THE HERSHEY COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) (amounts in thousands, except share data or if otherwise indicated) Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: The non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans is reflected within other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income (see  Note 17 ). The weighted-average assumptions used in computing the year end benefit obligations were as follows: Assumptions Net Periodic Benefit Cost The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows: December 31, 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligation $ 759,200  $ 709,651  Accumulated benefit obligation 718,335  674,017  Fair value of plan assets 682,299  647,402  Pension Benefits Other Benefits For the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost Service cost $ 21,734  $ 20,878  $ 21,223  $ 159  $ 151  $ 230  Interest cost 26,112  35,756  31,943  6,029  7,837  6,923  Expected return on plan assets (52,907) (54,520) (58,612) —  —  —  Amortization of prior service (credit) cost (7,308) (7,230) (7,202) 300  811  836  Amortization of net loss (gain) 26,952  32,647  26,875  (39) (385) —  Curtailment credit —  —  (299) —  —  —  Settlement loss 13,421  5,498  20,211  —  —  —  Total net periodic benefit cost $ 28,004  $ 33,029  $ 34,139  $ 6,449  $ 8,414  $ 7,989  Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI, pre- tax Actuarial net (gain) loss $ (15,606) $ (52,028) $ 3,715  $ 15,266  $ 23,956  $ (10,771) Prior service cost (credit) 7,310  7,232  7,198  (300) (810) (838) Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, pre-tax $ (8,296) $ (44,796) $ 10,913  $ 14,966  $ 23,146  $ (11,609) Net amounts recognized in periodic benefit cost and AOCI $ 19,708  $ (11,767) $ 45,052  $ 21,415  $ 31,560  $ (3,620) Pension Benefits  Other Benefits December 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Discount rate 2.3  % 3.1  % 2.5  % 3.2  % Rate of increase in compensation levels 3.5  % 3.6  % N/A N/A Interest crediting rate 4.7  % 4.7  % N/A N/A The Hershey Company | 2020 Form 10-K | Page 82 Table of Contents