Products October 29, 2006

Benefits Consultant Develops Pension Metrics

A Washington, DC-based benefits consultant has released a list of pension metrics intended to give the best indicator of a plan's true performance.
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A Washington, DC-based benefits consultant has released a list of pension metrics intended to give the best indicator of a plan’s true performance.

A news release from Judy Diamond Associates said its six “Diamond Metrics” include:

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• total rate of return,
• rate of return vs. S&P 500,
• average 401(k) contributions,
• 401(k) participation rate,
• commission rate, and
• investment management rate.

After research, these metrics were determined to best quantify plan performance and best identify underperforming plans that need assistance, according to the company.

Based on data from Form 5500 annual financial reports, 495,000 plans underperformed the S&P 500 during their most recent available plan year. Furthermore, the study reported a 67% participation rate.

More information is at http://www.judydiamond.com/.

Deals & People October 29, 2006

CAPTRUST&Plan Advisory Services Link Up

CAPTRUST Financial Advisors, an investment research and advisory firm, announced they have entered into a letter of intent to acquire substantially all of the assets of Philadelphia-based Plan Advisory Services, Inc.
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CAPTRUST Financial Advisors, an investment research and advisory firm, announced they have entered into a letter of intent to acquire substantially all of the assets of Philadelphia-based Plan Advisory Services, Inc.

As a result of the acquisition, CAPTRUST broadens its presence in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut markets, and will now have 30 advisers representing over 500 clients with assets under advisement in excess of $15 billion. As part of the transaction, a majority of the Plan Advisory Services, Inc., staff will join CAPTRUST, including Principal Rick Shoff.

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Plan Advisory Services, Inc., provides independent investment consulting and research services to approximately 70 institutional clients with over $1.7 billion of assets.

Founded more than 17 years ago, CAPTRUST is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. and has offices in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, N.C., Richmond, VA, and Washington D.C.

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