192
)
 
(2,368
)
 
(727
)
Nonvested awards, December 31
96,977

 
59,639

 
46,676


(a)
In 2012, 21,605 performance contingent cash awards granted in 2010 vested, resulting in cash payouts valued at $0.9 million.

Non-qualified Stock Options - Alliant Energy has not granted any options since 2004. In 2013, the last of the outstanding options were exercised, resulting in no options outstanding at December 31, 2013.
(c) Deferred Compensation Plan - Alliant Energy maintains a DCP under which key employees may defer up to 100% of base salary and performance-based compensation and directors may elect to defer all or part of their retainer and committee fees. Key employees who have made the maximum allowed contribution to the Alliant Energy 401(k) Savings Plan may receive an additional credit to the DCP. Key employees and directors may elect to have their deferrals credited to a company stock account, an interest account or equity accounts based on certain benchmark funds.

Company Stock Accounts - The DCP does not permit diversification of deferrals credited to the company stock account and all distributions from participants’ company stock accounts are made in the form of shares of Alliant Energy common stock. The deferred compensation obligations for participants’ company stock accounts are recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” and the shares of Alliant Energy common stock held in a rabbi trust to satisfy this obligation are recorded in “Shares in deferred compensation trust” on Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, the carrying value of the deferred compensation obligation for the company stock accounts and the shares in the deferred compensation trust based on the historical value of the shares of Alliant Energy common stock contributed to the rabbi trust, and the fair market value of the shares held in the rabbi trust were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
Carrying value

$8.0

 

$7.3

Fair market value
11.7

 
9.5



Interest and Equity Accounts - Distributions from participants’ interest and equity accounts are in the form of cash payments. The deferred compensation obligations for participants’ interest and equity accounts are recorded in “Pension and other benefit obligations” on Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, the carrying value of Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s deferred compensation obligations for participants’ interest and equity accounts, which approximates fair market value, was as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Carrying value
$15.9
 
$16.3
 
$5.2
 
$5.0
IPL [Member]
 
Benefit Plans
BENEFIT PLANS
(a) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Plans - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL provide retirement benefits to substantially all of their employees through various qualified and non-qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, and/or through defined contribution plans (including 401(k) savings plans). Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s qualified and non-qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plans are currently closed to new hires. Benefits of the non-contributory defined benefit pension plans are based on the plan participant’s years of service, age and compensation. Benefits of the defined contribution plans are based on the plan participant’s years of service, age, compensation and contributions. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL also provide certain defined benefit postretirement health care and life benefits to eligible retirees. In general, the retiree health care plans consist of fixed benefit subsidy structures and the retiree life insurance plans are non-contributory.

Assumptions - The assumptions for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans at the measurement date of December 31 were as follows:
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Discount rate for benefit obligations
4.97%
 
4.11%
 
4.86%
 
4.59%
 
3.82%
 
4.60%
Discount rate for net periodic cost
4.11%
 
4.86%
 
5.56%
 
3.82%
 
4.60%
 
5.25%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
7.60%
 
7.90%
 
7.90%
 
7.40%
 
7.50%
 
7.00%
Rate of compensation increase
3.50
%
-
4.50%
 
3.50
%
-
4.50%
 
3.50
%
-
4.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
Medical cost trend on covered charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial trend rate (end of year)
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
7.50%
 
8.00%
Ultimate trend rate
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
IPL
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Discount rate for benefit obligations
5.05%
 
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
4.55%
 
3.76%
 
4.60%
Discount rate for net periodic cost
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
5.70%
 
3.76%
 
4.60%
 
5.25%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
7.60%
 
7.90%
 
7.90%
 
7.50%
 
7.40%
 
7.30%
Rate of compensation increase
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
Medical cost trend on covered charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial trend rate (end of year)
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
7.50%
 
8.00%
Ultimate trend rate
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
WPL
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Discount rate for benefit obligations
5.05%
 
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
4.56%
 
3.81%
 
4.60%
Discount rate for net periodic cost
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
5.70%
 
3.81%
 
4.60%
 
5.25%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
7.60%
 
7.90%
 
7.90%
 
7.20%
 
7.00%
 
6.30%
Rate of compensation increase
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
Medical cost trend on covered charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial trend rate (end of year)
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
7.50%
 
8.00%
Ultimate trend rate
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
 
5.00%


Expected rate of return on plan assets - The expected rate of return on plan assets is determined by analysis of projected asset class returns based on the target asset class allocations. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL use a forward-looking building blocks approach and also review historical returns, survey information and capital market information to support the expected rate of return on plan assets assumption. Refer to “Investment Policy and Strategy for Plan Assets” below for additional information related to Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investment policy and strategy and mix of assets for the pension and other postretirement benefits plans.

Medical cost trend on covered charges - The assumed medical trend rates are assumptions used in determining the service and interest cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation related to postretirement benefits costs. A 1% change in the medical trend rates for 2013, holding all other assumptions constant, would have the following effects (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components

$0.4

 

($0.3
)
 

$0.2

 

($0.2
)
 

$0.2

 

($0.2
)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
2.4

 
(2.2
)
 
1.1

 
(1.0
)
 
1.2

 
(1.1
)


Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits) - The components of net periodic benefit costs (credits) for Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s sponsored defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans are included in the tables below (in millions). In the “IPL” and “WPL” tables below, the defined benefit pension plans costs represent those respective costs for IPL’s and WPL’s bargaining unit employees covered under the qualified plans that are sponsored by IPL and WPL, respectively, as well as amounts directly assigned to each of IPL and WPL related to IPL’s and WPL’s current and former non-bargaining employees who are participants in the Alliant Energy and Corporate Services sponsored qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans. In the “IPL” and “WPL” tables below, the other postretirement benefits plans costs (credits) represent costs (credits) for IPL and WPL employees, respectively.
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost

$15.7

 

$13.5

 

$11.4

 

$6.3

 

$6.9

 

$7.0

Interest cost
49.0

 
51.6

 
52.0

 
8.5

 
10.2

 
12.3

Expected return on plan assets (a)
(74.0
)
 
(68.8
)
 
(63.8
)
 
(8.1
)
 
(7.5
)
 
(7.9
)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (b)
0.2

 
0.3

 
0.7

 
(11.9
)
 
(12.0
)
 
(10.0
)
Amortization of actuarial loss (c)
36.2

 
33.3

 
21.1

 
4.9

 
6.3

 
5.3

Additional benefit costs (d) (e)
9.0

 
0.1

 
10.2

 

 

 

Settlement losses (f)

 
5.4

 
1.1

 

 

 

 

$36.1

 

$35.4

 

$32.7

 

($0.3
)
 

$3.9

 

$6.7

IPL
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost

$8.6

 

$7.5

 

$6.1

 

$2.9

 

$3.0

 

$2.6

Interest cost
22.9

 
24.1

 
24.0

 
3.6

 
4.4

 
5.5

Expected return on plan assets (a)
(35.2
)
 
(32.6
)
 
(29.7
)
 
(5.6
)
 
(5.1
)
 
(5.4
)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (b)
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.3

 
(6.3
)
 
(6.3
)
 
(5.0
)
Amortization of actuarial loss (c)
15.2

 
14.1

 
8.7

 
2.7

 
3.5

 
2.9

Additional benefit costs (d) (e)
2.6

 

 
2.8

 

 

 

 

$14.2

 

$13.3

 

$12.2

 

($2.7
)
 

($0.5
)
 

$0.6

WPL
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost

$5.9

 

$5.2

 

$4.5

 

$2.5

 

$2.7

 

$2.9

Interest cost
20.7

 
21.6

 
21.6

 
3.4

 
4.1

 
4.9

Expected return on plan assets (a)
(31.9
)
 
(29.6
)
 
(27.3
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(1.3
)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (b)
0.3

 
0.4

 
0.3

 
(3.9
)
 
(3.9
)
 
(3.4
)
Amortization of actuarial loss (c)
17.1

 
15.7

 
10.1

 
1.9

 
2.3

 
2.1

Additional benefit costs (d) (e)
0.6

 
0.1

 
0.7

 

 

 

 

$12.7

 

$13.4

 

$9.9

 

$2.6

 

$3.9

 

$5.2


(a)
The expected return on plan assets is based on the expected rate of return on plan assets and the fair value approach to the market-related value of plan assets.
(b)
Unrecognized prior service costs (credits) for the postretirement benefits plans are amortized over the average future service period to full eligibility of the participants of each plan.
(c)
Unrecognized net actuarial gains or losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the plans’ benefit obligations or assets are amortized over the average future service lives of plan participants, except for the Cash Balance Plan where gains or losses outside the 10% threshold are amortized over the time period the participants are expected to receive benefits.
(d)
In 2013, Alliant Energy filed a stipulation agreement with the Court related to the class-action lawsuit against the Cash Balance Plan. As a result, Alliant Energy recognized $9.0 million of additional benefits costs in 2013 related to the agreement. IPL recognized $5.5 million ($2.6 million directly assigned and $2.9 million allocated by Corporate Services) and WPL recognized $2.8 million ($0.6 million directly assigned and $2.2 million allocated by Corporate Services) of additional benefits costs in 2013 related to the agreement. Refer to Note 16(c) for additional information regarding the Cash Balance Plan.
(e)
Alliant Energy reached an agreement with the IRS, which resulted in a favorable determination letter for the Cash Balance Plan in 2011. The agreement with the IRS required Alliant Energy to amend the Cash Balance Plan, which was completed in 2011 resulting in aggregate additional benefits of $10.2 million paid by Alliant Energy to certain former participants in the Cash Balance Plan in 2011. Alliant Energy recognized $10.2 million of additional benefits costs in 2011 related to these benefits. IPL recognized $6.3 million ($2.8 million directly assigned and $3.5 million allocated by Corporate Services) and WPL recognized $3.4 million ($0.7 million directly assigned and $2.7 million allocated by Corporate Services) of additional benefits costs in 2011 related to these benefits. Refer to Note 16(c) for additional information regarding the Cash Balance Plan.
(f)
Settlement losses related to payments made to retired executives of Alliant Energy.

Corporate Services provides services to IPL and WPL, and as a result, IPL and WPL are allocated pension and other postretirement benefits costs (credits) associated with Corporate Services employees. Such costs (credits) are allocated to IPL and WPL based on labor costs of plan participants. The following table includes the allocated qualified and non-qualified pension and other postretirement benefits costs (credits) associated with Corporate Services employees providing services to IPL and WPL (in millions):
 
Pension Benefits Costs (a)
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Costs (Credits)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
IPL

$4.8

 

$4.9

 

$5.8

 

($0.3
)
 

$0.1

 

$0.3

WPL
3.6

 
3.6

 
4.2

 
(0.2
)
 
0.1

 
0.2


(a)
Refer to IPL’s and WPL’s “Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits)” tables above for additional benefits costs related to the Cash Balance Plan allocated to IPL and WPL by Corporate Services in 2013 and 2011.

The estimated amortization from “Regulatory assets” and “Regulatory liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and AOCL on Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheet into net periodic benefit cost in 2014 is as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
Other
 
Defined Benefit
 
Postretirement
 
Defined Benefit
 
Postretirement
 
Defined Benefit
 
Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
Actuarial loss

$19.5

 

$2.4

 

$8.0

 

$1.1

 

$9.2

 

$1.2

Prior service cost (credit)

 
(11.9
)
 

 
(6.3
)
 
0.3

 
(3.9
)
 

$19.5

 

($9.5
)
 

$8.0

 

($5.2
)
 

$9.5

 

($2.7
)


Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s net periodic benefit costs are primarily included in “Utility - Other operation and maintenance” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Benefit Plan Assets and Obligations - A reconciliation of the funded status of Alliant Energy’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to the amounts recognized on Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 was as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net projected benefit obligation at January 1

$1,207.5

 

$1,081.4

 

$223.2

 

$224.2

Service cost
15.7

 
13.5

 
6.3

 
6.9

Interest cost
49.0

 
51.6

 
8.5

 
10.2

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
2.6

 
2.7

Additional benefit costs
9.0

 
0.1

 

 

Actuarial (gain) loss
(94.1
)
 
135.4

 
(13.2
)
 
(1.6
)
Gross benefits paid
(73.7
)
 
(74.5
)
 
(18.7
)
 
(19.2
)
Net projected benefit obligation at December 31
1,113.4

 
1,207.5

 
208.7

 
223.2

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
965.6

 
897.4

 
123.1

 
120.4

Actual return on plan assets
128.5

 
126.9

 
14.4

 
14.3

Employer contributions
2.5

 
15.8

 
3.5

 
4.9

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
2.6

 
2.7

Gross benefits paid
(73.7
)
 
(74.5
)
 
(18.7
)
 
(19.2
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
1,022.9

 
965.6

 
124.9

 
123.1

Under funded status at December 31

($90.5
)
 

($241.9
)
 

($83.8
)
 

($100.1
)

Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets

$—

 

$—

 

$14.5

 

$3.5

Other current liabilities
(2.4
)
 
(2.4
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(2.8
)
Pension and other benefit obligations
(88.1
)
 
(239.5
)
 
(93.5
)
 
(100.8
)
Net amount recognized at December 31

($90.5
)
 

($241.9
)
 

($83.8
)
 

($100.1
)
Amounts recognized in Regulatory Assets, Regulatory Liabilities and AOCL consist of (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss

$348.6

 

$533.4

 

$38.1

 

$62.1

Prior service credit
(7.4
)
 
(7.2
)
 
(28.6
)
 
(40.5
)
 

$341.2

 

$526.2

 

$9.5

 

$21.6


(a)
Refer to Note 2 and Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Statements of Common Equity for amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets” and “AOCL,” respectively, on Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $5.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of regulatory liabilities were recognized related to Alliant Energy’s other postretirement benefits plans.

In the “IPL” and “WPL” tables below, the defined benefit pension plans amounts represent those respective amounts for IPL’s and WPL’s bargaining unit employees covered under the qualified plans that are sponsored by IPL and WPL, respectively, as well as amounts directly assigned to each of IPL and WPL related to IPL’s and WPL’s current and former non-bargaining employees who are participants in the Alliant Energy and Corporate Services sponsored qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans.

A reconciliation of the funded status of IPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to the amounts recognized on IPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 was as follows (in millions):
IPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net projected benefit obligation at January 1

$559.2

 

$499.9

 

$96.0

 

$97.5

Service cost
8.6

 
7.5

 
2.9

 
3.0

Interest cost
22.9

 
24.1

 
3.6

 
4.4

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
0.9

 
0.9

Additional benefit costs
2.6

 

 

 

Actuarial (gain) loss
(44.3
)
 
56.1

 
(7.0
)
 
(1.4
)
Gross benefits paid
(35.0
)
 
(28.4
)
 
(8.6
)
 
(8.4
)
Net projected benefit obligation at December 31
514.0

 
559.2

 
87.8

 
96.0

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
458.8

 
426.1

 
78.8

 
74.7

Actual return on plan assets
61.2

 
60.4

 
10.0

 
9.4

Employer contributions
0.9

 
0.7

 
0.1

 
2.2

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
0.9

 
0.9

Gross benefits paid
(35.0
)
 
(28.4
)
 
(8.6
)
 
(8.4
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
485.9

 
458.8

 
81.2

 
78.8

Under funded status at December 31

($28.1
)
 

($100.4
)
 

($6.6
)
 

($17.2
)

IPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets

$—

 

$—

 

$8.8

 

$—

Other current liabilities
(0.8
)
 
(0.8
)
 

 

Pension and other benefit obligations
(27.3
)
 
(99.6
)
 
(15.4
)
 
(17.2
)
Net amount recognized at December 31

($28.1
)
 

($100.4
)
 

($6.6
)
 

($17.2
)
Amounts recognized in Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities consist of (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss

$146.1

 

$231.6

 

$18.2

 

$32.0

Prior service credit
(2.6
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(15.0
)
 
(21.3
)
 

$143.5

 

$229.1

 

$3.2

 

$10.7


(a)
Refer to Note 2 for amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets” on IPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of regulatory liabilities were recognized related to IPL’s other postretirement benefits plans.

A reconciliation of the funded status of WPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to the amounts recognized on WPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 was as follows (in millions):
WPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net projected benefit obligation at January 1

$506.7

 

$447.7

 

$89.1

 

$89.6

Service cost
5.9

 
5.2

 
2.5

 
2.7

Interest cost
20.7

 
21.6

 
3.4

 
4.1

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
1.2

 
1.2

Additional benefit costs
0.6

 
0.1

 

 

Actuarial (gain) loss
(41.1
)
 
57.9

 
(3.0
)
 
0.3

Gross benefits paid
(32.0
)
 
(25.8
)
 
(7.6
)
 
(8.8
)
Net projected benefit obligation at December 31
460.8

 
506.7

 
85.6

 
89.1

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
415.4

 
386.6

 
22.3

 
25.1

Actual return on plan assets
55.2

 
54.5

 
2.5

 
2.5

Employer contributions
0.2

 
0.1

 
3.3

 
2.3

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
1.2

 
1.2

Gross benefits paid
(32.0
)
 
(25.8
)
 
(7.6
)
 
(8.8
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
438.8

 
415.4

 
21.7

 
22.3

Under funded status at December 31

($22.0
)
 

($91.3
)
 

($63.9
)
 

($66.8
)

WPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets

$—

 

$—

 

$5.8

 

$3.5

Other current liabilities
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(2.8
)
Pension and other benefit obligations
(21.8
)
 
(91.1
)
 
(64.9
)
 
(67.5
)
Net amount recognized at December 31

($22.0
)
 

($91.3
)
 

($63.9
)
 

($66.8
)
Amounts recognized in Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities consist of (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss

$152.2

 

$233.7

 

$18.3

 

$24.3

Prior service credit
(0.7
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(9.5
)
 
(13.4
)
 

$151.5

 

$233.3

 

$8.8

 

$10.9


(a)
Refer to Note 2 for amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets” on WPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $1.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of regulatory liabilities were recognized related to WPL’s other postretirement benefits plans.

Included in the following tables are accumulated benefit obligations, aggregate amounts applicable to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, as well as defined benefit pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of the December 31 measurement date (in millions):
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Accumulated benefit obligations

$1,071.7

 

$1,155.5

 

$208.7

 

$223.2

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligations
406.5

 
1,155.5

 
208.7

 
223.2

Fair value of plan assets
347.6

 
965.6

 
124.9

 
123.1

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligations
1,113.4

 
1,207.5

 
N/A

 
N/A

Fair value of plan assets
1,022.9

 
965.6

 
N/A

 
N/A


IPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plan
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Accumulated benefit obligations

$491.5

 

$530.4

 

$87.8

 

$96.0

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligations
159.3

 
530.4

 
87.8

 
96.0

Fair value of plan assets
144.6

 
458.8

 
81.2

 
78.8

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligations
514.0

 
559.2

 
N/A

 
N/A

Fair value of plan assets
485.9

 
458.8

 
N/A

 
N/A


WPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plan
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Accumulated benefit obligations

$446.7

 

$490.2

 

$85.6

 

$89.1

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligations
115.6

 
490.2

 
85.6

 
89.1

Fair value of plan assets
106.8

 
415.4

 
21.7

 
22.3

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligations
460.8

 
506.7

 
N/A

 
N/A

Fair value of plan assets
438.8

 
415.4

 
N/A

 
N/A



In addition to the amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities” in the above tables for IPL and WPL, “Regulatory assets” and “Regulatory liabilities” were recognized for amounts associated with Corporate Services employees participating in other Alliant Energy sponsored benefit plans that were allocated to IPL and WPL at December 31 as follows (in millions):
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Regulatory assets

$26.5

 

$38.1

 

$19.8

 

$25.5

Regulatory liabilities
1.7

 
0.6

 
1.3

 
0.4



Estimated Future Employer Contributions and Benefit Payments - Estimated funding for the qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans for 2014 is as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
Defined benefit pension plans (a)

$2.4

 

$0.7

 

$0.2

Other postretirement benefits plans
5.1

 

 
5.0


(a)
Alliant Energy sponsors several non-qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover certain current and former key employees of IPL and WPL. Alliant Energy allocates pension costs to IPL and WPL for these plans. In addition, IPL and WPL amounts reflect funding for their non-bargaining employees who are participants in the Alliant Energy and Corporate Services sponsored qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans.

Expected benefit payments for the qualified and non-qualified defined benefit plans, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019 - 2023
Defined benefit pension benefits

$71.2

 

$68.0

 

$66.3

 

$67.8

 

$71.2

 

$378.6

Other postretirement benefits
17.0

 
16.7

 
16.3

 
16.3

 
16.7

 
83.5

 

$88.2

 

$84.7

 

$82.6

 

$84.1

 

$87.9

 

$462.1

IPL
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019 - 2023
Defined benefit pension benefits

$32.2

 

$29.9

 

$31.3

 

$32.8

 

$34.4

 

$180.4

Other postretirement benefits
7.7

 
7.3

 
7.1

 
7.0

 
7.2

 
35.4

 

$39.9

 

$37.2

 

$38.4

 

$39.8

 

$41.6

 

$215.8

WPL
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019 - 2023
Defined benefit pension benefits

$26.4

 

$27.2

 

$27.1

 

$28.3

 

$29.4

 

$155.8

Other postretirement benefits
6.9

 
7.0

 
6.7

 
6.7

 
6.9

 
33.9

 

$33.3

 

$34.2

 

$33.8

 

$35.0

 

$36.3

 

$189.7



Investment Policy and Strategy for Plan Assets - Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investment policies and their strategies employed with respect to assets of defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans are to combine both preservation of principal and prudent and reasonable risk-taking to protect the integrity of plan assets, in order to meet the obligations to plan participants while minimizing benefit costs over the long term. It is recognized that risk and volatility are present with all types of investments. However, risk is mitigated at the total fund level through diversification by asset class including U.S. and international equity and fixed income exposure, global asset and risk parity strategies, the number of individual investments, and sector and industry limits. Global asset and risk parity strategies include investments in global equity, global debt, commodities and currencies.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Assets - For assets of defined benefit pension plans, the mix among asset classes is controlled by asset allocation targets. Historical performance results and future expectations suggest that equity securities will provide higher total investment returns than debt securities over a long-term investment horizon. Consistent with the goals of meeting obligations to plan participants and minimizing benefit costs over the long-term, the defined benefit pension plans have a long-term investment posture more heavily weighted towards equity holdings. The asset allocation is monitored regularly and appropriate steps are taken as needed to rebalance the assets within the prescribed ranges. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL also use an overlay management service to help maintain target allocations and liquidity needs. The overlay manager is authorized to use derivative financial instruments to facilitate this service. For separately managed accounts, prohibited investment vehicles include, but may not be limited to, direct ownership of real estate, margin trading, oil and gas limited partnerships and securities of the managers’ firms or affiliate firms. At December 31, 2013, the current target ranges and actual allocations for Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s defined benefit pension plan assets were as follows:
 
Target Range
 
Actual
 
Allocation
 
Allocation
Cash and equivalents
%
-
5%
 
3%
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
8
%
-
18%
 
13%
U.S. large cap value
2.5
%
-
12.5%
 
7%
U.S. large cap growth
2.5
%
-
12.5%
 
8%
U.S. small cap value
%
-
4%
 
2%
U.S. small cap growth
%
-
4%
 
2%
International - developed markets
7
%
-
19%
 
13%
International - emerging markets
%
-
10%
 
5%
Global asset allocation securities
5
%
-
15%
 
10%
Risk parity allocation securities
5
%
-
15%
 
9%
Fixed income securities
20
%
-
40%
 
28%


Other Postretirement Benefits Plans Assets - Other postretirement benefits plans assets are comprised of specific assets within certain defined benefit pension plans (401(h) assets) as well as assets held in VEBA trusts. The investment policy and strategy of the 401(h) assets mirrors those of the defined benefit pension plans, which are discussed above. For VEBA trusts with assets greater than $5 million, the mix among asset classes is controlled by allocation targets. The asset allocation is monitored regularly and appropriate steps are taken as needed to rebalance the assets within the prescribed ranges. Mutual funds are used to achieve the desired diversification. At December 31, 2013, the current target ranges and actual allocations for Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s VEBA trusts with assets greater than $5 million were as follows:
 
Target Range
 
Actual
 
Allocation
 
Allocation
Cash and equivalents
%
-
5%
 
1%
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
25
%
-
45%
 
37%
International
10
%
-
20%
 
15%
Global asset allocation securities
20
%
-
40%
 
28%
Fixed income securities
10
%
-
30%
 
19%


Securities Lending Program - In 2013, Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL terminated their securities lending program with a third party agent. The program allowed the agent to lend certain securities from their defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to selected entities against receipt of collateral (in the form of cash, government and agency securities or letters of credit) as provided for and determined in accordance with its securities lending agency agreement. Refer to “Fair Value Measurements” below for details of fair value of invested collateral and amounts due to borrowers for the securities lending program at December 31, 2012.

Fair Value Measurements - The following tables report a framework for measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy and examples of each are as follows:

Level 1 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investments in securities held in registered investment companies and directly held equity securities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the securities are traded.

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investments in corporate bonds and government and agency obligations are valued at the closing price reported in the active market for similar assets in which the individual securities are traded or based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investments in common/collective trusts are valued at the net asset value of shares held by the plans, which is based on the fair market value of the underlying investments in the common/collective trusts. Level 2 plan assets at December 31, 2012 also consisted of asset-backed securities within their securities lending invested collateral.

Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities for which little or no market data exist and require significant management judgment or estimation. At December 31, 2012, Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s Level 3 plan assets included certain asset-backed securities and corporate bonds within their securities lending invested collateral.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.

The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL believe their valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

At December 31, the fair values of Alliant Energy’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$32.6

 

$—

 

$32.6

 

$—

 

$43.9

 

$—

 

$43.9

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
134.1

 
134.1

 

 

 
129.0

 
129.0

 

 

U.S. large cap value
77.0

 

 
77.0

 

 
107.9

 

 
107.9

 

U.S. large cap growth
77.4

 

 
77.4

 

 
105.8

 

 
105.8

 

U.S. small cap value
20.7

 

 
20.7

 

 
30.4

 

 
30.4

 

U.S. small cap growth
20.8

 
20.8

 

 

 
25.0

 
25.0

 

 

International - developed markets
136.3

 
68.0

 
68.3

 

 
153.7

 
80.3

 
73.4

 

International - emerging markets
48.4

 
48.4

 

 

 
38.5

 
38.5

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
99.1

 
56.7

 
42.4

 

 
94.5

 
56.3

 
38.2

 

Risk parity allocation securities
96.1

 

 
96.1

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
29.2

 

 
29.2

 

 
30.7

 

 
30.7

 

Government and agency obligations
49.1

 

 
49.1

 

 
49.2

 

 
49.2

 

Fixed income funds
202.2

 
0.2

 
202.0

 

 
162.6

 
0.2

 
162.4

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
4.4

 

 
2.9

 
1.5

 
1,023.0

 

$328.2

 

$694.8

 

$—

 
975.6

 

$329.3

 

$644.8

 

$1.5

Accrued investment income
0.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to brokers, net (pending trades with brokers)
(0.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total pension plan assets

$1,022.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$965.6

 
 
 
 
 
 

At December 31, the fair values of IPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$15.4

 

$—

 

$15.4

 

$—

 

$20.8

 

$—

 

$20.8

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
63.7

 
63.7

 

 

 
61.3

 
61.3

 

 

U.S. large cap value
36.6

 

 
36.6

 

 
51.3

 

 
51.3

 

U.S. large cap growth
36.8

 

 
36.8

 

 
50.3

 

 
50.3

 

U.S. small cap value
9.8

 

 
9.8

 

 
14.4

 

 
14.4

 

U.S. small cap growth
9.9

 
9.9

 

 

 
11.9

 
11.9

 

 

International - developed markets
64.8

 
32.3

 
32.5

 

 
73.0

 
38.2

 
34.8

 

International - emerging markets
23.0

 
23.0

 

 

 
18.3

 
18.3

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
47.1

 
27.0

 
20.1

 

 
44.9

 
26.7

 
18.2

 

Risk parity allocation securities
45.7

 

 
45.7

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
13.9

 

 
13.9

 

 
14.6

 

 
14.6

 

Government and agency obligations
23.3

 

 
23.3

 

 
23.4

 

 
23.4

 

Fixed income funds
96.1

 
0.1

 
96.0

 

 
77.3

 
0.1

 
77.2

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
2.1

 

 
1.4

 
0.7

 
486.1

 

$156.0

 

$330.1

 

$—

 
463.6

 

$156.5

 

$306.4

 

$0.7

Accrued investment income
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to brokers, net (pending trades with brokers)
(0.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total pension plan assets

$485.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$458.8

 
 
 
 
 
 

At December 31, the fair values of WPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$14.0

 

$—

 

$14.0

 

$—

 

$18.9

 

$—

 

$18.9

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
57.5

 
57.5

 

 

 
55.5

 
55.5

 

 

U.S. large cap value
33.1

 

 
33.1

 

 
46.4

 

 
46.4

 

U.S. large cap growth
33.2

 

 
33.2

 

 
45.5

 

 
45.5

 

U.S. small cap value
8.9

 

 
8.9

 

 
13.1

 

 
13.1

 

U.S. small cap growth
8.9

 
8.9

 

 

 
10.8

 
10.8

 

 

International - developed markets
58.5

 
29.2

 
29.3

 

 
66.1

 
34.5

 
31.6

 

International - emerging markets
20.8

 
20.8

 

 

 
16.6

 
16.6

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
42.5

 
24.3

 
18.2

 

 
40.6

 
24.2

 
16.4

 

Risk parity allocation securities
41.2

 

 
41.2

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
12.5

 

 
12.5

 

 
13.2

 

 
13.2

 

Government and agency obligations
21.0

 

 
21.0

 

 
21.2

 

 
21.2

 

Fixed income funds
86.8

 
0.1

 
86.7

 

 
70.0

 
0.1

 
69.9

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
1.9

 

 
1.2

 
0.7

 
438.9

 

$140.8

 

$298.1

 

$—

 
419.8

 

$141.7

 

$277.4

 

$0.7

Accrued investment income
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to brokers, net (pending trades with brokers)
(0.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total pension plan assets

$438.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$415.4

 
 
 
 
 
 

At December 31, the fair values of Alliant Energy’s other postretirement benefits plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$3.9

 

$—

 

$3.9

 

$—

 

$8.4

 

$—

 

$8.4

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. blend
36.8

 
36.8

 

 

 
32.9

 
32.9

 

 

U.S. large cap core
2.9

 
2.9

 

 

 
2.8

 
2.8

 

 

U.S. large cap value
1.7

 

 
1.7

 

 
2.4

 

 
2.4

 

U.S. large cap growth
1.7

 

 
1.7

 

 
2.3

 

 
2.3

 

U.S. small cap value
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

U.S. small cap growth
0.5

 
0.5

 

 

 
0.6

 
0.6

 

 

International - blend
15.4

 
15.4

 

 

 
14.3

 
14.3

 

 

International - developed markets
3.0

 
1.5

 
1.5

 

 
3.4

 
1.8

 
1.6

 

International - emerging markets
1.1

 
1.1

 

 

 
0.8

 
0.8

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
30.4

 
29.5

 
0.9

 

 
30.4

 
29.6

 
0.8

 

Risk parity allocation securities
2.1

 

 
2.1

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
0.6

 

 
0.6

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

Government and agency obligations
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

Fixed income funds
23.2

 
18.8

 
4.4

 

 
22.4

 
18.8

 
3.6

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

 
124.9

 

$106.5

 

$18.4

 

$—

 
123.3

 

$101.6

 

$21.7

 

$—

Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other postretirement benefits plan assets

$124.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$123.1

 
 
 
 
 
 


At December 31, the fair values of IPL’s other postretirement benefits plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$1.5

 

$—

 

$1.5

 

$—

 

$3.3

 

$—

 

$3.3

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. blend
27.8

 
27.8

 

 

 
24.3

 
24.3

 

 

U.S. large cap core
0.7

 
0.7

 

 

 
0.8

 
0.8

 

 

U.S. large cap value
0.4

 

 
0.4

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

U.S. large cap growth
0.4

 

 
0.4

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

U.S. small cap value
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.2

 

 
0.2

 

U.S. small cap growth
0.1

 
0.1

 

 

 
0.2

 
0.2

 

 

International - blend
11.6

 
11.6

 

 

 
10.6

 
10.6

 

 

International - developed markets
0.8

 
0.4

 
0.4

 

 
1.0

 
0.5

 
0.5

 

International - emerging markets
0.3

 
0.3

 

 

 
0.2

 
0.2

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
21.6

 
21.4

 
0.2

 

 
21.5

 
21.3

 
0.2

 

Risk parity allocation securities
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.2

 

 
0.2

 

Government and agency obligations
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

Fixed income funds
15.0

 
13.9

 
1.1

 

 
14.9

 
13.9

 
1.0

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
81.2

 

$76.2

 

$5.0

 

$—

 
78.9

 

$71.8

 

$7.1

 

$—

Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other postretirement benefits plan assets

$81.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$78.8

 
 
 
 
 
 


At December 31, the fair values of WPL’s other postretirement benefits plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$1.4

 

$—

 

$1.4

 

$—

 

$3.9

 

$—

 

$3.9

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. blend
3.6

 
3.6

 

 

 
3.1

 
3.1

 

 

U.S. large cap core
1.5

 
1.5

 

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 

 

U.S. large cap value
0.8

 

 
0.8

 

 
1.2

 

 
1.2

 

U.S. large cap growth
0.8

 

 
0.8

 

 
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

U.S. small cap value
0.2

 

 
0.2

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

U.S. small cap growth
0.2

 
0.2

 

 

 
0.3

 
0.3

 

 

International - blend
1.5

 
1.5

 

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 

 

International - developed markets
1.5

 
0.7

 
0.8

 

 
1.6

 
0.8

 
0.8

 

International - emerging markets
0.5

 
0.5

 

 

 
0.4

 
0.4

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
3.8

 
3.3

 
0.5

 

 
3.6

 
3.2

 
0.4

 

Risk parity allocation securities
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

Government and agency obligations
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

Fixed income funds
4.0

 
1.8

 
2.2

 

 
3.5

 
1.8

 
1.7

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
21.7

 

$13.1

 

$8.6

 

$—

 
22.4

 

$12.2

 

$10.2

 

$—

Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other postretirement benefits plan assets

$21.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$22.3

 
 
 
 
 
 


For the various defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans, Alliant Energy common stock represented less than 1% of assets held in the plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Cash Balance Plan - Alliant Energy’s defined benefit pension plans include the Cash Balance Plan, which provides benefits for certain non-bargaining unit employees. The Cash Balance Plan has been closed to new hires since 2005. Effective 2008, Alliant Energy amended the Cash Balance Plan by discontinuing additional contributions into employees’ Cash Balance Plan accounts and increased its level of contributions to its 401(k) Savings Plan. In 2009, Alliant Energy amended the Cash Balance Plan by changing participants’ future interest credit formula to use the annual change in the consumer price index. This amendment provides participants an interest crediting rate that is 3% more than the annual change in the consumer price index. Refer to Note 16(c) for discussion of a class-action lawsuit filed against the Cash Balance Plan in 2008.

401(k) Savings Plans - A significant number of Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL employees participate in defined contribution retirement plans (401(k) savings plans). Alliant Energy common stock represented 11.3% and 12.5% of total assets held in 401(k) savings plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Costs related to the 401(k) savings plans, which are partially based on the participants’ contributions, were as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL (a)
 
WPL (a)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013

 
2012

 
2011

 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
401(k) costs

$19.2

 

$18.5

 

$18.4

 

$9.9

 

$9.6

 

$9.2

 

$8.5

 

$8.1

 

$8.4


(a)
IPL’s and WPL’s amounts include allocated costs associated with Corporate Services employees.
(b) Equity-based Compensation Plans - In 2010, Alliant Energy’s shareowners approved the OIP, which permits the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards and performance-based cash awards to key employees. At December 31, 2013, performance shares and restricted stock were outstanding and 4.1 million shares of Alliant Energy’s common stock remained available for grants under the OIP. Alliant Energy satisfies payouts related to equity awards under the OIP through the issuance of new shares of its common stock. Alliant Energy also has the DLIP, which permits the grant of long-term performance-based awards, including performance units and restricted cash awards to certain key employees. At December 31, 2013, performance units and performance contingent cash awards were outstanding under the DLIP. There is no limit to the number of grants that can be made under the DLIP and Alliant Energy satisfies all payouts under the DLIP through cash payments.

A summary of compensation expense (including amounts allocated to IPL and WPL) and the related income tax benefits recognized for share-based compensation awards was as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Compensation expense

$12.0

 

$6.9

 

$10.1

 

$6.2

 

$3.6

 

$5.5

 

$5.2

 

$3.0

 

$4.1

Income tax benefits
4.8

 
2.8

 
4.0

 
2.5

 
1.5

 
2.2

 
2.1

 
1.2

 
1.7



As of December 31, 2013, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation awards was $5.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of between 1 and 2 years. Share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods and is primarily recorded in “Utility - Other operation and maintenance” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Performance Shares and Units - Payouts of performance shares and units to key employees are contingent upon achievement over 3-year periods of specified performance criteria, which currently include metrics of total shareowner return relative to investor-owned utility peer groups. Payouts of nonvested performance shares and units issued in 2012 and after are prorated at retirement, death or disability based on time worked during the first year of the performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Upon achievement of the performance criteria, payouts of these performance shares and units to participants who terminate employment after the first year of the performance period due to retirement, death or disability are not prorated. Payouts of nonvested performance shares and units issued prior to 2012 are prorated at retirement, death, disability or involuntary termination without cause based on time worked during the full or entire performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Participants’ nonvested performance shares and units are forfeited if the participant voluntarily leaves Alliant Energy or is terminated for cause. Nonvested performance shares and units do not have non-forfeitable rights to dividends when dividends are paid to common shareowners. Alliant Energy assumes it will make future payouts of its performance shares and units in cash; therefore, performance shares and units are accounted for as liability awards.

Performance Shares - Performance shares can be paid out in shares of Alliant Energy’s common stock, cash or a combination of cash and stock and are adjusted by a performance multiplier, which ranges from zero to 200% based on the performance criteria. A summary of the performance shares activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Shares (a)
 
Shares (a)
 
Shares (a)
Nonvested shares, January 1
145,277

 
236,979

 
234,518

Granted
49,093

 
45,612

 
64,217

Vested (b)
(54,430
)
 
(111,980
)
 
(57,838
)
Forfeited (c)

 
(25,334
)
 
(3,918
)
Nonvested shares, December 31
139,940

 
145,277

 
236,979


(a)
Share amounts represent the target number of performance shares. Each performance share’s value is based on the price of one share of Alliant Energy’s common stock at the end of the performance period. The actual number of shares that will be paid out upon vesting is dependent upon actual performance and may range from zero to 200% of the target number of shares.
(b)
In 2013, 54,430 performance shares granted in 2010 vested at 197.5% of the target, resulting in payouts valued at $4.8 million, which consisted of a combination of cash and common stock (4,177 shares). In 2012, 111,980 performance shares granted in 2009 vested at 162.5% of the target, resulting in payouts valued at $8.0 million, which consisted of a combination of cash and common stock (6,399 shares). In 2011, 57,838 performance shares granted in 2008 vested at 75% of the target, resulting in payouts valued at $1.6 million, which consisted of a combination of cash and common stock (1,387 shares).
(c)
Forfeitures were primarily caused by retirements and voluntary terminations of participants.

Performance Units - Performance units must be paid out in cash and are adjusted by a performance multiplier, which ranges from zero to 200% based on the performance criteria. A summary of the performance unit activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Units (a)
 
Units (a)
 
Units (a)
Nonvested units, January 1
64,969

 
42,996

 
23,128

Granted
22,201

 
24,686

 
23,975

Vested (b)
(19,760
)
 

 

Forfeited
(1,498
)
 
(2,713
)
 
(4,107
)
Nonvested units, December 31
65,912

 
64,969

 
42,996


(a)
Unit amounts represent the target number of performance units. Each performance unit’s value is based on the average price of one share of Alliant Energy’s common stock on the grant date of the award. The actual payout for performance units is dependent upon actual performance and may range from zero to 200% of the target number of units.
(b)
In 2013, 19,760 performance units granted in 2010 vested at 197.5% of the target, resulting in cash payouts valued at $1.3 million.

Fair Value of Awards - Information related to fair values of nonvested performance shares and units at December 31, 2013, by year of grant, were as follows:
 
Performance Shares
 
Performance Units
 
2013 Grant
 
2012 Grant
 
2011 Grant
 
2013 Grant
 
2012 Grant
 
2011 Grant
Nonvested awards
49,093

 
45,612

 
45,235

 
21,935

 
23,226

 
20,751

Alliant Energy common stock closing price on December 31, 2013

$51.60

 

$51.60

 

$51.60

 
 
 
 
 
 
Alliant Energy common stock average price on grant date
 
 
 
 
 
 

$47.58

 

$43.05

 

$38.75

Estimated payout percentage based on performance criteria
110
%
 
109
%
 
148
%
 
110
%
 
109
%
 
148
%
Fair values of each nonvested award

$56.76

 

$56.24

 

$76.11

 

$52.34

 

$46.92

 

$57.16



At December 31, 2013, fair values of nonvested performance shares and units were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation to determine the anticipated total shareowner returns of Alliant Energy and its investor-owned utility peer groups. Expected volatility was based on historical volatilities using daily stock prices over the past three years. Expected dividend yields were calculated based on the most recent quarterly dividend rates announced prior to the measurement date and stock prices at the measurement date. The risk-free interest rate was based on the three-year U.S. Treasury rate in effect as of the measurement date.

Performance-contingent Restricted Stock - Vesting of performance-contingent restricted stock grants are based on the achievement of certain performance targets (currently specified growth of consolidated income from continuing operations). If performance targets are not met within the performance period, which currently ranges from two to four years, these restricted stock grants are forfeited. Payouts of nonvested performance-contingent restricted stock issued in 2012 and after are prorated at retirement, death or disability based on time worked during the first year of the performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Upon achievement of the performance criteria, payouts of this performance-contingent restricted stock to participants who terminate employment after the first year of the performance period due to retirement, death or disability are not prorated. Nonvested shares of performance-contingent restricted stock issued prior to 2012 are prorated at retirement based on time worked during the full or entire performance period and vest only if and when the performance criteria are met. Participants’ nonvested performance-contingent restricted stock is forfeited if the participant voluntarily leaves Alliant Energy or is terminated for cause. The fair value of performance-contingent restricted stock is based on the average market price at the grant date. A summary of the performance-contingent restricted stock activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
Nonvested shares, January 1
211,651

 

$32.42

 
301,738

 

$32.60

 
296,190

 

$32.32

Granted
49,093

 
47.58

 
45,612

 
43.05

 
64,217

 
38.75

Vested (a)

 

 
(65,172
)
 
32.56

 
(53,274
)
 
37.93

Forfeited (b)
(101,822
)
 
23.67

 
(70,527
)
 
39.93

 
(5,395
)
 
38.00

Nonvested shares, December 31
158,922

 
42.71

 
211,651

 
32.42

 
301,738

 
32.60



(a)
In 2012 and 2011, 65,172 and 53,274 performance-contingent restricted shares granted in 2010 and 2007, respectively, vested because the specified performance criteria for such shares were met.
(b)
In 2013 and 2012, 101,822 and 65,516 performance-contingent restricted shares granted in 2009 and 2008, respectively, were forfeited because the specified performance criteria for such shares were not met. The remaining forfeitures during 2012 and 2011 were primarily caused by retirements and terminations of participants.

Time-based Restricted Stock - At December 31, 2013, the amount of nonvested shares of time-based restricted stock was not material.

Performance Contingent Cash Awards - Performance contingent cash award payouts to key employees are based on the achievement of certain performance targets (currently specified growth of consolidated income from continuing operations). If performance targets are not met within the performance period, which currently ranges from two to four years, there are no payouts for these awards. Payouts of nonvested awards issued in 2012 and after are prorated at retirement, death or disability based on time worked during the first year of the performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Upon achievement of the performance criteria, payouts of these awards to participants who terminate employment after the first year of the performance period due to retirement, death or disability are not prorated. Nonvested awards issued prior to 2012 are prorated at retirement based on time worked during the full or entire performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Participants’ nonvested awards are forfeited if the participant voluntarily leaves Alliant Energy or is terminated for cause. Each performance contingent cash award’s value is based on the price of one share of Alliant Energy’s common stock at the end of the performance period. Alliant Energy accounts for performance contingent cash awards as liability awards because payouts will be made in the form of cash. A summary of the performance contingent cash awards activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Awards
 
Awards
 
Awards
Nonvested awards, January 1
59,639

 
46,676

 
23,428

Granted
39,530

 
36,936

 
23,975

Vested (a)

 
(21,605
)
 

Forfeited
(2,192
)
 
(2,368
)
 
(727
)
Nonvested awards, December 31
96,977

 
59,639

 
46,676


(a)
In 2012, 21,605 performance contingent cash awards granted in 2010 vested, resulting in cash payouts valued at $0.9 million.

Non-qualified Stock Options - Alliant Energy has not granted any options since 2004. In 2013, the last of the outstanding options were exercised, resulting in no options outstanding at December 31, 2013.
(c) Deferred Compensation Plan - Alliant Energy maintains a DCP under which key employees may defer up to 100% of base salary and performance-based compensation and directors may elect to defer all or part of their retainer and committee fees. Key employees who have made the maximum allowed contribution to the Alliant Energy 401(k) Savings Plan may receive an additional credit to the DCP. Key employees and directors may elect to have their deferrals credited to a company stock account, an interest account or equity accounts based on certain benchmark funds.

Company Stock Accounts - The DCP does not permit diversification of deferrals credited to the company stock account and all distributions from participants’ company stock accounts are made in the form of shares of Alliant Energy common stock. The deferred compensation obligations for participants’ company stock accounts are recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” and the shares of Alliant Energy common stock held in a rabbi trust to satisfy this obligation are recorded in “Shares in deferred compensation trust” on Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, the carrying value of the deferred compensation obligation for the company stock accounts and the shares in the deferred compensation trust based on the historical value of the shares of Alliant Energy common stock contributed to the rabbi trust, and the fair market value of the shares held in the rabbi trust were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
Carrying value

$8.0

 

$7.3

Fair market value
11.7

 
9.5



Interest and Equity Accounts - Distributions from participants’ interest and equity accounts are in the form of cash payments. The deferred compensation obligations for participants’ interest and equity accounts are recorded in “Pension and other benefit obligations” on Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, the carrying value of Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s deferred compensation obligations for participants’ interest and equity accounts, which approximates fair market value, was as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Carrying value
$15.9
 
$16.3
 
$5.2
 
$5.0
WPL [Member]
 
Benefit Plans
BENEFIT PLANS
(a) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Plans - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL provide retirement benefits to substantially all of their employees through various qualified and non-qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, and/or through defined contribution plans (including 401(k) savings plans). Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s qualified and non-qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plans are currently closed to new hires. Benefits of the non-contributory defined benefit pension plans are based on the plan participant’s years of service, age and compensation. Benefits of the defined contribution plans are based on the plan participant’s years of service, age, compensation and contributions. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL also provide certain defined benefit postretirement health care and life benefits to eligible retirees. In general, the retiree health care plans consist of fixed benefit subsidy structures and the retiree life insurance plans are non-contributory.

Assumptions - The assumptions for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans at the measurement date of December 31 were as follows:
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Discount rate for benefit obligations
4.97%
 
4.11%
 
4.86%
 
4.59%
 
3.82%
 
4.60%
Discount rate for net periodic cost
4.11%
 
4.86%
 
5.56%
 
3.82%
 
4.60%
 
5.25%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
7.60%
 
7.90%
 
7.90%
 
7.40%
 
7.50%
 
7.00%
Rate of compensation increase
3.50
%
-
4.50%
 
3.50
%
-
4.50%
 
3.50
%
-
4.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
Medical cost trend on covered charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial trend rate (end of year)
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
7.50%
 
8.00%
Ultimate trend rate
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
IPL
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Discount rate for benefit obligations
5.05%
 
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
4.55%
 
3.76%
 
4.60%
Discount rate for net periodic cost
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
5.70%
 
3.76%
 
4.60%
 
5.25%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
7.60%
 
7.90%
 
7.90%
 
7.50%
 
7.40%
 
7.30%
Rate of compensation increase
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
Medical cost trend on covered charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial trend rate (end of year)
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
7.50%
 
8.00%
Ultimate trend rate
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
WPL
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Discount rate for benefit obligations
5.05%
 
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
4.56%
 
3.81%
 
4.60%
Discount rate for net periodic cost
4.20%
 
4.95%
 
5.70%
 
3.81%
 
4.60%
 
5.25%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
7.60%
 
7.90%
 
7.90%
 
7.20%
 
7.00%
 
6.30%
Rate of compensation increase
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
 
3.50%
Medical cost trend on covered charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial trend rate (end of year)
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.00%
 
7.50%
 
8.00%
Ultimate trend rate
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
5.00%
 
5.00%
 
5.00%


Expected rate of return on plan assets - The expected rate of return on plan assets is determined by analysis of projected asset class returns based on the target asset class allocations. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL use a forward-looking building blocks approach and also review historical returns, survey information and capital market information to support the expected rate of return on plan assets assumption. Refer to “Investment Policy and Strategy for Plan Assets” below for additional information related to Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investment policy and strategy and mix of assets for the pension and other postretirement benefits plans.

Medical cost trend on covered charges - The assumed medical trend rates are assumptions used in determining the service and interest cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation related to postretirement benefits costs. A 1% change in the medical trend rates for 2013, holding all other assumptions constant, would have the following effects (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components

$0.4

 

($0.3
)
 

$0.2

 

($0.2
)
 

$0.2

 

($0.2
)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
2.4

 
(2.2
)
 
1.1

 
(1.0
)
 
1.2

 
(1.1
)


Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits) - The components of net periodic benefit costs (credits) for Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s sponsored defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans are included in the tables below (in millions). In the “IPL” and “WPL” tables below, the defined benefit pension plans costs represent those respective costs for IPL’s and WPL’s bargaining unit employees covered under the qualified plans that are sponsored by IPL and WPL, respectively, as well as amounts directly assigned to each of IPL and WPL related to IPL’s and WPL’s current and former non-bargaining employees who are participants in the Alliant Energy and Corporate Services sponsored qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans. In the “IPL” and “WPL” tables below, the other postretirement benefits plans costs (credits) represent costs (credits) for IPL and WPL employees, respectively.
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost

$15.7

 

$13.5

 

$11.4

 

$6.3

 

$6.9

 

$7.0

Interest cost
49.0

 
51.6

 
52.0

 
8.5

 
10.2

 
12.3

Expected return on plan assets (a)
(74.0
)
 
(68.8
)
 
(63.8
)
 
(8.1
)
 
(7.5
)
 
(7.9
)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (b)
0.2

 
0.3

 
0.7

 
(11.9
)
 
(12.0
)
 
(10.0
)
Amortization of actuarial loss (c)
36.2

 
33.3

 
21.1

 
4.9

 
6.3

 
5.3

Additional benefit costs (d) (e)
9.0

 
0.1

 
10.2

 

 

 

Settlement losses (f)

 
5.4

 
1.1

 

 

 

 

$36.1

 

$35.4

 

$32.7

 

($0.3
)
 

$3.9

 

$6.7

IPL
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost

$8.6

 

$7.5

 

$6.1

 

$2.9

 

$3.0

 

$2.6

Interest cost
22.9

 
24.1

 
24.0

 
3.6

 
4.4

 
5.5

Expected return on plan assets (a)
(35.2
)
 
(32.6
)
 
(29.7
)
 
(5.6
)
 
(5.1
)
 
(5.4
)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (b)
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.3

 
(6.3
)
 
(6.3
)
 
(5.0
)
Amortization of actuarial loss (c)
15.2

 
14.1

 
8.7

 
2.7

 
3.5

 
2.9

Additional benefit costs (d) (e)
2.6

 

 
2.8

 

 

 

 

$14.2

 

$13.3

 

$12.2

 

($2.7
)
 

($0.5
)
 

$0.6

WPL
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost

$5.9

 

$5.2

 

$4.5

 

$2.5

 

$2.7

 

$2.9

Interest cost
20.7

 
21.6

 
21.6

 
3.4

 
4.1

 
4.9

Expected return on plan assets (a)
(31.9
)
 
(29.6
)
 
(27.3
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(1.3
)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (b)
0.3

 
0.4

 
0.3

 
(3.9
)
 
(3.9
)
 
(3.4
)
Amortization of actuarial loss (c)
17.1

 
15.7

 
10.1

 
1.9

 
2.3

 
2.1

Additional benefit costs (d) (e)
0.6

 
0.1

 
0.7

 

 

 

 

$12.7

 

$13.4

 

$9.9

 

$2.6

 

$3.9

 

$5.2


(a)
The expected return on plan assets is based on the expected rate of return on plan assets and the fair value approach to the market-related value of plan assets.
(b)
Unrecognized prior service costs (credits) for the postretirement benefits plans are amortized over the average future service period to full eligibility of the participants of each plan.
(c)
Unrecognized net actuarial gains or losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the plans’ benefit obligations or assets are amortized over the average future service lives of plan participants, except for the Cash Balance Plan where gains or losses outside the 10% threshold are amortized over the time period the participants are expected to receive benefits.
(d)
In 2013, Alliant Energy filed a stipulation agreement with the Court related to the class-action lawsuit against the Cash Balance Plan. As a result, Alliant Energy recognized $9.0 million of additional benefits costs in 2013 related to the agreement. IPL recognized $5.5 million ($2.6 million directly assigned and $2.9 million allocated by Corporate Services) and WPL recognized $2.8 million ($0.6 million directly assigned and $2.2 million allocated by Corporate Services) of additional benefits costs in 2013 related to the agreement. Refer to Note 16(c) for additional information regarding the Cash Balance Plan.
(e)
Alliant Energy reached an agreement with the IRS, which resulted in a favorable determination letter for the Cash Balance Plan in 2011. The agreement with the IRS required Alliant Energy to amend the Cash Balance Plan, which was completed in 2011 resulting in aggregate additional benefits of $10.2 million paid by Alliant Energy to certain former participants in the Cash Balance Plan in 2011. Alliant Energy recognized $10.2 million of additional benefits costs in 2011 related to these benefits. IPL recognized $6.3 million ($2.8 million directly assigned and $3.5 million allocated by Corporate Services) and WPL recognized $3.4 million ($0.7 million directly assigned and $2.7 million allocated by Corporate Services) of additional benefits costs in 2011 related to these benefits. Refer to Note 16(c) for additional information regarding the Cash Balance Plan.
(f)
Settlement losses related to payments made to retired executives of Alliant Energy.

Corporate Services provides services to IPL and WPL, and as a result, IPL and WPL are allocated pension and other postretirement benefits costs (credits) associated with Corporate Services employees. Such costs (credits) are allocated to IPL and WPL based on labor costs of plan participants. The following table includes the allocated qualified and non-qualified pension and other postretirement benefits costs (credits) associated with Corporate Services employees providing services to IPL and WPL (in millions):
 
Pension Benefits Costs (a)
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Costs (Credits)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
IPL

$4.8

 

$4.9

 

$5.8

 

($0.3
)
 

$0.1

 

$0.3

WPL
3.6

 
3.6

 
4.2

 
(0.2
)
 
0.1

 
0.2


(a)
Refer to IPL’s and WPL’s “Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits)” tables above for additional benefits costs related to the Cash Balance Plan allocated to IPL and WPL by Corporate Services in 2013 and 2011.

The estimated amortization from “Regulatory assets” and “Regulatory liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and AOCL on Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheet into net periodic benefit cost in 2014 is as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
Other
 
Defined Benefit
 
Postretirement
 
Defined Benefit
 
Postretirement
 
Defined Benefit
 
Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
Actuarial loss

$19.5

 

$2.4

 

$8.0

 

$1.1

 

$9.2

 

$1.2

Prior service cost (credit)

 
(11.9
)
 

 
(6.3
)
 
0.3

 
(3.9
)
 

$19.5

 

($9.5
)
 

$8.0

 

($5.2
)
 

$9.5

 

($2.7
)


Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s net periodic benefit costs are primarily included in “Utility - Other operation and maintenance” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Benefit Plan Assets and Obligations - A reconciliation of the funded status of Alliant Energy’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to the amounts recognized on Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 was as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net projected benefit obligation at January 1

$1,207.5

 

$1,081.4

 

$223.2

 

$224.2

Service cost
15.7

 
13.5

 
6.3

 
6.9

Interest cost
49.0

 
51.6

 
8.5

 
10.2

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
2.6

 
2.7

Additional benefit costs
9.0

 
0.1

 

 

Actuarial (gain) loss
(94.1
)
 
135.4

 
(13.2
)
 
(1.6
)
Gross benefits paid
(73.7
)
 
(74.5
)
 
(18.7
)
 
(19.2
)
Net projected benefit obligation at December 31
1,113.4

 
1,207.5

 
208.7

 
223.2

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
965.6

 
897.4

 
123.1

 
120.4

Actual return on plan assets
128.5

 
126.9

 
14.4

 
14.3

Employer contributions
2.5

 
15.8

 
3.5

 
4.9

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
2.6

 
2.7

Gross benefits paid
(73.7
)
 
(74.5
)
 
(18.7
)
 
(19.2
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
1,022.9

 
965.6

 
124.9

 
123.1

Under funded status at December 31

($90.5
)
 

($241.9
)
 

($83.8
)
 

($100.1
)

Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets

$—

 

$—

 

$14.5

 

$3.5

Other current liabilities
(2.4
)
 
(2.4
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(2.8
)
Pension and other benefit obligations
(88.1
)
 
(239.5
)
 
(93.5
)
 
(100.8
)
Net amount recognized at December 31

($90.5
)
 

($241.9
)
 

($83.8
)
 

($100.1
)
Amounts recognized in Regulatory Assets, Regulatory Liabilities and AOCL consist of (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss

$348.6

 

$533.4

 

$38.1

 

$62.1

Prior service credit
(7.4
)
 
(7.2
)
 
(28.6
)
 
(40.5
)
 

$341.2

 

$526.2

 

$9.5

 

$21.6


(a)
Refer to Note 2 and Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Statements of Common Equity for amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets” and “AOCL,” respectively, on Alliant Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $5.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of regulatory liabilities were recognized related to Alliant Energy’s other postretirement benefits plans.

In the “IPL” and “WPL” tables below, the defined benefit pension plans amounts represent those respective amounts for IPL’s and WPL’s bargaining unit employees covered under the qualified plans that are sponsored by IPL and WPL, respectively, as well as amounts directly assigned to each of IPL and WPL related to IPL’s and WPL’s current and former non-bargaining employees who are participants in the Alliant Energy and Corporate Services sponsored qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans.

A reconciliation of the funded status of IPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to the amounts recognized on IPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 was as follows (in millions):
IPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net projected benefit obligation at January 1

$559.2

 

$499.9

 

$96.0

 

$97.5

Service cost
8.6

 
7.5

 
2.9

 
3.0

Interest cost
22.9

 
24.1

 
3.6

 
4.4

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
0.9

 
0.9

Additional benefit costs
2.6

 

 

 

Actuarial (gain) loss
(44.3
)
 
56.1

 
(7.0
)
 
(1.4
)
Gross benefits paid
(35.0
)
 
(28.4
)
 
(8.6
)
 
(8.4
)
Net projected benefit obligation at December 31
514.0

 
559.2

 
87.8

 
96.0

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
458.8

 
426.1

 
78.8

 
74.7

Actual return on plan assets
61.2

 
60.4

 
10.0

 
9.4

Employer contributions
0.9

 
0.7

 
0.1

 
2.2

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
0.9

 
0.9

Gross benefits paid
(35.0
)
 
(28.4
)
 
(8.6
)
 
(8.4
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
485.9

 
458.8

 
81.2

 
78.8

Under funded status at December 31

($28.1
)
 

($100.4
)
 

($6.6
)
 

($17.2
)

IPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets

$—

 

$—

 

$8.8

 

$—

Other current liabilities
(0.8
)
 
(0.8
)
 

 

Pension and other benefit obligations
(27.3
)
 
(99.6
)
 
(15.4
)
 
(17.2
)
Net amount recognized at December 31

($28.1
)
 

($100.4
)
 

($6.6
)
 

($17.2
)
Amounts recognized in Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities consist of (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss

$146.1

 

$231.6

 

$18.2

 

$32.0

Prior service credit
(2.6
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(15.0
)
 
(21.3
)
 

$143.5

 

$229.1

 

$3.2

 

$10.7


(a)
Refer to Note 2 for amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets” on IPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of regulatory liabilities were recognized related to IPL’s other postretirement benefits plans.

A reconciliation of the funded status of WPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to the amounts recognized on WPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 was as follows (in millions):
WPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net projected benefit obligation at January 1

$506.7

 

$447.7

 

$89.1

 

$89.6

Service cost
5.9

 
5.2

 
2.5

 
2.7

Interest cost
20.7

 
21.6

 
3.4

 
4.1

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
1.2

 
1.2

Additional benefit costs
0.6

 
0.1

 

 

Actuarial (gain) loss
(41.1
)
 
57.9

 
(3.0
)
 
0.3

Gross benefits paid
(32.0
)
 
(25.8
)
 
(7.6
)
 
(8.8
)
Net projected benefit obligation at December 31
460.8

 
506.7

 
85.6

 
89.1

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
415.4

 
386.6

 
22.3

 
25.1

Actual return on plan assets
55.2

 
54.5

 
2.5

 
2.5

Employer contributions
0.2

 
0.1

 
3.3

 
2.3

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 
1.2

 
1.2

Gross benefits paid
(32.0
)
 
(25.8
)
 
(7.6
)
 
(8.8
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
438.8

 
415.4

 
21.7

 
22.3

Under funded status at December 31

($22.0
)
 

($91.3
)
 

($63.9
)
 

($66.8
)

WPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets

$—

 

$—

 

$5.8

 

$3.5

Other current liabilities
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(2.8
)
Pension and other benefit obligations
(21.8
)
 
(91.1
)
 
(64.9
)
 
(67.5
)
Net amount recognized at December 31

($22.0
)
 

($91.3
)
 

($63.9
)
 

($66.8
)
Amounts recognized in Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities consist of (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss

$152.2

 

$233.7

 

$18.3

 

$24.3

Prior service credit
(0.7
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(9.5
)
 
(13.4
)
 

$151.5

 

$233.3

 

$8.8

 

$10.9


(a)
Refer to Note 2 for amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets” on WPL’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $1.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of regulatory liabilities were recognized related to WPL’s other postretirement benefits plans.

Included in the following tables are accumulated benefit obligations, aggregate amounts applicable to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, as well as defined benefit pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of the December 31 measurement date (in millions):
Alliant Energy
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Accumulated benefit obligations

$1,071.7

 

$1,155.5

 

$208.7

 

$223.2

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligations
406.5

 
1,155.5

 
208.7

 
223.2

Fair value of plan assets
347.6

 
965.6

 
124.9

 
123.1

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligations
1,113.4

 
1,207.5

 
N/A

 
N/A

Fair value of plan assets
1,022.9

 
965.6

 
N/A

 
N/A


IPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plan
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Accumulated benefit obligations

$491.5

 

$530.4

 

$87.8

 

$96.0

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligations
159.3

 
530.4

 
87.8

 
96.0

Fair value of plan assets
144.6

 
458.8

 
81.2

 
78.8

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligations
514.0

 
559.2

 
N/A

 
N/A

Fair value of plan assets
485.9

 
458.8

 
N/A

 
N/A


WPL
Defined Benefit
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plan
 
Benefits Plans
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Accumulated benefit obligations

$446.7

 

$490.2

 

$85.6

 

$89.1

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligations
115.6

 
490.2

 
85.6

 
89.1

Fair value of plan assets
106.8

 
415.4

 
21.7

 
22.3

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligations
460.8

 
506.7

 
N/A

 
N/A

Fair value of plan assets
438.8

 
415.4

 
N/A

 
N/A



In addition to the amounts recognized in “Regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities” in the above tables for IPL and WPL, “Regulatory assets” and “Regulatory liabilities” were recognized for amounts associated with Corporate Services employees participating in other Alliant Energy sponsored benefit plans that were allocated to IPL and WPL at December 31 as follows (in millions):
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Regulatory assets

$26.5

 

$38.1

 

$19.8

 

$25.5

Regulatory liabilities
1.7

 
0.6

 
1.3

 
0.4



Estimated Future Employer Contributions and Benefit Payments - Estimated funding for the qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans for 2014 is as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
Defined benefit pension plans (a)

$2.4

 

$0.7

 

$0.2

Other postretirement benefits plans
5.1

 

 
5.0


(a)
Alliant Energy sponsors several non-qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover certain current and former key employees of IPL and WPL. Alliant Energy allocates pension costs to IPL and WPL for these plans. In addition, IPL and WPL amounts reflect funding for their non-bargaining employees who are participants in the Alliant Energy and Corporate Services sponsored qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans.

Expected benefit payments for the qualified and non-qualified defined benefit plans, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019 - 2023
Defined benefit pension benefits

$71.2

 

$68.0

 

$66.3

 

$67.8

 

$71.2

 

$378.6

Other postretirement benefits
17.0

 
16.7

 
16.3

 
16.3

 
16.7

 
83.5

 

$88.2

 

$84.7

 

$82.6

 

$84.1

 

$87.9

 

$462.1

IPL
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019 - 2023
Defined benefit pension benefits

$32.2

 

$29.9

 

$31.3

 

$32.8

 

$34.4

 

$180.4

Other postretirement benefits
7.7

 
7.3

 
7.1

 
7.0

 
7.2

 
35.4

 

$39.9

 

$37.2

 

$38.4

 

$39.8

 

$41.6

 

$215.8

WPL
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019 - 2023
Defined benefit pension benefits

$26.4

 

$27.2

 

$27.1

 

$28.3

 

$29.4

 

$155.8

Other postretirement benefits
6.9

 
7.0

 
6.7

 
6.7

 
6.9

 
33.9

 

$33.3

 

$34.2

 

$33.8

 

$35.0

 

$36.3

 

$189.7



Investment Policy and Strategy for Plan Assets - Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investment policies and their strategies employed with respect to assets of defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans are to combine both preservation of principal and prudent and reasonable risk-taking to protect the integrity of plan assets, in order to meet the obligations to plan participants while minimizing benefit costs over the long term. It is recognized that risk and volatility are present with all types of investments. However, risk is mitigated at the total fund level through diversification by asset class including U.S. and international equity and fixed income exposure, global asset and risk parity strategies, the number of individual investments, and sector and industry limits. Global asset and risk parity strategies include investments in global equity, global debt, commodities and currencies.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Assets - For assets of defined benefit pension plans, the mix among asset classes is controlled by asset allocation targets. Historical performance results and future expectations suggest that equity securities will provide higher total investment returns than debt securities over a long-term investment horizon. Consistent with the goals of meeting obligations to plan participants and minimizing benefit costs over the long-term, the defined benefit pension plans have a long-term investment posture more heavily weighted towards equity holdings. The asset allocation is monitored regularly and appropriate steps are taken as needed to rebalance the assets within the prescribed ranges. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL also use an overlay management service to help maintain target allocations and liquidity needs. The overlay manager is authorized to use derivative financial instruments to facilitate this service. For separately managed accounts, prohibited investment vehicles include, but may not be limited to, direct ownership of real estate, margin trading, oil and gas limited partnerships and securities of the managers’ firms or affiliate firms. At December 31, 2013, the current target ranges and actual allocations for Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s defined benefit pension plan assets were as follows:
 
Target Range
 
Actual
 
Allocation
 
Allocation
Cash and equivalents
%
-
5%
 
3%
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
8
%
-
18%
 
13%
U.S. large cap value
2.5
%
-
12.5%
 
7%
U.S. large cap growth
2.5
%
-
12.5%
 
8%
U.S. small cap value
%
-
4%
 
2%
U.S. small cap growth
%
-
4%
 
2%
International - developed markets
7
%
-
19%
 
13%
International - emerging markets
%
-
10%
 
5%
Global asset allocation securities
5
%
-
15%
 
10%
Risk parity allocation securities
5
%
-
15%
 
9%
Fixed income securities
20
%
-
40%
 
28%


Other Postretirement Benefits Plans Assets - Other postretirement benefits plans assets are comprised of specific assets within certain defined benefit pension plans (401(h) assets) as well as assets held in VEBA trusts. The investment policy and strategy of the 401(h) assets mirrors those of the defined benefit pension plans, which are discussed above. For VEBA trusts with assets greater than $5 million, the mix among asset classes is controlled by allocation targets. The asset allocation is monitored regularly and appropriate steps are taken as needed to rebalance the assets within the prescribed ranges. Mutual funds are used to achieve the desired diversification. At December 31, 2013, the current target ranges and actual allocations for Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s VEBA trusts with assets greater than $5 million were as follows:
 
Target Range
 
Actual
 
Allocation
 
Allocation
Cash and equivalents
%
-
5%
 
1%
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
25
%
-
45%
 
37%
International
10
%
-
20%
 
15%
Global asset allocation securities
20
%
-
40%
 
28%
Fixed income securities
10
%
-
30%
 
19%


Securities Lending Program - In 2013, Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL terminated their securities lending program with a third party agent. The program allowed the agent to lend certain securities from their defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans to selected entities against receipt of collateral (in the form of cash, government and agency securities or letters of credit) as provided for and determined in accordance with its securities lending agency agreement. Refer to “Fair Value Measurements” below for details of fair value of invested collateral and amounts due to borrowers for the securities lending program at December 31, 2012.

Fair Value Measurements - The following tables report a framework for measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy and examples of each are as follows:

Level 1 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investments in securities held in registered investment companies and directly held equity securities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the securities are traded.

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investments in corporate bonds and government and agency obligations are valued at the closing price reported in the active market for similar assets in which the individual securities are traded or based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s investments in common/collective trusts are valued at the net asset value of shares held by the plans, which is based on the fair market value of the underlying investments in the common/collective trusts. Level 2 plan assets at December 31, 2012 also consisted of asset-backed securities within their securities lending invested collateral.

Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities for which little or no market data exist and require significant management judgment or estimation. At December 31, 2012, Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s Level 3 plan assets included certain asset-backed securities and corporate bonds within their securities lending invested collateral.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.

The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL believe their valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

At December 31, the fair values of Alliant Energy’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$32.6

 

$—

 

$32.6

 

$—

 

$43.9

 

$—

 

$43.9

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
134.1

 
134.1

 

 

 
129.0

 
129.0

 

 

U.S. large cap value
77.0

 

 
77.0

 

 
107.9

 

 
107.9

 

U.S. large cap growth
77.4

 

 
77.4

 

 
105.8

 

 
105.8

 

U.S. small cap value
20.7

 

 
20.7

 

 
30.4

 

 
30.4

 

U.S. small cap growth
20.8

 
20.8

 

 

 
25.0

 
25.0

 

 

International - developed markets
136.3

 
68.0

 
68.3

 

 
153.7

 
80.3

 
73.4

 

International - emerging markets
48.4

 
48.4

 

 

 
38.5

 
38.5

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
99.1

 
56.7

 
42.4

 

 
94.5

 
56.3

 
38.2

 

Risk parity allocation securities
96.1

 

 
96.1

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
29.2

 

 
29.2

 

 
30.7

 

 
30.7

 

Government and agency obligations
49.1

 

 
49.1

 

 
49.2

 

 
49.2

 

Fixed income funds
202.2

 
0.2

 
202.0

 

 
162.6

 
0.2

 
162.4

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
4.4

 

 
2.9

 
1.5

 
1,023.0

 

$328.2

 

$694.8

 

$—

 
975.6

 

$329.3

 

$644.8

 

$1.5

Accrued investment income
0.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to brokers, net (pending trades with brokers)
(0.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total pension plan assets

$1,022.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$965.6

 
 
 
 
 
 

At December 31, the fair values of IPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$15.4

 

$—

 

$15.4

 

$—

 

$20.8

 

$—

 

$20.8

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
63.7

 
63.7

 

 

 
61.3

 
61.3

 

 

U.S. large cap value
36.6

 

 
36.6

 

 
51.3

 

 
51.3

 

U.S. large cap growth
36.8

 

 
36.8

 

 
50.3

 

 
50.3

 

U.S. small cap value
9.8

 

 
9.8

 

 
14.4

 

 
14.4

 

U.S. small cap growth
9.9

 
9.9

 

 

 
11.9

 
11.9

 

 

International - developed markets
64.8

 
32.3

 
32.5

 

 
73.0

 
38.2

 
34.8

 

International - emerging markets
23.0

 
23.0

 

 

 
18.3

 
18.3

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
47.1

 
27.0

 
20.1

 

 
44.9

 
26.7

 
18.2

 

Risk parity allocation securities
45.7

 

 
45.7

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
13.9

 

 
13.9

 

 
14.6

 

 
14.6

 

Government and agency obligations
23.3

 

 
23.3

 

 
23.4

 

 
23.4

 

Fixed income funds
96.1

 
0.1

 
96.0

 

 
77.3

 
0.1

 
77.2

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
2.1

 

 
1.4

 
0.7

 
486.1

 

$156.0

 

$330.1

 

$—

 
463.6

 

$156.5

 

$306.4

 

$0.7

Accrued investment income
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to brokers, net (pending trades with brokers)
(0.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total pension plan assets

$485.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$458.8

 
 
 
 
 
 

At December 31, the fair values of WPL’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$14.0

 

$—

 

$14.0

 

$—

 

$18.9

 

$—

 

$18.9

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap core
57.5

 
57.5

 

 

 
55.5

 
55.5

 

 

U.S. large cap value
33.1

 

 
33.1

 

 
46.4

 

 
46.4

 

U.S. large cap growth
33.2

 

 
33.2

 

 
45.5

 

 
45.5

 

U.S. small cap value
8.9

 

 
8.9

 

 
13.1

 

 
13.1

 

U.S. small cap growth
8.9

 
8.9

 

 

 
10.8

 
10.8

 

 

International - developed markets
58.5

 
29.2

 
29.3

 

 
66.1

 
34.5

 
31.6

 

International - emerging markets
20.8

 
20.8

 

 

 
16.6

 
16.6

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
42.5

 
24.3

 
18.2

 

 
40.6

 
24.2

 
16.4

 

Risk parity allocation securities
41.2

 

 
41.2

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
12.5

 

 
12.5

 

 
13.2

 

 
13.2

 

Government and agency obligations
21.0

 

 
21.0

 

 
21.2

 

 
21.2

 

Fixed income funds
86.8

 
0.1

 
86.7

 

 
70.0

 
0.1

 
69.9

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
1.9

 

 
1.2

 
0.7

 
438.9

 

$140.8

 

$298.1

 

$—

 
419.8

 

$141.7

 

$277.4

 

$0.7

Accrued investment income
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to brokers, net (pending trades with brokers)
(0.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total pension plan assets

$438.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$415.4

 
 
 
 
 
 

At December 31, the fair values of Alliant Energy’s other postretirement benefits plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$3.9

 

$—

 

$3.9

 

$—

 

$8.4

 

$—

 

$8.4

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. blend
36.8

 
36.8

 

 

 
32.9

 
32.9

 

 

U.S. large cap core
2.9

 
2.9

 

 

 
2.8

 
2.8

 

 

U.S. large cap value
1.7

 

 
1.7

 

 
2.4

 

 
2.4

 

U.S. large cap growth
1.7

 

 
1.7

 

 
2.3

 

 
2.3

 

U.S. small cap value
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

U.S. small cap growth
0.5

 
0.5

 

 

 
0.6

 
0.6

 

 

International - blend
15.4

 
15.4

 

 

 
14.3

 
14.3

 

 

International - developed markets
3.0

 
1.5

 
1.5

 

 
3.4

 
1.8

 
1.6

 

International - emerging markets
1.1

 
1.1

 

 

 
0.8

 
0.8

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
30.4

 
29.5

 
0.9

 

 
30.4

 
29.6

 
0.8

 

Risk parity allocation securities
2.1

 

 
2.1

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
0.6

 

 
0.6

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

Government and agency obligations
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

Fixed income funds
23.2

 
18.8

 
4.4

 

 
22.4

 
18.8

 
3.6

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

 
124.9

 

$106.5

 

$18.4

 

$—

 
123.3

 

$101.6

 

$21.7

 

$—

Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other postretirement benefits plan assets

$124.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$123.1

 
 
 
 
 
 


At December 31, the fair values of IPL’s other postretirement benefits plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$1.5

 

$—

 

$1.5

 

$—

 

$3.3

 

$—

 

$3.3

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. blend
27.8

 
27.8

 

 

 
24.3

 
24.3

 

 

U.S. large cap core
0.7

 
0.7

 

 

 
0.8

 
0.8

 

 

U.S. large cap value
0.4

 

 
0.4

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

U.S. large cap growth
0.4

 

 
0.4

 

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 

U.S. small cap value
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.2

 

 
0.2

 

U.S. small cap growth
0.1

 
0.1

 

 

 
0.2

 
0.2

 

 

International - blend
11.6

 
11.6

 

 

 
10.6

 
10.6

 

 

International - developed markets
0.8

 
0.4

 
0.4

 

 
1.0

 
0.5

 
0.5

 

International - emerging markets
0.3

 
0.3

 

 

 
0.2

 
0.2

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
21.6

 
21.4

 
0.2

 

 
21.5

 
21.3

 
0.2

 

Risk parity allocation securities
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.2

 

 
0.2

 

Government and agency obligations
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

Fixed income funds
15.0

 
13.9

 
1.1

 

 
14.9

 
13.9

 
1.0

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
81.2

 

$76.2

 

$5.0

 

$—

 
78.9

 

$71.8

 

$7.1

 

$—

Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other postretirement benefits plan assets

$81.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$78.8

 
 
 
 
 
 


At December 31, the fair values of WPL’s other postretirement benefits plans assets by asset category and fair value hierarchy level were as follows (in millions):
 
2013
 
2012
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Fair
 
Level
 
Level
 
Level
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
Value
 
1
 
2
 
3
Cash and equivalents

$1.4

 

$—

 

$1.4

 

$—

 

$3.9

 

$—

 

$3.9

 

$—

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. blend
3.6

 
3.6

 

 

 
3.1

 
3.1

 

 

U.S. large cap core
1.5

 
1.5

 

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 

 

U.S. large cap value
0.8

 

 
0.8

 

 
1.2

 

 
1.2

 

U.S. large cap growth
0.8

 

 
0.8

 

 
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

U.S. small cap value
0.2

 

 
0.2

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

U.S. small cap growth
0.2

 
0.2

 

 

 
0.3

 
0.3

 

 

International - blend
1.5

 
1.5

 

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 

 

International - developed markets
1.5

 
0.7

 
0.8

 

 
1.6

 
0.8

 
0.8

 

International - emerging markets
0.5

 
0.5

 

 

 
0.4

 
0.4

 

 

Global asset allocation securities
3.8

 
3.3

 
0.5

 

 
3.6

 
3.2

 
0.4

 

Risk parity allocation securities
1.1

 

 
1.1

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 

Government and agency obligations
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

 
0.5

 

Fixed income funds
4.0

 
1.8

 
2.2

 

 
3.5

 
1.8

 
1.7

 

Securities lending invested collateral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
21.7

 

$13.1

 

$8.6

 

$—

 
22.4

 

$12.2

 

$10.2

 

$—

Due to borrowers for securities lending program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other postretirement benefits plan assets

$21.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

$22.3

 
 
 
 
 
 


For the various defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans, Alliant Energy common stock represented less than 1% of assets held in the plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Cash Balance Plan - Alliant Energy’s defined benefit pension plans include the Cash Balance Plan, which provides benefits for certain non-bargaining unit employees. The Cash Balance Plan has been closed to new hires since 2005. Effective 2008, Alliant Energy amended the Cash Balance Plan by discontinuing additional contributions into employees’ Cash Balance Plan accounts and increased its level of contributions to its 401(k) Savings Plan. In 2009, Alliant Energy amended the Cash Balance Plan by changing participants’ future interest credit formula to use the annual change in the consumer price index. This amendment provides participants an interest crediting rate that is 3% more than the annual change in the consumer price index. Refer to Note 16(c) for discussion of a class-action lawsuit filed against the Cash Balance Plan in 2008.

401(k) Savings Plans - A significant number of Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL employees participate in defined contribution retirement plans (401(k) savings plans). Alliant Energy common stock represented 11.3% and 12.5% of total assets held in 401(k) savings plans at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Costs related to the 401(k) savings plans, which are partially based on the participants’ contributions, were as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL (a)
 
WPL (a)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013

 
2012

 
2011

 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
401(k) costs

$19.2

 

$18.5

 

$18.4

 

$9.9

 

$9.6

 

$9.2

 

$8.5

 

$8.1

 

$8.4


(a)
IPL’s and WPL’s amounts include allocated costs associated with Corporate Services employees.
(b) Equity-based Compensation Plans - In 2010, Alliant Energy’s shareowners approved the OIP, which permits the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards and performance-based cash awards to key employees. At December 31, 2013, performance shares and restricted stock were outstanding and 4.1 million shares of Alliant Energy’s common stock remained available for grants under the OIP. Alliant Energy satisfies payouts related to equity awards under the OIP through the issuance of new shares of its common stock. Alliant Energy also has the DLIP, which permits the grant of long-term performance-based awards, including performance units and restricted cash awards to certain key employees. At December 31, 2013, performance units and performance contingent cash awards were outstanding under the DLIP. There is no limit to the number of grants that can be made under the DLIP and Alliant Energy satisfies all payouts under the DLIP through cash payments.

A summary of compensation expense (including amounts allocated to IPL and WPL) and the related income tax benefits recognized for share-based compensation awards was as follows (in millions):
 
Alliant Energy
 
IPL
 
WPL
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Compensation expense

$12.0

 

$6.9

 

$10.1

 

$6.2

 

$3.6

 

$5.5

 

$5.2

 

$3.0

 

$4.1

Income tax benefits
4.8

 
2.8

 
4.0

 
2.5

 
1.5

 
2.2

 
2.1

 
1.2

 
1.7



As of December 31, 2013, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation awards was $5.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of between 1 and 2 years. Share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods and is primarily recorded in “Utility - Other operation and maintenance” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Performance Shares and Units - Payouts of performance shares and units to key employees are contingent upon achievement over 3-year periods of specified performance criteria, which currently include metrics of total shareowner return relative to investor-owned utility peer groups. Payouts of nonvested performance shares and units issued in 2012 and after are prorated at retirement, death or disability based on time worked during the first year of the performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Upon achievement of the performance criteria, payouts of these performance shares and units to participants who terminate employment after the first year of the performance period due to retirement, death or disability are not prorated. Payouts of nonvested performance shares and units issued prior to 2012 are prorated at retirement, death, disability or involuntary termination without cause based on time worked during the full or entire performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Participants’ nonvested performance shares and units are forfeited if the participant voluntarily leaves Alliant Energy or is terminated for cause. Nonvested performance shares and units do not have non-forfeitable rights to dividends when dividends are paid to common shareowners. Alliant Energy assumes it will make future payouts of its performance shares and units in cash; therefore, performance shares and units are accounted for as liability awards.

Performance Shares - Performance shares can be paid out in shares of Alliant Energy’s common stock, cash or a combination of cash and stock and are adjusted by a performance multiplier, which ranges from zero to 200% based on the performance criteria. A summary of the performance shares activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Shares (a)
 
Shares (a)
 
Shares (a)
Nonvested shares, January 1
145,277

 
236,979

 
234,518

Granted
49,093

 
45,612

 
64,217

Vested (b)
(54,430
)
 
(111,980
)
 
(57,838
)
Forfeited (c)

 
(25,334
)
 
(3,918
)
Nonvested shares, December 31
139,940

 
145,277

 
236,979


(a)
Share amounts represent the target number of performance shares. Each performance share’s value is based on the price of one share of Alliant Energy’s common stock at the end of the performance period. The actual number of shares that will be paid out upon vesting is dependent upon actual performance and may range from zero to 200% of the target number of shares.
(b)
In 2013, 54,430 performance shares granted in 2010 vested at 197.5% of the target, resulting in payouts valued at $4.8 million, which consisted of a combination of cash and common stock (4,177 shares). In 2012, 111,980 performance shares granted in 2009 vested at 162.5% of the target, resulting in payouts valued at $8.0 million, which consisted of a combination of cash and common stock (6,399 shares). In 2011, 57,838 performance shares granted in 2008 vested at 75% of the target, resulting in payouts valued at $1.6 million, which consisted of a combination of cash and common stock (1,387 shares).
(c)
Forfeitures were primarily caused by retirements and voluntary terminations of participants.

Performance Units - Performance units must be paid out in cash and are adjusted by a performance multiplier, which ranges from zero to 200% based on the performance criteria. A summary of the performance unit activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Units (a)
 
Units (a)
 
Units (a)
Nonvested units, January 1
64,969

 
42,996

 
23,128

Granted
22,201

 
24,686

 
23,975

Vested (b)
(19,760
)
 

 

Forfeited
(1,498
)
 
(2,713
)
 
(4,107
)
Nonvested units, December 31
65,912

 
64,969

 
42,996


(a)
Unit amounts represent the target number of performance units. Each performance unit’s value is based on the average price of one share of Alliant Energy’s common stock on the grant date of the award. The actual payout for performance units is dependent upon actual performance and may range from zero to 200% of the target number of units.
(b)
In 2013, 19,760 performance units granted in 2010 vested at 197.5% of the target, resulting in cash payouts valued at $1.3 million.

Fair Value of Awards - Information related to fair values of nonvested performance shares and units at December 31, 2013, by year of grant, were as follows:
 
Performance Shares
 
Performance Units
 
2013 Grant
 
2012 Grant
 
2011 Grant
 
2013 Grant
 
2012 Grant
 
2011 Grant
Nonvested awards
49,093

 
45,612

 
45,235

 
21,935

 
23,226

 
20,751

Alliant Energy common stock closing price on December 31, 2013

$51.60

 

$51.60

 

$51.60

 
 
 
 
 
 
Alliant Energy common stock average price on grant date
 
 
 
 
 
 

$47.58

 

$43.05

 

$38.75

Estimated payout percentage based on performance criteria
110
%
 
109
%
 
148
%
 
110
%
 
109
%
 
148
%
Fair values of each nonvested award

$56.76

 

$56.24

 

$76.11

 

$52.34

 

$46.92

 

$57.16



At December 31, 2013, fair values of nonvested performance shares and units were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation to determine the anticipated total shareowner returns of Alliant Energy and its investor-owned utility peer groups. Expected volatility was based on historical volatilities using daily stock prices over the past three years. Expected dividend yields were calculated based on the most recent quarterly dividend rates announced prior to the measurement date and stock prices at the measurement date. The risk-free interest rate was based on the three-year U.S. Treasury rate in effect as of the measurement date.

Performance-contingent Restricted Stock - Vesting of performance-contingent restricted stock grants are based on the achievement of certain performance targets (currently specified growth of consolidated income from continuing operations). If performance targets are not met within the performance period, which currently ranges from two to four years, these restricted stock grants are forfeited. Payouts of nonvested performance-contingent restricted stock issued in 2012 and after are prorated at retirement, death or disability based on time worked during the first year of the performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Upon achievement of the performance criteria, payouts of this performance-contingent restricted stock to participants who terminate employment after the first year of the performance period due to retirement, death or disability are not prorated. Nonvested shares of performance-contingent restricted stock issued prior to 2012 are prorated at retirement based on time worked during the full or entire performance period and vest only if and when the performance criteria are met. Participants’ nonvested performance-contingent restricted stock is forfeited if the participant voluntarily leaves Alliant Energy or is terminated for cause. The fair value of performance-contingent restricted stock is based on the average market price at the grant date. A summary of the performance-contingent restricted stock activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
Nonvested shares, January 1
211,651

 

$32.42

 
301,738

 

$32.60

 
296,190

 

$32.32

Granted
49,093

 
47.58

 
45,612

 
43.05

 
64,217

 
38.75

Vested (a)

 

 
(65,172
)
 
32.56

 
(53,274
)
 
37.93

Forfeited (b)
(101,822
)
 
23.67

 
(70,527
)
 
39.93

 
(5,395
)
 
38.00

Nonvested shares, December 31
158,922

 
42.71

 
211,651

 
32.42

 
301,738

 
32.60



(a)
In 2012 and 2011, 65,172 and 53,274 performance-contingent restricted shares granted in 2010 and 2007, respectively, vested because the specified performance criteria for such shares were met.
(b)
In 2013 and 2012, 101,822 and 65,516 performance-contingent restricted shares granted in 2009 and 2008, respectively, were forfeited because the specified performance criteria for such shares were not met. The remaining forfeitures during 2012 and 2011 were primarily caused by retirements and terminations of participants.

Time-based Restricted Stock - At December 31, 2013, the amount of nonvested shares of time-based restricted stock was not material.

Performance Contingent Cash Awards - Performance contingent cash award payouts to key employees are based on the achievement of certain performance targets (currently specified growth of consolidated income from continuing operations). If performance targets are not met within the performance period, which currently ranges from two to four years, there are no payouts for these awards. Payouts of nonvested awards issued in 2012 and after are prorated at retirement, death or disability based on time worked during the first year of the performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Upon achievement of the performance criteria, payouts of these awards to participants who terminate employment after the first year of the performance period due to retirement, death or disability are not prorated. Nonvested awards issued prior to 2012 are prorated at retirement based on time worked during the full or entire performance period and achievement of the performance criteria. Participants’ nonvested awards are forfeited if the participant voluntarily leaves Alliant Energy or is terminated for cause. Each performance contingent cash award’s value is based on the price of one share of Alliant Energy’s common stock at the end of the performance period. Alliant Energy accounts for performance contingent cash awards as liability awards because payouts will be made in the form of cash. A summary of the performance contingent cash awards activity was as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Awards
 
Awards
 
Awards
Nonvested awards, January 1
59,639

 
46,676

 
23,428

Granted
39,530

 
36,936

 
23,975

Vested (a)

 
(21,605
)
 

Forfeited
(2,192
)
 
(2,368
)
 
(727
)
Nonvested awards, December 31
96,977

 
59,639

 
46,676


(a)
In 2012, 21,605 performance contingent cash awards granted in 2010 vested, resulting in cash payouts valued at $0.9 million.

Non-qualified Stock Options - Alliant Energy has not granted any options since 2004. In 2013, the last of the outstanding options were exercised, resulting in no options outstanding at December 31, 2013.