Firemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago, Illinois ... - Fabf.org

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This section presents Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the financial position and performance of
the Firemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago (Plan) for the year ended December 31, 2006. This
discussion is presented as a narrative overview of the financial activities and significant changes of the Plan
and should be read in conjunction with the Plan’s financial statements.
Overview of the Financial Statements
The discussion and analysis which follows is intended to serve as an introduction to the Plan’s basic financial
reporting, including the following statements:
Statement of Plan Net Assets presents the financial position of the Plan at fiscal year-end. It
indicates the assets available for the payment of future benefits and any current liabilities that are
owed as of the statement date. Investments are shown at fair value. All assets and liabilities are
determined on an accrual basis.
Statement of Changes in Plan Net Assets presents the results of activities during the year. All
changes affecting the assets and liabilities of the Plan are reflected on an accrual basis when the
activity occurred, regardless of the timing of the related cash flows. In that regard, changes in the
fair values of investments are included in the year’s activity as net appreciation in fair value of
investments.
Notes to Financial Statements provide additional information that is essential to achieving a better
understanding of the data provided in the financial statements. The notes present information about
the Plan’s accounting policies, significant account balances and activities, material risks, obligations,
and subsequent events, in any.
Required Supplementary and Additional Information Schedules provide detailed, historical
trend information of assets, liabilities and employer contributions presented after the Notes to the
Financial Statements.
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with GASB Pronouncements.
Financial Highlights
The net assets of the Plan increased by $116.8 million, a 9.2% increase during 2006. The increase
in assets was directly attributable to an increase in the value of total investments achieved by strong
investment returns during the year.
The gross rate of return of the investment portfolio for 2006 was 15.5% versus 2005’s return of
10.7%. Above benchmark performance returns across many of the Plan’s equity and fixed income
investments contributed to 2006’s results.
The actuarial funding of the Plan for 2006 was 40.36%, contrasted against 2005’s funding level of
41.75%. The slight decrease in the funding level during 2006 was primarily due to the recognition of
the additional liability attributable to the changes in salary levels resulting from the new 2006
contract between the City of Chicago and Local 2.
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