9.Retirement Plans

Effective December 31, 2008, we froze both of our noncontributory defined benefit plans: our pension plan (the “pension plan”) and our unfunded, nonqualified plan (the “restoration plan”), which restores retirement benefits for certain associates who are affected by Internal Revenue Code limitations on benefits provided under the pension plan. No additional benefits have accrued under these plans since that date. In connection with benefits earned prior to December 31, 2008, we have a continuing obligation to fund the pension plan and will continue to recognize net periodic pension expense for both plans. We use a fiscal year end measurement date for both the pension plan and the restoration plan.

Components of Net Pension Expense


		Three Months Ended November 30
(In thousands)		Pension Plan				Restoration Plan				Total
		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
Interest cost	$	2,008	$	1,896	$	113	$	128	$	2,121	$	2,024
Expected return on plan assets		(2,257)		(1,979)		―		―		(2,257)		(1,979)
Recognized actuarial loss		340		418		―		―		340		418
Net pension expense	$	91	$	335	$	113	$	128	$	204	$	463


		Nine Months Ended November 30
(In thousands)		Pension Plan				Restoration Plan				Total
		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
Interest cost	$	6,024	$	5,687	$	339	$	325	$	6,363	$	6,012
Expected return on plan assets		(6,771)		(5,937)		―		―		(6,771)		(5,937)
Recognized actuarial loss		1,020		1,255		―		―		1,020		1,255
Net pension expense	$	273	$	1,005	$	339	$	325	$	612	$	1,330

We made $2.3 million in contributions to the pension plan during the nine months ended November 30, 2014, and anticipate making no additional contributions during the remainder of fiscal 2015. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the pension plan was 7.75% as of February 28, 2014.