--- title: "Funded status of largest US corporate pension plans now well over 100% for year-end 2025 | WTW Stock News" type: "News" locale: "en" url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/271547075.md" description: "The funded status of the largest U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plans improved to 104% at the end of 2025, up from 101% in 2024, according to WTW's analysis of 349 Fortune 1000 companies. This increase is attributed to strong market returns and stable interest rates. While well-funded plans have seen significant surplus growth, underfunded plans continue to face challenges. Pension plan assets totaled $1.16 trillion, with average investment returns estimated at 11%. Companies are advised to adopt a holistic approach to funding and investment strategies in 2026." datetime: "2026-01-05T08:59:00.000Z" locales: - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/271547075.md) - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/271547075.md) - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/271547075.md) --- # Funded status of largest US corporate pension plans now well over 100% for year-end 2025 | WTW Stock News **Funded status of largest plans shows strong improvement to 104%, WTW analysis finds** NEW YORK, Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The funded status of the nation’s largest corporate defined benefit (DB) pension plans improved significantly in 2025, according to an analysis by WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company. WTW examined pension plan data for 349 Fortune 1000 companies that sponsor U.S. DB pension plans and have a December fiscal year-end date. The aggregate pension funded status of these plans at the end of 2025 is estimated to be 104% , an increase from 101% at the end of 2024. Pension obligations declined slightly from $1.16 trillion at the end of 2024 to an estimated $1.11 trillion at the end of 2025. **Fortune** **1000 aggregate pension plan funding levels** Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025\* Aggregate level 77% 81% 84% 78% 77% 89% 81% 81% 81% 85% 86% 87% 88% 95% 98% 98% 101% 104% \*Estimated “In 2025, the primary driver of improved funded statuses has been strong market returns, with interest rates remaining relatively stable and having minimal impact on pension liabilities,” said Jonathan Sterbanz, senior director, Retirement, WTW. “Although plan sponsors have taken many steps to reduce funded status risk, they are still positioned to benefit from strong market performance, particularly as more plans move into a surplus position. This positions these plan sponsors to consider their options for deploying that surplus.” According to the analysis, pension plan assets remained strong in 2025, finishing the year at $1.16 trillion. Overall investment returns are estimated to have averaged 11% in 2025, although returns varied significantly by asset class. Domestic large capitalization equities increased by 18%, while domestic small/mid-capitalization equities rose by 12%. Long corporate and long government bonds, typically used in liability-driven investing strategies, realized gains of 8% and 6%, respectively. “Despite the significant improvement in aggregate funded status in 2025, there remains a divide between well-funded and underfunded plans. While there has been a significant increase in surplus for well-funded plans, it has been more challenging for the funded status of underfunded plans to improve. Sponsors whose plans aren’t fully funded will want to monitor the potential for required contributions, perhaps getting ahead with planned funding, and examining their investment strategy while being mindful of short-term volatility. Ultimately, taking a holistic approach – combining investment, funding and risk transfer actions – will be prudent in 2026,” said Fred Lamm, managing director, Retirement, WTW. **About the analysis** WTW analyzed 349 Fortune 1000 companies with December fiscal year-end dates for which complete data were available. The 2025 figures are estimates of U.S. plan assets and liabilities. The earlier figures are actual. Actual year-end 2025 results will be publicly available in a few months. **About WTW** At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance. Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com. **Media contacts** Ileana Feoli: +1 212 309 5504 ileana.feoli@wtwco.com Stacy Bronstein: sbronstein@meritcomms.com ## Related News & Research - [Geopolitical and AI-related risks among top concerns for directors and officers worldwide, according to Willis | WTW Stock News](https://longbridge.com/en/news/288243374.md) - [Reassessing OMV (WBAG:OMV) Valuation After Strong Recent Share Price Momentum](https://longbridge.com/en/news/288151481.md) - [A Look At Engie (ENXTPA:ENGI) Valuation After Recent Share Price Softness](https://longbridge.com/en/news/288100969.md) - [15:10 ETNobu anuncia la apertura de un restaurante y residencias en Bellevue, Washington](https://longbridge.com/en/news/287810931.md) - [K92 Mining Adds Geology Expertise As Shares Trade Below Valuation Estimates](https://longbridge.com/en/news/288154260.md)