Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic pension cost and the cost of other postretirement benefits for the periods presented:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	United States Pension Benefits						Foreign Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
Millions of dollars	2017			2016			2017			2016			2017			2016
Service cost	$	1		$	1		$	1		$	1		$	2		$	2
Interest cost	34			37			5			7			4			4
Expected return on plan assets	(44		)	(47		)	(7		)	(8		)	—			—
Amortization:
Actuarial loss	12			12			2			1			—			—
Prior service credit	(1		)	(1		)	—			—			(4		)	(4		)
Settlement and curtailment loss				—			—			1			—			—
Net periodic cost	$	2		$	2		$	1		$	2		$	2		$	2

The following table summarizes the net periodic cost recognized in operating profit and interest and sundry (income) expense for the periods presented:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	United States Pension Benefits				Foreign Pension Benefits				Other Postretirement Benefits
Millions of dollars	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Operating profit	$	1	$	1	$	1	$	1	$	2	$	2
Interest and sundry (income) expense	1		1		—		1		—		—
Net periodic cost	$	2	$	2	$	1	$	2	$	2	$	2

During the second quarter 2011, we modified retiree medical benefits for certain retirees to be consistent with those benefits provided by the Whirlpool Corporation Group Benefit Plan. We accounted for these changes as a plan amendment in 2011, resulting in a reduction in the postretirement benefit obligation of $138 million, of which approximately $104 million of benefit has been recognized in net earnings since 2011, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax. In response, a group of retirees initiated legal proceedings against Whirlpool asserting the above benefits are vested and changes to the plan are not permitted. We disagree with plaintiffs' assertion and are continuing to vigorously defend our position, including through any necessary appeal process. However, an unfavorable final result could require us to immediately reverse the benefit we have recognized to that point, and remeasure the associated postretirement benefit obligation, the impact of which will depend on timing and the actuarial assumptions then in effect.