NFL Scores Big in 401(k) Ranking

It’s that time of year—gifts, parties, booze and BrightScope’s year-end list of the top 30 401(k) plans. So who’s doing it right?

In its seventh year of ranking plans with over $1 billion in assets, the San Diego-based research firm reports that plan quality has steadily increased and target date funds are experiencing growth spikes. However, it also found that participation rates fell nearly one percent year-over-year and average account balances have decreased by nearly $10,000 since last year’s list.

“It’s encouraging to see the average plan rating continue to improve, demonstrating employers recognize the importance a high quality 401k plan plays in helping employees retire with dignity,” Mike Alfred, CEO and co-founder of BrightScope, said in a statement.

Noteworthy findings since BrightScope’s last release:

• The NFL Player Second Career Savings Plan, new to the list in 2013, claims the No. 1 spot for the third year
• The Astrazeneca Savings and Security Plan jumps from No. 22 in 2014 to No. 6 this year with the help of increased company generosity and higher salary deferrals
• Other major moves since 2014 include the Anadarko Employee Savings Plan from No. 28 to No. 11 and Novartis Corporation Investment Savings Plan from No. 30 to No. 20
• BrightScope gives a warm welcome to new honorees: the Agilent Technologies, Inc. 401(k) Plan (No. 12), Pfizer Savings Plan (No. 16), BASF Corporation Retirement Savings Plan (No. 24), Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan (No. 25), Sanofi U.S. Group Savings Plan (No. 26), Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Savings and Investment Program (No. 27), The 401(k) Savings and Profit Sharing Plan of McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc. and its Subsidiaries (No. 28), Allergan, Inc. Savings and Investment Plan (No. 30)
• BrightScope welcomes back Chevron Employee Savings Investment Plan (No. 9) who previously ranked in the Top 30 plan list in 2009

The entire list of the 2015 Top 30 401k Plans with more than $1 billion in assets: