"[T]he cost of purchasing annuities for retirees decreased moderately over July 2013, from 109.4% to 108.7% of the accounting liability and the economic cost of retaining the retirees remained level at 108.2% of the accounting liability. The cost of annuitization relative to the economic cost of retaining the liabilities decreased during July and is currently only approximately 50 basis points indicating that buyout premiums are potentially attractive for sponsors when compared with all-in retention costs[.]"

MORE >>