Description: Near the end of a pension plan's lifespan, after benefit accruals have ceased and the plan has reached fully funded status, a plan sponsor has the option to begin the plan termination process immediately or to maintain the plan for an extended period of time (often referred to as 'hibernation' as an alternative to termination). While immediate termination appeals to some plan sponsors, others choose hibernation for a number of reasons, including paternalism, fiduciary obligations, perceived cost differentials or simple inertia.

Description: This discussion at an SOA Regional Meeting covers adjusted earnings for insurance companies including definition, how it is used, and approaches for different lines of business.

Description: This presentation discusses the proposed accounting standard on postretirement benefits other than pensions. From Record of Society of Actuaries Vol. 16, No. 4B.

Description: At this session 4PD of the SOA Annual Meeting in New York the panel discusses issues stemming from an AAA study of valuation and insurance in 14 countries on 5 continents, and what the U.S. could learn from these findings. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Vol. 24, No. 3.

Description: At this session of the SOA 2004 Annual Meeting rating agency and equity analysts describe the quantitative and qualitative factors that drive insurance company ratings and stock market valuation levels. The analysts identify current issues and concerns for the companies they cover.

Description: This discussion provides a review of the critical relationships with CPA counterparts on topics such as GAAP, Pension Audit Guide, and the accounting practices for mutual life companies. From Record of Society of Actuaries, Vol. 1, No. 2.

Description: This panel discussion is from the 1991 Meeting of the Society of Actuaries, held May 16-17 in New York. The panelists, consisting of certified public accountants, discuss the objectives of the independent audit, the auditor’s report, independence issues, generally accepted auditing standards, ‘GAAS,’ the role of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, ‘AICPA,’ and the Insurance Companies Committee, “ICC,” and relationships with other bodies, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, ‘FASB,’ the Securities and Exchange Commission, ‘SEC,’ and the Society of Actuaries/American Academy of Actuaries. Discussion from participants is included. From the Record of Society of Actuaries, Volume 17, No. 2.

Description: This 1978 panel discussion was on new actuarial standards for in Canada. Topics covered included: 1. The flexibility afforded the Canadian Valuation Actuary under the new Insurance Acts. 2. A comparison to the current GAAP and statutory reporting requirements in the U.S. and to the reporting requirements in the United Kingdom.

Description: This discussion examines the changes made in underwriting limits and new business expenses, operational changes to improve the valuation process, the use of technology, and the effect of field sales offices also being a point of premium collection.

Description: Attendees at session 41 OF of the 2004 Valuation Actuary Symposium are encouraged to send in their hot button issues, as panelists will offer their perspective and encourage participation.