Milliman analysis: Estimated cost of retiree pension risk transfer climbs from 104.6% to 105.2% in February

SEATTLE, March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today announced the latest results of its new Milliman Pension Buyout Index (MPBI). As the Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) market continues to grow, it has become increasingly important to monitor the annuity market for plan sponsors that are considering transferring retiree pension obligations to an insurer. The MPBI uses the FTSE Above Median AA Curve, along with annuity purchase composite interest rates from insurers, to estimate the average cost of a PRT annuity de-risking strategy.

During February, the estimated cost to transfer retiree pension risk to an insurer rose slightly for the month, with costs ticking up from 104.6% of a plan's total liabilities to 105.2% of those liabilities. This means the estimated retiree PRT cost for the month is now 5.2% more than those plans' retiree accumulated benefit obligation (ABO). February's increase is the result of discount rates decreasing 19 basis points, compared to a 25 basis point drop for annuity purchase rates, so that the relative cost of annuities climbed slightly.

"Plan sponsors considering de-risking strategies amidst the recent market volatility can use the Milliman Pension Buyout Index to better understand cost trends in the market, so as to approach any PRT decisions at the best possible time," says Mary Leong, a consulting actuary with Milliman and co-author of the study.

Plan sponsors should note that the MPBI is an average cost estimate, and individual plan annuity buyouts can vary based on plan size, complexity, and competitive landscape. Furthermore, specific characteristics in plan design or participant population can affect the cost of a pension risk transfer.

To view the complete Milliman Pension Buyout Index, go to www.milliman.com/mpbi.  

About Milliman

Milliman is among the world's largest providers of actuarial and related products and services. The firm has consulting practices in healthcare, property & casualty insurance, life insurance and financial services, and employee benefits. Founded in 1947, Milliman is an independent firm with offices in major cities around the globe.  For further information, visit milliman.com.

SOURCE Milliman, Inc.