The surface alloys that form between Ce and Pd(1 1 1), Pd(1 0 0) and both unreconstructed and missing-row type Pd(1 1 0) at low Ce coverage (theta(Ce) = 1/9ML) have shown permanent magnetism that is mediated in part by an RKKY-like delocalized Ce 6s-Pd 5s interaction. The Pd 4d states are significantly affected by alloying and their behavior cannot be explained by a purely spin-dependent Hamiltonian. Experimental observations of changes to the Pd 4d states are explained and the implications of Ce/Pd magnetism in reforming catalysis are discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.