Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2023

Benefit Plans We have various pension and other defined benefits as well as defined contribution plans in which substantially all employees may participate. We also have nonqualified supplemental executive and Board retirement plans. We provide defined life insurance and health care benefits for certain retired employees and Board of Directors participants. The plan is contributory based on years of service and family status, with retiree contributions adjusted annually.

Financial information on changes in projected benefit obligation, plan assets funded and balance sheet status as of August 31, 2023 and 2022, is as follows:


	Qualified Pension Benefits				Nonqualified Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
	2023		2022		2023		2022		2023		2022
	(Dollars in thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	759,173	$	925,239	$	18,257	$	20,604	$	24,524	$	29,069
Service cost	38,579		46,275		1,840		926		670		996
Interest cost	30,588		17,167		741		281		1,035		503
Actuarial loss (gain):
Experience study and mortality updates	2,573		2,941		159		43		—		19
Other demographic experience*	5,181		9,875		1,999		1,313		(553)		717
Discount rate change	(45,216)		(164,543)		(876)		(2,892)		(1,312)		(4,979)
Plan amendments	490		132		—		—		—		—
Settlements	—		—		—		(1,327)		—		—
Benefits paid	(82,857)		(77,913)		(1,140)		(691)		(1,792)		(1,801)
Projected benefit obligation at end of period	$	708,511	$	759,173	$	20,980	$	18,257	$	22,572	$	24,524
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	$	787,422	$	993,124	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Actual (loss) gain on plan assets	(8,415)		(166,789)		—		—		—		—
Company contributions	40,000		39,000		1,140		2,018		1,792		1,801

Benefits paid	(82,857)		(77,913)		(1,140)		(2,018)		(1,792)		(1,801)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	$	736,150	$	787,422	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Funded status at end of period	$	27,639	$	28,249	$	(20,980)	$	(18,257)	$	(22,572)	$	(24,524)
Amounts recognized on balance sheet:
Noncurrent assets	$	27,639	$	28,249	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Accrued benefit cost:
Current liabilities	—		—		(2,880)		(2,300)		(2,170)		(2,290)
Noncurrent liabilities	—		—		(18,100)		(15,957)		(20,402)		(22,234)
Ending balance	$	27,639	$	28,249	$	(20,980)	$	(18,257)	$	(22,572)	$	(24,524)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pretax):
Prior service cost (credit)	$	1,172	$	831	$	(160)	$	(274)	$	(1,380)	$	(1,825)
Net loss (gain)	247,609		235,399		4,294		3,257		(18,096)		(17,846)
Ending balance	$	248,781	$	236,230	$	4,134	$	2,983	$	(19,476)	$	(19,671)

*Other demographic experience is comprised of all demographic experience different than anticipated, including terminations, retirements, deaths, pay, etc.

The accumulated benefit obligation of the qualified pension plans was $678.4 million and $728.9 million as of August 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation of the nonqualified pension plans was $20.9 million and $18.3 million as of August 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Information for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is set forth below:


	Years Ended August 31,
	2023		2022
	(Dollars in thousands)
Projected benefit obligation	$	20,980	$	18,257
Accumulated benefit obligation	20,908		18,257

Components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended August 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, are as follows:


	Qualified Pension Benefits						Nonqualified Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	2023		2022		2021		2023		2022		2021		2023		2022		2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
Components of net periodic benefit costs:
Service cost	$	38,579	$	46,275	$	45,229	$	1,840	$	926	$	433	$	670	$	996	$	1,186
Interest cost	30,588		17,167		16,563		741		281		273		1,035		503		493
Expected return on assets	(43,129)		(43,958)		(43,641)		—		—		—		—		—		—

Prior service cost (credit) amortization	149		174		178		(114)		(114)		(114)		(445)		(445)		(445)
Actuarial loss (gain) amortization	1,872		23,406		21,790		245		478		212		(1,615)		(1,259)		(1,365)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$	28,059	$	43,064	$	40,119	$	2,712	$	1,571	$	804	$	(355)	$	(205)	$	(131)

Components of net periodic benefit costs and amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss (income) for the years ended August 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, are as follows:


	Qualified Pension Benefits						Nonqualified Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	2023		2022		2021		2023		2022		2021		2023		2022		2021
	(Dollars in thousands)
Other comprehensive loss (income):
Prior service cost	$	490	$	132	$	113	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Net actuarial loss (gain)	14,082		59,020		(4,408)		1,282		(1,537)		1,978		(1,865)		(4,243)		(1,163)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	(1,872)		(23,406)		(21,790)		(245)		(478)		(212)		1,615		1,259		1,365
Amortization of prior service (credit) costs	(149)		(174)		(178)		114		114		114		445		445		445
Settlement of retiree obligations (a)	—		—		—		—		(307)		—		—		—		—

Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (income)	$	12,551	$	35,572	$	(26,263)	$	1,151	$	(2,208)	$	1,880	$	195	$	(2,539)	$	647

(a) Reflects amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) to net earnings.

Estimated amortization in fiscal 2024 from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost is as follows:


	Qualified Pension Benefits		Nonqualified Pension Benefits		Other Benefits
	(Dollars in thousands)
Amortization of prior service costs (credit)	$	178	$	(114)	$	(445)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	1,796		380		(1,616)

Plan assumptions for the years ended August 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, are as follows:


	Qualified Pension Benefits						Nonqualified Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	2023		2022		2021		2023		2022		2021		2023		2022		2021
Weighted-average assumptions to determine the net periodic benefit cost:
Interest credit rate	4.65	%	4.65	%	4.65	%	4.65	%	4.65	%	4.65	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Discount rate	4.69	%	2.80	%	2.65 %		4.48	%	2.04	%	2.07 %		4.64	%	2.57	%	2.43 %
Expected return on plan assets	4.88	%	4.88	%	4.90 %		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Rate of compensation increase	4.93	%	4.79	%	4.99 %		4.93	%	4.79	%	4.99 %		N/A		N/A		N/A
Weighted-average assumptions to determine the benefit obligations:
Interest credit rate	4.80	%	4.65	%	4.65	%	4.80	%	4.65	%	4.65	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Discount rate	5.38	%	4.69	%	2.78 %		5.23	%	4.49	%	2.08 %		5.33	%	4.64	%	2.57 %
Rate of compensation increase	4.98	%	4.93	%	4.79 %		4.98	%	4.93	%	4.79 %		N/A		N/A		N/A

A significant assumption for pension costs and obligations is the discount rate. We use a full-yield curve approach by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. The discount rate reflects the rate at which the associated benefits could be effectively settled as of the measurement date. In estimating this rate, we look at rates of return on fixed-income investments of similar duration to the liabilities in the plans that receive high investment-grade ratings by recognized ratings agencies.

An annual analysis of the risk versus the return of the investment portfolio is conducted to justify the expected long-term rate of return assumption. We generally use long-term historical return information for the targeted asset mix identified in asset and liability studies. Adjustments are made to the expected long-term rate of return assumption when deemed necessary, based upon revised expectations of future investment performance of the overall investment markets.

For measurement purposes, a 7.5% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for the year ended August 31, 2023. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.5% by 2031 and remain at that level thereafter. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:


	1% Increase		1% Decrease
	(Dollars in thousands)
Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	170	$	140
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	1,400		1,300

Contributions depend primarily on market returns on the pension plan assets and minimum funding level requirements. During fiscal 2023, we made a discretionary contribution of $40.0 million to the pension plans. Based on the funded status of the qualified pension plans as of August 31, 2023, we do not currently believe we will be required to contribute to these plans in fiscal 2024, although we may voluntarily elect to do so. We expect to pay $5.1 million to participants of the nonqualified pension and postretirement benefit plans during fiscal 2024.

Our retiree benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are anticipated to be paid as follows:


	Qualified Pension Benefits		Nonqualified Pension Benefits		Other Benefits
	(Dollars in thousands)
2024	$	69,100	$	2,880	$	2,170
2025	69,600		3,020		2,280
2026	69,800		2,800		2,220
2027	71,200		2,480		2,180
2028	74,200		2,160		2,060
2029-2033	339,800		8,380		8,570

We have trusts that hold the assets for the defined benefit plans. CHS has a qualified plan committee that sets investment guidelines with the assistance of external consultants. Investment objectives for the plans' assets are as follows:

•Optimize the long-term returns on plan assets at an acceptable level of risk;

•Maintain broad diversification across asset classes and among investment managers; and

•Focus on long-term return objectives.

Asset allocation targets promote optimal expected return and volatility characteristics given the long-term time horizon for fulfilling the obligations of the pension plans. The investment portfolio contains a diversified portfolio of investment categories, including equities, fixed-income securities and real estate. Securities are also diversified in terms of domestic and international securities, short- and long-term securities, growth and value equities, large and small cap stocks, as well as active and passive management styles. Our pension plans' investment policy strategy is such that liabilities match assets. This is being accomplished through the asset portfolio mix by reducing volatility and de-risking the plans. The plans' target allocation percentages range between 45% and 80% for fixed income securities and range between 20% and 55% for equity securities.

The qualified plan committee believes that with prudent risk tolerance and asset diversification, the plans should be able to meet pension obligations in the future.

Our pension plans' recurring fair value measurements by asset category as of August 31, 2023 and 2022, are presented in the tables below:


	2023
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	12,505	$	—	$	—	$	12,505
Equities:

Common/collective trust at net asset value (1)	—		—		—		127,225
Fixed income securities:
Other investments	25,143		86,315		—		111,458
Common/collective trust at net asset value (1)	—		—		—		425,180
Partnership and joint venture interests measured at net asset value (1)	—		—		—		59,782

Total	$	37,648	$	86,315	$	—	$	736,150


	2022
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,472	$	—	$	—	$	7,472
Equities:
Common/collective trust at net asset value (1)	—		—		—		142,730
Fixed income securities:

Common/collective trust at net asset value (1)	—		—		—		550,046
Partnership and joint venture interests measured at net asset value (1)	—		—		—		87,174

Total	$	7,472	$	—	$	—	$	787,422

(1) In accordance with ASC Topic 820-10, Fair Value Measurement, certain assets that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the tables above are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the "Financial information on changes in projected benefit obligation, plan assets funded and balance sheet status" table above.

Definitions for valuation levels are found in Note 16, Fair Value Measurements. We use the following valuation methodologies for assets measured at fair value:

Common/collective trusts. Common/collective trusts primarily consist of equity and fixed income funds and are valued using other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, referenced indices, quoted prices in inactive markets, adjusted quoted prices in active markets, adjusted quoted prices on foreign equity securities that were adjusted in accordance with pricing procedures approved by the trust, etc.

Common/collective trust investments can be redeemed daily and without restriction. Redemption of the entire investment balance generally requires a 45- to 60-day notice period. The equity funds provide exposure to large-, mid- and small-cap U.S. equities, international large- and small-cap equities and emerging market equities. The fixed income funds provide exposure to U.S., international and emerging market debt securities.

Other investments. Other investments are comprised primarily of investments in various government agency obligations and U.S. Treasury securities which are valued using quoted market prices and classified within Level 1, as well as corporate, foreign government, and municipal issue fixed income marketable securities which are valued using institutional bond or broker quotes along with various other market and industry inputs and classified within Level 2.

Partnership and joint venture interests. The net asset value of shares held by the plan at year-end is used to value these assets as a practical expedient for fair value. The net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the trust, minus its liabilities, then divided by the number of units outstanding. Redemptions of these interests generally require a 45- to 60-day notice period.

We are one of approximately 400 employers contributing to the Co-op Retirement Plan ("Co-op Plan"), which is a defined benefit plan constituting a multiple employer plan under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and a multiemployer plan under the accounting standards. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:

•Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers;

•If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers; and

•If we choose to stop participating in the multiemployer plan, we may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability. The withdrawal liability associated with the multiemployer plan was approximately $22.7 million as of August 31, 2023.

Our participation in the Co-op Plan for the years ended August 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, is outlined in the table below:


		Contributions of CHS
		(Dollars in thousands)
Plan Name	EIN/Plan Number	2023		2022		2021		Surcharge Imposed	Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement
Co-op Retirement Plan	01-0689331 / 001	$	1,017	$	955	$	1,172	N/A	N/A

Our contributions for the years stated above did not represent more than 5% of total contributions to the Co-op Plan as indicated in the Co-op Plan's most recently available annual report (Form 5500).

Provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 ("PPA") do not apply to the Co-op Plan because there is a special exemption for cooperative plans if the plan is maintained by more than one employer and at least 85% of the employers are rural cooperatives or cooperative organizations owned by agricultural producers. In the Co-op Plan, a zone status determination is not required, and therefore not determined. In addition, the accumulated benefit obligations and plan assets are not determined or allocated separately by individual employers. The most recent financial statements available in 2023 and 2022 are for the Co-op Plan's year-end at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In total, the Co-op Plan was at least 80% funded on those dates based on the total plan assets and accumulated benefit obligations.

Because the provisions of the PPA do not apply to the Co-op Plan, funding improvement plans and surcharges are not applicable. Future contribution requirements are determined each year as part of the actuarial valuation of the plan and may change as a result of plan experience.

In addition to the contributions to the Co-op Plan listed above, total contributions to individually insignificant multiemployer pension plans were immaterial in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021.

We have other contributory defined contribution plans covering substantially all employees. Total contributions by us to these plans were $38.7 million, $35.0 million and $30.1 million, for the years ended August 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.