DFIN Successfully Completes Pension Plan Termination

Rhea-AI Summary

Donnelley Financial Solutions (NYSE: DFIN) confirmed completion of the termination of its primary defined benefit pension plan in Q3 2025.

The company settled Plan obligations via lump-sum payments and a purchase of a non-participating irrevocable group annuity from a third-party insurer backed by state guarantees, and made a cash contribution of $12.5 million in Q3 2025 to fully fund the Plan. DFIN will recognize a pre-tax non-cash settlement charge of approximately $83 million in Q3 2025 tied to unrealized accumulated Plan losses. The Plan Settlement removes a net liability of approximately $10 million from the balance sheet (about $200 million of obligations and $190 million of assets).

Positive

• $12.5 million cash contribution completed in Q3 2025
• Purchased irrevocable group annuity to transfer benefit risk to insurer
• Net liability removed of ~$10 million from balance sheet

Negative

• Recorded ~$83 million pre-tax non-cash settlement charge in Q3 2025
• Plan obligations of ~$200 million exceeded assets of ~$190 million

Insights

Pension accounting analyst

DFIN closed and settled its frozen defined‑benefit plan, taking an ~$83 million pre‑tax non‑cash charge in Q3 2025.

The company completed the Plan termination in Q3 2025 by funding the plan with a cash contribution of 12.5 million and buying a non‑participating group annuity from an insurer backed by state guarantees, which transferred benefit obligations off the balance sheet.

Remeasurement produced a pre‑tax non‑cash settlement charge of approximately 83 million, driven by recognition of previously unrealized accumulated losses, while the net balance‑sheet liability fell by about 10 million (about 200 million obligations vs 190 million assets). The move reduces future funding volatility and plan‑sponsor risk but creates a near‑term earnings headwind and a modest cash outflow; watch the company’s Q3 2025 statements for the exact EPS and tax effect and subsequent cash flow disclosures within the next reporting cycle.

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: DFIN) ("DFIN" or the "Company") today confirmed the successful completion of the previously announced termination of its primary defined benefit pension plan (the "Plan"), which had been frozen since 2011. The process, which began in 2024, was completed in the third quarter of 2025, at which time the Company settled the Plan obligations through a combination of lump sum payments to certain Plan participants and the purchase of a non-participating irrevocable group annuity contract from a third-party insurer, backed by state guarantees (the "Plan Settlement").

In connection with the Plan Settlement, the Company made a cash contribution of $12.5 million to fully fund the Plan during the third quarter of 2025. As a result of the Plan Settlement, the Company remeasured the Plan's assets and obligations and will recognize a pre-tax non-cash settlement charge of approximately $83 million in its third quarter 2025 results, due to the recognition of unrealized accumulated Plan losses previously reported within accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company's balance sheet. The Plan Settlement results in the removal of a net liability of approximately $10 million (approximately $200 million of Plan obligations and approximately $190 million of Plan assets) from the Company's balance sheet.

"This transaction reflects our continued commitment to prudent financial management and delivering long-term value to our shareholders," said Dave Gardella, Chief Financial Officer. "By fully funding the Plan and partnering with a trusted insurer, we've secured future benefits for Plan participants while reducing risk and further enhancing our financial flexibility."

About DFIN

DFIN is the leading global provider of compliance and regulatory software and services, fueling end-to-end investment company regulatory compliance needs, complex capital markets transactions, and essential financial reporting at every stage of the corporate lifecycle. Our mission is simple: to empower clients with the software and support they need to stay ahead of public company filings, investment company filings, private reporting, and beneficial owner reporting, while enhancing workflow efficiency. We bring deep expertise to every engagement, driving transparency and collaboration built on confidence and reliability. Learn more at DFINsolutions.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Donnelley Financial LLC

FAQ

What did DFIN announce about its pension plan on October 23, 2025?

DFIN announced completion of the Plan termination in Q3 2025, settling obligations via lump sums and an annuity and contributing $12.5M in cash.

How will the DFIN $83 million settlement charge affect Q3 2025 results?

DFIN will recognize a pre-tax non-cash settlement charge of ~ $83M in its Q3 2025 results tied to unrealized accumulated Plan losses.

What balance sheet change did the DFIN pension settlement cause?

The settlement removes a net liability of approximately $10M by settling ~$200M obligations with ~$190M of Plan assets.

Did DFIN pay cash to settle the pension plan and how much?

Yes; DFIN made a $12.5M cash contribution in Q3 2025 to fully fund the Plan.

What method did DFIN use to secure future pension benefits for participants?

DFIN paid lump sums to certain participants and purchased a non-participating irrevocable group annuity from a third-party insurer backed by state guarantees.

Does the pension settlement relieve DFIN of future pension risk?

Yes; by purchasing an irrevocable group annuity, DFIN transferred benefit payment risk to the insurer, reducing the company's pension exposure.