Praxair Retirement Savings Plan 2014 Form 11-K


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 11-K
 
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission File Number 1-11037
 
A.
Full title of the plan and the address of the plan, if different from that of the issuer named below:
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
 
B.
Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address of its principal executive office:
Praxair, Inc.
39 Old Ridgebury Road
Danbury, Connecticut 06810-5113

 




Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Index



 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Notes to Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All other schedules required by the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) have been omitted because they are not applicable.




Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Plan Administrator of the
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Danbury, Connecticut

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of the Praxair Retirement Savings Plan (the “Plan”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Plan is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Plan’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The accompanying supplemental schedule of assets (held at end of year) as of December 31, 2014 has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the Plan’s financial statements. The supplemental schedule is the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the supplemental schedule reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the supplemental schedule. In forming our opinion on the supplemental schedule, we evaluated whether the supplemental schedule, including its form and content, is presented in conformity with the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In our opinion, the supplemental schedule is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole.





/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 8, 2015




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Table of Contents
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits
as of December 31, 2014 and 2013




 
 
December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Investments, at fair value (Notes 5 and 6)
 
$
1,544,754,298

 
$
1,507,393,561

Receivables:
 
 
 
 
Participants contributions
 
1,520,450

 
350,902

Employer contributions
 
545,337

 
189,496

Notes receivable from participants
 
41,170,905

 
38,544,614

 
 
43,236,692

 
39,085,012

Total Assets
 
1,587,990,990

 
1,546,478,573

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accrued expenses
 
31,035

 

Total Liabilities
 
31,035

 

Net Assets Available for Benefits, at fair value
 
1,587,959,955

 
1,546,478,573

Adjustment from fair value to contract value for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts (Notes 3, 4 and 5)
 
(4,048,965
)
 
(4,379,231
)
Net Assets Available for Benefits
 
$
1,583,910,990

 
$
1,542,099,342

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements


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Table of Contents
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits
for the Year Ended December 31, 2014



 
 
 
 
Additions to (Deductions from) Net Assets
 
Contributions:
 
Participants
$
52,253,309

Employer
25,543,028

Rollovers from other plans (Note 2)
3,473,331

Total contributions
81,269,668

Investment income:
 
Net appreciation in fair value of investments (Note 5)
33,105,230

Interest and dividends
24,964,681

Total net investment income
58,069,911

Interest income on notes receivable from participants
882,328

 
 
Benefit payments to participants
(135,374,952
)
Administrative expenses
(197,747
)
                         Total Deductions
(135,572,699
)
Increase in Net Assets Before Transfers
4,649,208

Transfers from other plans (Note 9)
37,162,440

Net Increase in Net Assets Available for Benefits
41,811,648

Net Assets Available for Benefits
 
Beginning of year
1,542,099,342

End of year
$
1,583,910,990

 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements


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Table of Contents
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 and 2013



Note 1 - Inception of the Plan

Praxair, Inc. (the “Company”) established The Savings Program for Employees of Praxair, Inc. and Participating Subsidiary Companies on June 30, 1992. Effective July 1, 2002, the Plan was renamed the Praxair Retirement Savings Plan (the “Plan”).

Note 2 - Description of the Plan
The following description of the Plan provides only general information. Participants should refer to the Plan document, as amended, for a complete description of the Plan's provisions. The following information does not apply to employees covered under a bargaining unit agreement. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should refer to such agreement for the terms applicable to them.
General
The Plan is a defined contribution plan and is administered by the Administration and Investment Committee for the Praxair Retirement Savings Plan (the “Administrator”). The activities of the Administrator are overseen by the Finance and Pension Committee of the Board of Directors of Praxair, Inc. The Trustee of the Plan’s assets is Fidelity Management Trust Company (“Fidelity”). The Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) as amended.
Eligibility
All regular full-time employees (as defined in the Plan) of the Company and any of its affiliates that have adopted the Plan are eligible to participate in the Plan. Part-time employees (as defined in the Plan) of the Company and its participating affiliates are eligible to participate in the Plan following their completion of certain minimum service requirements as set forth in the Plan.
Contributions
Participant contributions to the Plan are made through payroll deductions. Contributions for all Plan participants are calculated as a percentage of compensation (as defined in the Plan) based on contribution limits established by the Administrator. Non-highly compensated employees (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”)) are allowed to contribute up to 40% of their eligible compensation on either a before-tax, after-tax, or Roth basis in any combination. Highly compensated employees are allowed to contribute up to 15% of eligible compensation, in any combination of before-tax, after-tax or Roth contributions.
The Plan must meet the actual deferral percentage tests in Section 401(k)(3)(A) of the Code. All participants’ before-tax contributions are limited, however, to an indexed annual amount prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), which amounted to $17,500 in 2014. All employees who are eligible to make deferrals under the Plans and who have attained age 50 before the close of the Plan year, may elect to make additional “catch-up” contributions for the Plan year. The maximum catch-up contribution amount permitted under the Code was $5,500 in 2014.
Participants are able to designate part or all of their future contributions as Roth 401(k) contributions. Roth 401(k) contributions are made on an after-tax basis and are eligible for Company matching contributions. The combined Roth 401(k) and pre-tax 401(k) contributions cannot exceed the annual IRS or Plan limits specified above.
Participants meeting certain minimum age and/or Plan participation requirements are able to convert part or all their 401(k) pre-tax and Company contribution account balances into designated Roth 401(k) account balances.
 
Amounts converted to Roth 401(k) are subject to income tax in the year of conversion, but are free from income tax upon distribution, as long as it has been at least five years since the participant first made Roth contributions (including the conversion) to the Plan and the participant is at least age 591/2.
All newly hired eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the Plan at a pre-tax contribution rate of 5% of eligible compensation, unless the employee affirmatively elects not to participate in the Plan or elects to participate at a different rate. Prior to being automatically enrolled in the Plan, each newly hired eligible employee is provided a notice of the Plan’s automatic enrollment provisions and is given a period of time during which to opt out of Plan participation. Newly hired

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Table of Contents
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 and 2013



eligible employees may also voluntarily elect to enroll in the Plan with an effective date prior to the date they would otherwise be automatically enrolled and may elect a contribution rate other than 5% of eligible compensation.
All participants, including those who are automatically enrolled, may change or suspend their level of Plan contributions at any time.
Except for those employed by the Company's Praxair Distribution business unit (“PDI”), the Company matching contribution available to a Plan participant is determined based on the component of the Plan in which the participant participates. For all Plan participants hired after April 30, 2002 and those Plan participants hired prior to May 1, 2002 who elected to be covered by the Account-Based Design feature of the Plan, the Plan provides for a Company matching contribution equal to 100% of the first 5% of compensation contributed by the participant. For Plan participants who were employees of the Company as of April 30, 2002, and elected to be covered under the Traditional Design feature of the Plan, the Plan provides for a Company matching contribution equal to 70% of the first 2 1/2% of the participant’s compensation contributed to the Plan and 40% of the next 5% of the participant’s compensation contributed to the Plan. The Company matching contributions are made in cash and immediately invested in accordance with the participant’s investment directions.

In lieu of the Company matching contributions and other Company contributions described above, Plan participants who are regular/full-time employees of PDI (other than those employed by Praxair Distribution Southeast, LLC (“PDSE”)) are immediately eligible for Company contributions as outlined below. Participants employed by PDSE are subject to a two year of service waiting period before being eligible to receive Company contributions under the Plan. In addition, part-time employees of PDI are only eligible to receive Company contributions under the Plan after their completion of certain minimum service requirements as set forth in the Plan. Prior to January 1, 2013, these Company contributions were made to the PDI plan.
The Company will make a contribution on behalf of eligible PDI participants according to the following table. One age point is granted for each year of age, and one point for each full year of Company service. Points are determined at the beginning of the Plan year. The Company contribution is a percent of compensation (as defined in the Plan). The contribution will be made at the end of each pay period. Participants not employed by PDI are not eligible to receive these Company contributions.
 
Age and
Service Points
 
Under 30
points
 
30 - 39
points
 
40 - 49
points
 
50 - 54
points
 
55 or more
points
Company contribution
 
2.0
%
 
2.5
%
 
3.0
%
 
4.0
%
 
5.0
%
Participants’ Account Activity
Participant accounts are credited with participant and Company contributions and investment returns which are based upon each participant’s investment direction. Participant accounts are charged for withdrawals and Plan administrative expenses. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the participant’s vested account.
Vesting

Except as provided below, participants are fully vested in their Plan account balances at all times. Participants employed by PDI are at all times fully vested in their own contributions, Company contributions made prior to July 1, 2004, and rollover contributions. Participants employed by PDI (other than those employed by PDSE), become fully vested in Company contributions made on or after July 1, 2004 after completing three years of service. Unvested Company contributions are forfeited following separation from the Company and may be used to reduce future Company contributions or for Plan expenses.
Investment Options
Plan participants may, subject to certain restrictions, direct the investment of their Plan accounts among various investment options offered by the Plan listed below:
 
Mutual Funds
Common Trusts
Praxair Common Stock Fund
Participants may change the investment election of their contributions and existing balances at any time.

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Table of Contents
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 and 2013



Dividend Payout on Company Stock Funds
A portion of the Plan consisting of the Praxair Common Stock Fund has been designated as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”). A dividend payout feature allows participants to elect to receive any future dividends from the Praxair Common Stock Fund in cash as taxable distributions, rather than having such dividends reinvested in the Plan. The designation as an ESOP has no other effect on benefits under the Plan.
Withdrawals and Distributions
Plan participants may generally withdraw after-tax contributions from their account balances while working and, in limited cases (as defined in the Plan's provisions), may withdraw before-tax contributions. Mandatory distributions from the Plan are required to begin no later than April 1 of the year following the year in which a participant attains age 70 1/2 or retires from service with the Company, whichever is later. Actively employed participants may begin receiving distributions of pre-tax contributions at age 59 1/2.
Notes Receivable from Participants (Participant Loans)
The Plan generally permits participants to borrow from their accounts a minimum of $1,000 up to the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of their vested account balances. Participants are permitted to have up to two loans outstanding at any time. Certain other restrictions apply, as defined in the Plan.
Loans are repaid during fixed terms not to exceed five years (thirty years for principal home loans). Principal and interest are paid ratably, generally through payroll deductions. The loans are collateralized by the balance in the participant’s account and bear interest at fixed rates determined at loan inception. The loan interest rate is set quarterly at a rate equal to 1% less than the prime rate. Interest rates on loans outstanding as of December 31, 2014 ranged from 2.25% to 9.40%, with various maturity dates through 2045. A loan application fee of $35 is charged to the participant’s account for each new loan.
Loans to participants are carried at unpaid principal balance plus accrued but unpaid interest. No allowances for credit losses have been recorded as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. Participant loans are deemed delinquent 90 days after the loan repayment is due and unpaid and are recorded as a distribution in accordance with the terms of the Plan and applicable law. Notes receivable from participants on the Statement of Net Assets Available for Benefits are presented net of delinquent participant loans of $822,951 and $742,227 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Rollovers
Rollovers represent transfers of account balances of certain participants into certain investments of the Plan from other qualified plans or from individual retirement accounts.
Unclaimed Benefits and Forfeitures
The benefit payable on behalf of a participant who cannot be located by the Administrator is forfeited at such time as the Administrator has made the determination. However, the forfeiture will be restored to the participant's account by the Administrator if such participant subsequently makes a valid claim for the benefit. In limited circumstances, when a participant is automatically enrolled in the Plan then subsequently elects not to participate in the Plan, his or her Company matching contribution will be forfeited. In addition, Company contributions made on behalf of participants employed by PDI (with the exception of PDSE) are forfeited if the participant does not complete three years of service with the Company. Amounts forfeited under the Plan shall be applied either to pay the Plan’s administrative expenses or to reduce future Company contributions. The amounts of forfeiture balances at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $144,866 and $102,453, respectively. The amount of forfeitures used to reduce employer contributions in 2014 was $366,684.
 

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Method of Accounting
The financial statements of the Plan are prepared under the accrual method of accounting.
Investment contracts held by a defined contribution plan are required to be reported at fair value. However, contract value is the relevant measurement attribute for that portion of the net assets available for benefits of a defined contribution plan attributable to fully benefit-responsive investment contracts because contract value is the amount participants would receive if they were to

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Table of Contents
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 and 2013



initiate permitted transactions under the terms of the plan. The Statement of Net Assets Available for Benefits presents the fair value of the investment contracts as well as the adjustment of the fully benefit-responsive investment contracts from fair value to contract value. The Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits is prepared using the contract value basis for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates
Payment of Benefits
Benefits are recorded when paid.
Investment Valuation and Income Recognition
Plan investments are reported at fair value which is determined based upon quoted market prices or using observable market based inputs, other than quoted market prices, for similar investments. Funds are valued on a daily basis. Shares of mutual funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held by the Plan at year-end. The fair value per unit of investments in common trusts is determined by each fund’s trustee based on the fair value of the underlying securities within that fund.
As required by the standard, investments in the accompanying Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits include fully benefit-responsive investment contracts recognized at fair value with a corresponding adjustment to reflect these investments at contract value. The Fidelity Managed Income Portfolio (“MIP”) II Class 3 Fund is stated at fair value in accordance with the provisions of the standard. Contract value represents contributions made plus earnings, less Plan withdrawals and administrative expenses.
Purchases and sales of securities are recorded on a trade-date basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
The Plan presents in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits the net appreciation in the fair value of its investments which consists of the realized gains or losses and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on those investments.
 
Risks and Uncertainties
The Plan provides various investment options that invest in any combination of stocks, bonds, fixed income securities and other investment securities. These investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market and credit risks. Due to the level of risk and uncertainty associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect participants’ account balances and the amounts reported in the Statement of Net Assets Available for Benefits.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards to be Implemented

Fair Value Measurement - In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued updated guidance on the disclosure requirements for certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient as defined in ASC Topic 820. The new guidance removes the requirement to categorize such investments within the fair value hierarchy. This guidance will be effective for Praxair for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. Praxair does not expect this requirement to significantly change its current fair value disclosures.
Note 4 - Reconciliation of Financial Statements to Form 5500

The accompanying financial statements present fully benefit-responsive contracts at contract value. The Form 5500 presents fully benefit-responsive contracts at fair value. As a result, the adjustment from contract value to fair value for fully benefit-responsive contracts represents a reconciling item between these financial statements and Form 5500.



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Table of Contents
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 and 2013



The following is a reconciliation of net assets available for benefits per the financial statements at December 31, 2014 and 2013 to Form 5500:
 
 
2014
 
2013
Net assets available for benefits per the financial statements
 
$
1,583,910,990

 
$
1,542,099,342

Adjustment from contract to fair value for fully benefit- responsive contracts
 
4,048,965

 
4,379,231

Net assets available for benefits per the Form 5500
 
$
1,587,959,955

 
$
1,546,478,573

The following is a reconciliation of the net investment income per the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 to the Form 5500:
 
2014
Total investment income per the financial statements
$
58,069,911

Adjustment from contract to fair value for fully benefit-responsive contracts as of December 31, 2014
4,048,965

Adjustment from contract to fair value for fully benefit-responsive contracts as of December 31, 2013
(4,379,231
)
Total investment income per the Form 5500
$
57,739,645

 
 
Note 5 - Investments
Individual investments held by the Plan that exceed five percent of the Plan’s net assets available for benefits at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are noted below:
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
Praxair Common Stock Fund
 
$
399,740,447

 
$
421,162,928

Fidelity MIP II Class 3 Fund (contract value—$277,275,732
and $306,725,322, respectively)
 
281,324,697

 
311,104,553

Northern Trust S&P 500 Index
 
132,029,193

 
*

BlackRock Lifepath Index 2025
 
119,472,032

 
*

BlackRock Lifepath Index 2020
 
113,238,853

 
*

BlackRock Lifepath Index 2030
 
87,677,106

 
*

Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund
 
*

 
112,882,395

Invesco VK Small Cap Value Fund Class Y
 
*

 
102,627,295

Spartan 500 Index Fund
 
*

 
98,218,327

Columbia Acorn Fund - Class Z
 
*

 
81,176,041

*
Not applicable, investment option was not available in respective periods
The Fidelity MIP II Class 3 Fund, a commingled pool, is a stable value fund that may invest in investment contracts issued by insurance companies and other financial institutions, fixed income securities and money market funds and is presented in the financial statements at fair value and is adjusted to contract value because certain of the fund's investments are fully benefit-responsive investment contracts. Contract value represents contributions made, plus earnings, less participant withdrawals and administrative expenses. Participants may ordinarily direct the withdrawal or transfer of all or a portion of their investment at contract value during the term of the contract. There is no reserve against the contract value for credit risk of the contract issuer or otherwise. The investment contract and fixed income security commitments are backed solely by the financial resources of the issuer. If an event occurs that may impair the ability of the contract issuer to perform in accordance with the contract terms, fair value may be less than contract value. Certain events limit the ability of the Plan to transact at contract value with the issuer. Such events include the following: (i) amendments to the plan documents (including complete or partial termination or merger into an external plan); (ii) bankruptcy of the Plan sponsor or other Plan sponsor events (e.g. divestitures or spin-offs of a subsidiary) which cause a significant withdrawal from the plan. The Plan Administrator does not believe that the occurrence of any such event, which would limit the Plan’s ability to transact at contract value with participants, is probable. The average

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Table of Contents
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 and 2013



yield based on actual earnings was approximately 2% at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The average yield based on interest credited to participants was approximately 1% at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Effective October 31, 2014, the following fifteen new investment options were added to the Plan and participants also have the availability of a limited self directed brokerage account through Fidelity's BrokerageLink program:
    
BlackRock Lifepath Index Retirement
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2020
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2025
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2030
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2035
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2040
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2045
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2050
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2055
BlackRock Russell 1000 Growth Index
BlackRock Russell 1000 Value Index
Northern Trust S&P 500 Index
BlackRock MSCI EAFE Equity Index
Vanguard Total International Bond Index AD
BlackRock Emerging Markets Index
During 2014, the Plan’s investments (including gains and losses on investments bought and sold, as well as held during the year) appreciated in value as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Praxair Common Stock Fund
$
1,675,490

Mutual funds
23,312,604

Common trusts
8,117,136

 
 
 
$
33,105,230

 
 
 
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value in three broad levels as follows:
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable
Level 3 – inputs that are unobservable (for example cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions) and significant to the fair value measurement.
The asset or liability's fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
The following tables summarize investment assets measured at fair value at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 

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Table of Contents
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 and 2013



Investment Assets at Fair Value at December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Mutual Funds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-Cap
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Mid-Cap
 

 

 

 

Small-Cap
 

 

 

 

Balanced
 

 

 

 

International
 
5,326,304

 

 

 
5,326,304

Emerging Markets Bond
 

 

 

 

Domestic Bond
 
57,978,333

 

 

 
57,978,333

       BrokerageLink
 
18,592,520

 
 
 
 
 
18,592,520

Praxair Common Stock Fund
 
399,740,447

 

 

 
399,740,447

Common Trusts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-Cap
 

 
188,003,902

 

 
188,003,902

Small-Mid-Cap
 

 
39,354,196

 

 
39,354,196

International
 

 
34,620,784

 

 
34,620,784

Domestic Bond
 

 
281,324,697

 

 
281,324,697

Target-Date
 
$

 
$
519,813,115

 
$

 
$
519,813,115

Total
 
$
481,637,604

 
$
1,063,116,694

 
$

 
$
1,544,754,298

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Assets at Fair Value at December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Mutual Funds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-Cap
 
$
221,364,512

 
$

 
$

 
$
221,364,512

Mid-Cap
 
81,176,041

 

 

 
81,176,041

Small-Cap
 
102,627,295

 

 

 
102,627,295

Balanced
 
136,825,679

 

 

 
136,825,679

International
 
71,159,600

 

 

 
71,159,600

Emerging Markets Bond
 
33,280,853

 

 

 
33,280,853

Domestic Bond
 
47,643,094

 

 

 
47,643,094

       BrokerageLink
 
7,753,048

 

 

 
7,753,048

Praxair Common Stock Fund
 
421,162,928

 

 

 
421,162,928

Common Trusts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large-Cap
 

 
43,490,641

 

 
43,490,641

       Small-Mid-Cap
 

 
10,965,750

 

 
10,965,750

International
 

 
18,821,141

 

 
18,821,141

Domestic Bond
 

 
311,122,979

 

 
311,122,979

Total
 
$
1,122,993,050

 
$
384,400,511

 
$

 
$
1,507,393,561

 
There are no plan liabilities required to be recorded at fair value at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies for the Plan assets measured at fair value. There have been no changes to the methodologies used at December 31, 2014 and 2013, nor were there any transfers between levels 1 and 2 during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Mutual Funds—Large-Cap – This class primarily consists of publicly traded funds of registered investment companies. The mutual funds invest primarily in marketable equity securities with companies that have large market capitalizations. The fair value of these investments is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the mutual funds. The net asset value of the mutual fund’s shares is the closing price as quoted on the exchange where the fund is traded and, therefore, classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy.

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Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 and 2013



Mutual Funds—Mid-Cap – This class primarily consists of publicly traded funds of registered investment companies. The mutual funds invest primarily in marketable equity securities with companies that have moderate market capitalizations. The fair value of these investments is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the mutual funds. The net asset value of the mutual fund’s shares is the closing price as quoted on the exchange where the fund is traded and, therefore, classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy.
Mutual Funds—Small-Cap – This class primarily consists of publicly traded funds of registered investment companies. The mutual funds invest primarily in marketable equity securities with companies that have small market capitalizations. The fair value of these investments is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the mutual funds. The net asset value of the mutual fund’s shares is the closing price as quoted on the exchange where the fund is traded and, therefore, classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy.
Mutual Funds—Balanced – This class primarily consists of publicly traded funds of registered investment companies. The mutual funds invest primarily in marketable equity and fixed income securities. The fair value of these investments is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the mutual funds. The net asset value of the mutual fund’s shares is the closing price as quoted on the exchange where the fund is traded and, therefore, classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy.
Mutual Funds—International – This class primarily consists of publicly traded funds of registered investment companies. The mutual funds invest primarily in international marketable equity securities. The fair value of these investments is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the mutual funds. The net asset value of the mutual fund’s shares is the closing price as quoted on the exchange where the fund is traded and, therefore, classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy.
Mutual Funds – Emerging Markets Bond – This class primarily consists of publicly traded funds of registered investment companies. The mutual funds invest primarily in fixed income securities within emerging markets. The fair value of these investments is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the mutual funds. The net asset value of the mutual fund’s shares is the closing price as quoted on the exchange where the fund is traded and, therefore, classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy.
Mutual Funds – Domestic Bond – This class primarily consists of publicly traded funds of registered investment companies. The mutual funds invest primarily in fixed income securities within the domestic market. The fair value of these investments is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the mutual funds. The net asset value of the mutual fund’s shares is the closing price as quoted on the exchange where the fund is traded and, therefore, classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy.
Mutual Funds – BrokerageLink – This class primarily consists of publicly traded funds of registered investment companies. The participants have the ability to invest in Fidelity managed mutual funds and non-Fidelity managed mutual funds available through Fidelity. The fair value of these investments is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the mutual funds. The net asset value of the mutual fund’s shares is the closing price as quoted on the exchange where the fund is traded and, therefore, classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy.
Praxair Common Stock Fund – The Praxair Common Stock Fund is an employer stock unitized fund. The fund consists of Praxair, Inc. common stock and a short-term cash component, which provides liquidity for daily trading. Praxair, Inc. common stock is valued at the quoted closing market price from a national securities exchange and the short term cash investments are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. The Praxair Common Stock Fund is classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy.
Common Trusts – Large-Cap – This class consists of private funds that invest primarily in marketable equity securities with large market capitalizations. The net asset value of the common trusts is provided by the trustee and is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the trust, which are valued primarily through the use of directly or indirectly observable inputs. Common trusts are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
Common Trusts – Small-Mid-Cap – This class consists of private funds that invest primarily in marketable equity securities with small or moderate market capitalizations. The net asset value of the common trusts is provided by the trustee and is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the trust, less its liabilities, which are valued primarily

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Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 and 2013



through the use of directly or indirectly observable inputs. Common trusts are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
Common Trusts – International – This class consists of private funds that invest primarily in international marketable equity securities and other investments. The net asset value of the common trusts is provided by the trustee and is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the trust, less its liabilities, which are valued primarily through the use of directly or indirectly observable inputs. Common trusts are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
Common Trusts – Domestic Bond – This class consists of a commingled stable value fund that primarily invests in domestic fixed income securities, money market funds and may invest in investment contracts issued by insurance companies and other financial institutions. The net asset value of the common trusts is provided by the trustee and is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the trust, less its liabilities, which are valued primarily through the use of directly or indirectly observable inputs. Common trusts are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
Common Trusts – Target-Date – This class consists of a collective investment trust that is broadly diversified across global asset classes. The asset allocation between equity and fixed income becomes more conservative over time as the target date approaches the retirement year. The net asset value of the common trusts is provided by the trustee and is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities of the trust, less liabilities, which are valued primarily through the use of directly or indirectly observable inputs. Common trusts are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
Note 7 - Tax Status
The IRS determined and informed the Company by a letter dated August 21, 2014 that the Plan and related trust were designed in accordance with applicable sections of the Code. Although the Plan has been amended since the date it was submitted to the IRS, the Plan Administrator and counsel believe that in design and operation, the Plan continues to operate in accordance with applicable law.
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require Plan management to evaluate tax positions taken by the Plan and recognize a tax liability (or asset) if the Plan has taken an uncertain position that more likely than not would not be sustained upon examination by federal, state and/or local taxing authorities. The Administrator has analyzed the tax positions taken by the Plan and has concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, there are no uncertain positions taken or expected to be taken that would require recognition of a liability (or asset) or disclosure in the financial statements. The Plan is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions. The Administrator believes the Plan is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2011.
Note 8 - Plan Expenses
Fees incurred by the Plan for investment management services are included in net appreciation in fair value of investments. Administrative fees are paid by the Plan in accordance with Plan provisions and allocated to Plan participant accounts based upon account balances. Plan participants are charged a rate of 0.02% of their account balance on a monthly basis. These fees, which are accumulated and paid out of the Fidelity MIP II Class 3 Fund, are intended to cover all administrative expenses incurred by the Plan. To the extent deductions from participant accounts were insufficient to cover the total cost of the Plan, the difference would be paid by the Company. No plan expenses were paid by the Company during 2014.
Note 9 - Transfers of Participants from Other Plans
The amounts reflected in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits represent the balances of participants that were transferred into the Plan during the Plan year, either through trust to trust transfers or plan mergers, from the following: (1) the Praxair Distribution Mid-Atlantic, LLC. ("PDMA") 401k Plan, (2) the Acetylene Oxygen Company 401(k) Plan, (3) the Lake Welding Supply Company 401(k) Plan, and (4) the United Welding Supplies LLC 401(k) Plan.
Note 10 - Parties-in-Interest Transactions
Certain Plan investments are shares of mutual funds managed by Fidelity. Fidelity is the trustee as defined by the Plan; therefore, these transactions qualify as party-in-interest transactions. Certain Plan investments include shares of common stock of Praxair, Inc., the Plan Sponsor; therefore, these transactions qualify as party-in-interest transactions. Loans to participants also qualify as party-in-interest transactions.

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Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2014 and 2013



Note 11 - Plan Termination
Although it has not expressed any intent to do so, the Company has the right under the Plan's provisions to terminate the Plan at its sole discretion. Upon such termination, the net assets of the Plan will be distributed or sold exclusively for the benefit of the participants (or their beneficiaries).




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Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
EIN: 06-1249050, Plan Number: 334
Schedule H, line 4i – Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year)
as of December 31, 2014 





(a)
(b)
Identity of issue, borrower, lessor or similar party
(c)
Description of investment including maturity date, rate of interest, collateral, par or maturity value
(d)
Cost
(e)
Current value
 
 
 
 
 
*
Praxair Common Stock Fund
Stock Fund
**
$
399,740,447

*
Fidelity MIP II Class 3 Fund
Common/Collective Trust
**
281,324,697

 
Northern Trust S&P 500 Index
Common/Collective Trust
**
132,029,193

 
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2025
Common/Collective Trust
**
119,472,032

 
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2020
Common/Collective Trust
**
113,238,853

 
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2030
Common/Collective Trust
**
87,677,106

 
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2035
Common/Collective Trust
**
62,499,455

 
Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Institutional Plus
Mutual Fund
**
57,978,333

 
BlackRock Lifepath Index Retirement
Common/Collective Trust
**
56,766,491

 
State Street Global Advisors Russell Small / Mid Cap Index Fund
Common/Collective Trust
**
39,354,196

 
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2040
Common/Collective Trust
**
38,582,392

 
BlackRock Russell 1000 Growth Index
Common/Collective Trust
**
31,113,218

 
BlackRock Russell 1000 Value Index
Common/Collective Trust
**
24,861,491

 
BlackRock MSCI EAFE Equity Index
Common/Collective Trust
**
24,437,229

 
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2045
Common/Collective Trust
**
23,796,092

*
Brokeragelink
Mutual Fund
**
18,592,520

 
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2050
Common/Collective Trust
**
12,684,308

 
BlackRock Emerging Markets Index
Common/Collective Trust
**
10,183,555

 
Vanguard Total International Bond Index AD
Mutual Fund
**
5,326,304

 
BlackRock Lifepath Index 2055
Common/Collective Trust
**
5,096,386

 
Total investments, at fair value
 
 
1,544,754,298

*
Notes receivable from participants
Rates ranging 2.25% to 9.4%; maturities through 2045
 
41,170,905

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments, at fair value and notes receivable from participants
 
 
$
1,585,925,203

 
*
Party-in-interest as defined by ERISA
**
Cost information is not required for participant directed investments and, therefore, is not included


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Signature



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Administrator of the Plan has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
 
 
 
 
Date: June 8, 2015
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/    Matthew J. White       
 
 
 
 
 
 
Matthew J. White,
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman of the Administration and Investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
Committee for the Praxair Retirement Savings Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(On behalf of the Plan)

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Index to Exhibit


Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
23.01
  
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 


18