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Pension and other postretirement benefits
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Pension and other postretirement benefits Pension and other postretirement benefits
We have a number of defined benefit pension and postretirement plans covering eligible U.S. and non-U.S. employees. The defined benefit pension plans are noncontributory. The benefits under these plans are based primarily on years of service and employees’ pay near retirement. Our funding policy for U.S. plans is to contribute annually, at a minimum, amounts required by applicable laws and regulations. Obligations under non-U.S. plans are systematically provided for by depositing funds with trustees or by book reserves. As of December 31, 2021, no further benefits are being accrued under the U.S. defined benefit pension plans and the other postretirement benefit plans, other than certain postretirement benefit plans covering employees subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
Teleflex and certain of our subsidiaries provide medical, dental and life insurance benefits to pensioners or their survivors. The associated plans are unfunded and approved claims are paid from our funds.
The following table provides information regarding the components of the net benefit (income) expense of the pension and postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
PensionOther Benefits
202120202019202120202019
Service cost$1,467 $1,416 $2,768 $— $— $9 
Interest cost9,272 12,827 16,000 418 902 1,391 
Expected return on plan assets(30,726)(31,650)(27,426)— — — 
Net amortization and deferral8,589 7,447 7,013 (1,058)(161)(1)
Net benefit (income) expense$(11,398)$(9,960)$(1,645)$(640)$741 $1,399 
Net benefit (income) expense is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses within the consolidated statements of income.
The following table provides the weighted average assumptions for U.S. and foreign plans used in determining net benefit cost:
PensionOther Benefits
202120202019202120202019
Discount rate2.5 %3.2 %4.3 %2.3 %3.1 %4.2 %
Rate of return6.7 %7.5 %7.7 %
Initial healthcare trend rate6.8 %7.0 %7.4 %
Ultimate healthcare trend rate4.5 %5.0 %5.0 %
The following table provides summarized information with respect to the pension and postretirement benefit plans, measured as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
PensionOther Benefits
2021202020212020
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$501,347 $470,236 $31,921 $40,042 
Service cost1,467 1,416 — — 
Interest cost9,272 12,827 418 902 
Actuarial (gain) loss(13,567)36,726 (2,288)964 
Currency translation(1,726)2,273 — — 
Benefits paid(21,138)(21,092)(3,303)(5,448)
Medicare Part D reimbursement— — 56 119 
Plan amendments— 47 — (4,658)
Administrative costs(981)(1,086)— — 
Projected benefit obligation, end of year474,674 501,347 26,804 31,921 
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year457,626 423,300 
Actual return on plan assets22,124 43,276 
Contributions12,159 12,490 
Benefits paid(21,138)(21,092)
Administrative costs(981)(1,086)
Currency translation3 738 
Fair value of plan assets, end of year469,793 457,626 
Funded status, end of year$(4,881)$(43,721)$(26,804)$(31,921)

The actuarial gain for pension for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily due to an increase in the discount rate used to measure the obligation, partially offset by a change in census data as well as the mortality assumptions. The actuarial loss for pension for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to a decrease in the discount rate used to measure the obligation, partially offset by a change in the mortality assumptions.
The accumulated benefit obligations (ABO) and the projected benefit obligations (PBO) for plans with ABO and PBO in excess of plan assets were $456.0 million and $456.6 million, respectively, at December 31, 2021 and $481.0 million and $481.8 million respectively, at December 31, 2020. The fair value of plan assets for plans with PBO and ABO in excess of plan assets were $449.8 million and $434.3 million, respectively, at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
The following table sets forth the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet with respect to the pension and postretirement plans:
PensionOther Benefits
2021202020212020
Other assets$17,827 $3,703 $— $— 
Payroll and benefit-related liabilities(1,602)(1,721)(2,725)(3,125)
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities(21,106)(45,703)(24,079)(28,796)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain)218,139 232,540 (2,847)(1,617)
$213,258 $188,819 $(29,651)$(33,538)
The following tables set forth the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income with respect to the plans:
Pension
Prior Service
Cost
Net (Gain)
or Loss
Deferred
Taxes
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Loss, Net of Tax
Balance at December 31, 2019$173 $213,816 $(76,270)$137,719 
Reclassification adjustments related to components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost recognized during the period:
Net amortization and deferral(15)(7,432)1,738 (5,709)
Amounts arising during the period:
Actuarial changes in benefit obligation— 25,100 (5,875)19,225 
Plan amendments47 — (9)38 
Impact of currency translation— 851 (241)610 
Balance at December 31, 2020205 232,335 (80,657)151,883 
Reclassification adjustments related to components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost recognized during the period:
Net amortization and deferral(5)(8,584)1,999 (6,590)
Amounts arising during the period:
Actuarial changes in benefit obligation— (4,965)1,148 (3,817)
Impact of currency translation— (847)237 (610)
Balance at December 31, 2021$200 $217,939 $(77,273)$140,866 
 
Other Benefits
Prior Service
Cost
Net (Gain) or
Loss
Deferred
Taxes
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Loss, Net of Tax
Balance at December 31, 2019$7 $1,909 $(825)$1,091 
Reclassification adjustments related to components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost recognized during the period:
Net amortization and deferral(18)179 (37)124 
Amounts arising during the period:
Actuarial changes in benefit obligation— 964 (223)741 
Plan amendments(4,658)— 1,076 (3,582)
Balance at December 31, 2020(4,669)3,052 (9)(1,626)
Reclassification adjustments related to components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost recognized during the period:
Net amortization and deferral1,017 41 (243)815 
Amounts arising during the period:
Actuarial changes in benefit obligation— (2,288)523 (1,765)
Balance at December 31, 2021$(3,652)$805 $271 $(2,576)
The following table provides the weighted average assumptions for U.S. and foreign plans used in determining benefit obligations:
PensionOther Benefits
2021202020212020
Discount rate2.8 %2.5 %2.7 %2.3 %
Rate of compensation increase2.8 %2.8 %
Initial healthcare trend rate6.0 %6.4 %
Ultimate healthcare trend rate4.5 %4.5 %
The discount rate represents the interest rate used to determine the present value of future cash flows currently expected to be required to settle the pension and other benefit obligations. The weighted average discount rates for
U.S. pension plans and other benefit plans of 2.95% and 2.69%, respectively, were established by comparing the projection of expected benefit payments to the AA Above Median yield curve as of December 31, 2021. The expected benefit payments are discounted by each corresponding discount rate on the yield curve. For payments beyond 30 years, we extend the curve assuming that the discount rate derived in year 30 is extended to the end of the plan’s payment expectations. Once the present value of the string of benefit payments is established, we determine the single rate on the yield curve that, when applied to all obligations of the plan, will exactly match the previously determined present value.
As part of the evaluation of pension and other postretirement assumptions, we applied assumptions for mortality and healthcare cost trends that incorporate generational white and blue collar mortality trends. In determining its benefit obligations, we used generational tables that take into consideration increases in plan participant longevity.
Our assumption for the expected return on plan assets is primarily based on the determination of an expected return for its current portfolio. This determination is made using assumptions for return and volatility of the portfolio. Asset class assumptions are set using a combination of empirical and forward-looking analysis. To the extent historical results have been affected by unsustainable trends or events, the effects of those trends are quantified and removed. We apply a variety of models for filtering historical data and isolating the fundamental characteristics of asset classes. These models provide empirical return estimates for each asset class, which are then reviewed and combined with a qualitative assessment of long term relationships between asset classes before a return estimate is finalized. The qualitative analysis is intended to provide an additional means for addressing the effect of unrealistic or unsustainable short-term valuations or trends, resulting in return levels and behavior we believe are more likely to prevail over long periods. Effective in 2022, we changed the expected return on plan assets of the U.S. pension plans from 7.00% to 5.80% due to modifications to the investment strategy in order to gradually reduce portfolio risk. The change had no impact on the results for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The accumulated benefit obligation for all U.S. and foreign defined benefit pension plans was $474.1 million and $500.6 million for 2021 and 2020, respectively. All of the pension plans had accumulated benefit obligations in excess of their respective plan assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, with the exception of one foreign plan that had plan assets of $2.0 million and $3.7 million in excess of the accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Our investment objective is to achieve an enhanced long-term rate of return on plan assets, subject to a prudent level of portfolio risk, for the purpose of enhancing the availability of benefits for participants. These investments are primarily comprised of equity and fixed income mutual funds. Our other investments are largely comprised of a hedge fund of funds and a structured credit fund. The equity funds are diversified in terms of domestic and international equity securities, as well as small, middle and large capitalization stocks. Our target allocation percentage is as follows: equity securities (26%) and fixed-income securities (74%). Equity funds are held for their expected return over inflation. Fixed-income funds are held for diversification relative to equities and as a partial hedge of interest rate risk with respect to plan liabilities. The other investments are held to further diversify assets within the plans and are designed to provide a mix of equity and bond like return with a bond like risk profile. The plans may also hold cash to meet liquidity requirements. Actual performance may not be consistent with the respective investment strategies. Investment risks and returns are measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through annual liability measurements and investment portfolio reviews to determine whether the asset allocation targets continue to represent an appropriate balance of expected risk and reward.
The following table provides the fair values of the pension plan assets at December 31, 2021 by asset category:
Fair Value Measurements
Asset Category (a)Total
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash$923 $923 — — 
Money market funds6 6 — — 
Equity securities:
Managed volatility (b)57,252 57,252 — — 
U.S. small/mid-cap equity (c)7,532 7,532 — — 
World equity (excluding U.S.) (d)34,287 34,287 — — 
Fixed income securities:
Intermediate duration fund (e)101,363 101,363 — — 
Long duration bond fund (f)171,919 171,919 — — 
Corporate bond fund (g)7,607 7,607 — — 
Emerging markets debt fund (h)7,605 7,605 — — 
Corporate, government and foreign bonds50,599 50,599 — — 
Absolute return credit fund (i)671 — $671 — 
Asset backed – home loans208 — 208 — 
Other types of investments:
Contract with insurance company (j)19,130 — — $19,130 
Other3 — — 3 
Total investments at fair value$459,105 $439,093 $879 $19,133 
Investments measured at net asset value (k)10,688 
Total$469,793 
The following table provides the fair values of the pension plan assets at December 31, 2020 by asset category:
 Fair Value Measurements
Asset Category (a)Total
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash$582 $582 — — 
Money market funds12 12 — — 
Equity securities:
Managed volatility (b)85,974 85,974 — — 
U.S. small/mid-cap equity (c)11,780 11,780 — — 
World equity (excluding U.S.) (d)59,467 59,467 — — 
Common equity securities – Teleflex Incorporated29,592 29,592 — — 
Fixed income securities:
Intermediate duration fund (e)63,376 63,376 — — 
Long duration bond fund (f)98,996 98,996 — — 
Corporate bond fund (g)13,469 13,469 — — 
Emerging markets debt fund (h)11,412 11,412 — — 
Corporate, government and foreign bonds35,582 35,582 — — 
Asset backed – home loans261 — $261 — 
Other types of investments:
Multi asset funds (l)8,890 4,057 4,833 — 
Contract with insurance company (j)10,485 — — $10,485 
Other4 — — 4 
Total investments at fair value$429,882 $414,299 $5,094 $10,489 
Investments measured at Net asset value (k)27,744 
Total$457,626 
(a)Information on asset categories described in notes (b)-(l) is derived from prospectuses and other material provided by the respective funds comprising the respective asset categories.
(b)This category comprises mutual funds that invest in securities of U.S. and non-U.S. companies of all capitalization ranges that exhibit relatively low volatility.
(c)This category comprises a mutual fund that invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small and mid-sized companies. The fund invests in common stocks or exchange traded funds holding common stock of U.S. companies with market capitalizations in the range of companies in the Russell 2500 Index.
(d)This category comprises a mutual fund that invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of foreign companies. These securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, exchange traded funds based on an international equity index, derivative instruments whose value is based on an international equity index and derivative instruments whose value is based on an underlying equity security or a basket of equity securities. The fund invests in securities of foreign issuers located in developed and emerging market countries. However, the fund will not invest more than 35% of its assets in the common stocks or other equity securities of issuers located in emerging market countries.
(e)This category comprises a mutual fund that invests in instruments or derivatives having economic characteristics similar to fixed income securities. The fund invests in investment grade fixed income instruments, including U.S. and foreign corporate obligations, fixed income securities issued by sovereigns or agencies in both developed and emerging foreign markets, debt obligations issued by governments or other municipalities, and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. The fund will seek to maintain an effective average duration between three and ten years, and uses derivative instruments, including interest rate swap agreements and credit default swaps, for the purpose of managing the overall duration and yield curve exposure of the Fund’s portfolio of fixed income securities.
(f)This category comprises a mutual fund that invests in instruments or derivatives having economic characteristics similar to fixed income securities. The fund invests in investment grade fixed income instruments, including securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities, exchange traded funds, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage-backed securities. The fund invests primarily in long duration government and corporate fixed income securities, and uses derivative instruments, including interest rate swap agreements and Treasury futures contracts, for the purpose of managing the overall duration and yield curve exposure of the Fund’s portfolio of fixed income securities.
(g)This category comprises funds that invest primarily in higher-yielding fixed income securities, including corporate bonds and debentures, convertible and preferred securities and zero coupon obligations.
(h)This category comprises a mutual fund that invests at least 80% of its net assets in fixed income securities of emerging market issuers, primarily in U.S. dollar-denominated debt of foreign governments, government-related and corporate issuers in emerging market countries and entities organized to restructure the debt of those issuers.
(i)This category comprises a mutual fund that invests primarily in investment grade bonds and similar fixed income and floating rate securities.
(j)This category comprises the asset established out of an agreement to purchase a bulk-annuity policy from an insurer to fully cover the liabilities for members of the pension plan. The asset value is based on the fair value of the contract as determined by the insurance company using inputs that are not observable.
(k)This category comprises pooled institutional investments, primarily collective investment trusts. These funds are not listed on an exchange or traded in an active market and these investments are valued using their net asset value, which is generally based on the underlying asset values of the pooled investments held in the trusts. This category comprises the following funds:
•a fund that invests primarily in collateralized debt obligations and other structured credit vehicles and may include fixed income securities, loan participations, credit-linked notes, medium-term notes, pooled investment vehicles and derivative instruments.
•a hedge fund that invests in various other hedge funds.
•funds that invest in underlying funds that acquire, manage, and dispose of real estate properties, with a focus on properties in the U.S. and the UK markets.
(l)This category comprises funds that may invest in equities, bonds, or derivatives.
Our contributions to U.S. and foreign pension plans during 2022 are expected to be approximately $1.6 million. Contributions to postretirement healthcare plans during 2022 are expected to be approximately $2.7 million.
The following table provides information about the expected benefit payments under its U.S. and foreign plans for each of the five succeeding years and the aggregate of the five years thereafter, net of the annual average Medicare Part D subsidy of approximately $0.1 million:
PensionOther Benefits
2022$22,732 $2,723 
202322,859 2,630 
202423,583 2,432 
202523,976 2,348 
202624,622 2,073 
Years 2027 — 2031127,007 7,388 
We maintain a number of defined contribution savings plans covering eligible U.S. and non-U.S. employees. We partially match employee contributions. Costs related to these plans were $23.2 million, $21.7 million and $17.5 million for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.