Optimal Financial Strategies for Trusteed Pension Plans Author(s): Irwin Tepper Source: The Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Vol. 9, No. 3 (Jun., 1974), pp. 357376 Published by: Cambridge University Press on behalf of the University of Washington School of Business Administration Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2329868 . Accessed: 15/01/2015 02:41 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp . JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. . Cambridge University Press and University of Washington School of Business Administration are collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to The Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis. http://www.jstor.org This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS June 1974 OPTIMAL FINANCIAL STRATEGIES FOR TRUSTEED PENSION PLANS Irwin I. Since minent the method liberalization bilities component rendered interest planning. has established of corporate institutions years, requirements. in developing It *Harvard of the Faculty Columbia. cash is fair These say University. of Commerce source have been that management the trust to match capital pension trust lia- trusts has funds. to stimulated techniques financial a pro- The continuing in pension hard-pressed have become as a significant accumulation of has income.1 contributions Asset developments improved retirement pension outlays. many firms pension and pressures a major to corporate employees' provisions assets such for pension with Introduction Wlorld War the of provision of In recent funding Second Tepper* analysis meet their a broadly that stress of pension This paper was written when the author and Business Administration, University plans' based strategic trusts was a member of British This paper is an outgrowth of the author's unpublished Ph.D. dissertation (15); the author is thankful for the constructive of the members suggestions of the committee. In addition, Professors Gerard Dickinson and Alex Robichek, participants in a seminar at the Harvard Business School, and a referee provided helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper. 1This paper is strictly devoted to an analysis of pension trusts as opposed to insured schemes. As will be seen, and as is normally the case, the pension plan leading to the corporate-administered trust arrangement is assumed to be of the defined benefit variety as opposed to a defined contribution type. For descriptions of these plan characteristics see Section II below and [91, and (18]. [12], 357 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions at remains, This this paper timal financial upon objectives the time, is ken for paramount the of of the the sumptions, pertains to a liability the latter pertains time over preceding ered in in which are and Section Section of all under the II concerned which goal is on corporate as of is opplaced to be taken The activity. the constraining benefit stochastic decision is security programming to paper, the two areas ta- forms the to the with the plan of benefit latter outputs are process area taken is to directly (see ul- levels alluded as given actu- that method) not as- (in accumulation security - is policy and actuarial a cost minimum asset the the design and allocation selection of fundamental and investment decisions valuation to provide rather the in dealing establishment In this analysis; II area, needed paragraph. the specific provision process - funding trusts decision results The focus viewed Dynamic decision A third timately the deriving trusts. outlays are for a model model.3 pension jargon, the pension latter, of pension government stressed. arial development corporation; importance. decision of side impact to the corporate the and the regard Integration asset the labor With to be of basis of with to and nonquantitative.2 simplistic for internal of process. concerned strategies minimization objectives relatively in the consid- footnote 2 below). introduces parties pension trusts the are pension accounted are decision for administered environment. and the is The interests organizational discussed. arrangement The discretionary crisis 2References and [17] attest to the current [1], [4], [5], [13], studies expectations. The few rigorous in corporate fulfillment of pension on the effects and [20]) tend to concentrate that do exist ([7], [16], [18], and allocation decisions on the valuation of plan design/actuarial assumption (see the following paragraphs). of pension plan liabilities and uncertainty literafamiliar with the multiperiod 3The reader savinqs between the find a close similarity and [14] will ture (e.a. [6], [8], [11], in in that area and the one formulated models structures of the representative in the former area have of optimal policies this study. Since the properties results will not be translated these to been derived in the literature cited, the pension below. planning model that is developed 358 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions elements of pension Section optimal III of the is solutions Section fund management devoted for IV is devoted pertaining to of the that pension group benefit discussion the model. is presented. of the of The nature practical applicability results a plan's insure liberalized Benefit the The firm to could cash interest plan plan), and social in the participants the management practices current (i.e., the government,and firm. employ- The ob- below. directly commitments decide flows antee future advance of its of the the will concerned solely such as death some of the plan and (2) fringe negotiations, determi- major participants strive increasingly obtain firm.5 or accrued, an increment benefit benefit of in directly pay-as-you-go payment be met is the and, event from hence, of there the made income. concurrent features approach of with the provision benefits and disability 5The rationale for such liberalizations between and retirement employment income, to inflation, and (3) to obtain response graded vesting provisions. a promise retirement future payments This benefit firm's the Labor established, operations. actual factors. are benefits from to pay obligations paper is provisions granted in scheme influences A credited, to meet from benefit Once it's of an employee in 4This Additional ered. Environment from a multiplicity Factors. no funding that the are a retirement security benefit firm a direct discussed initiation.4 Security by the of pressures, of Decision Labor package competitive have by the are The incorporation future of configuration a brief plan covered each of Objectives (1) development The Pension parties and retirees jectives to to identified. analysis. The three nants the a particular II. ees to are is firm's retirement are not no quarbankruptcy income. consid- has been (1) to establish parity in benefits retirement (2) to adjust and upretirement improved earlier 359 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions funding Firms liabilities.6 by establishing ed later in this section.7 this of interests from arise discussed in the following. paribus tiations, tions. process shared Losses, to pension in with on the it to presentsecurity, benefit corporate plan other for benefit the reflect and will plan performance that such factors say liberalizations must of matching assets with liabilities. of pension plan performance operations plan funding participants hand, into be incorporated not in pension Improvements reductions are that guidelines motivations effect will that provisions the Suffice asymmetrical An important benefit well-defined exogeneous paper. this by firms pated form of Many of influences in be seen, of provision the As will con- tax certain for The details trust. pension to pension value participants. plan Liberalizations. Benefit of the takes instance, can qualify plans a registered in equal assets accumulate funded want that cessions in to advance advocated have employees benefits, accrued sufficient levels at of security To ensure termination). plan pension therefore, (and, are this which levels are often, in the form of the sole as benefit responsibility be antici- on the is study would be not lead a result level the to of ceteris nego- liberalizaof the firm. at an by discounting, is ascertained liability 6The value of a pension stream of benefit future the expected rate of interest, assumed (actuarial) some relation rate bears this Presumably by that liability. implied payments and is thus affected portfolio on the investment to the return to be expected are among the and withdrawal disability, Mortality, policy. by investment future at the expected to arrive assumptions factors that enter as actuarial of in the selection of discretion Inasmuch as there are elements stream. in the rate employed of interest as in the choice as well these assumtpions as part of the plan identified they are collectively process, capitalization 2). area (see footnote decision assumption design/actuarial scheme the firm Under an insured forms. 7Funded plans take two basic Alternacommitments. incremental pension annuities to match its purchases involve size, by firms of substantial adopted largely trusteed plans, tively, under the management of the the accumulation of a segregated pool of assets Further scheme. of the latter firm. This paper is addressed to the operation for tax concessions. it is assumed that plans qualify 360 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions This on the performance of part an GovernmentRguain To date, of security for "unfunded" liability funded in full. arise from either (1) past an exception to Firms deduction pension in normal the meet the manner, must tax given are taxation. plan a potentially attractive balances. To prevent corporate for prevent reasons status The tax-free from the other than the of investment firms of withdrawal exempt As payment of require will if enacted, legislation, 9Proposed the and to reduce systematically provisions so that the plan will past service liability status and [19]). ([13], [17], to increments full.9 in permit that on earnings re- portfolio opportunity funds, the plan under benefits. increase in value over time at the liabilities 8Unfunded at which the liability the dates preceding the interval because is decreasing. payments in the form of benefit lized vesting funded funded previously from using pension service stemming concessions and that earnings Past for funded be liability, usually current to be concurrently have must liberalizations. liabilities, nonincreasing current from be funded. to employees benefit retroactive service accruals, current liability costs, or normal past plan's words, emanate which for a pension In other benefits pension from pretax regulations circumstances, than of value costs rate, requirements these pension idle interest do not the on unfunded other (2) of rule portfolios temporarily this or service contributions fund makes turns for that of current of granting liabilities service termed interest the guarantee to designed method, cost from sources the improve impaired. time. over plan's assumed plan's the liabilities uncredited often that insure increase In addition, at calculated past by the are and which accruals to The minimum requirements in benefits. not does largely are concessions generated motivation ocsin increments tax qualification the can be somewhat firm regulations government current allocations the some extent, to that, implies interdependency firms to principal ultimately 361 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions assumed rate will be rea- liberalize value of unreach a fully The viewpoint firms could at taken times in find this it profitable future anticipated normal ternal to were below deductions are the To insure firm that a maximum limit occurs, deducted in Corporate financial source internal to of the firm contributions relatively in in cases of in to returns the where concessions, respect when after-tax be earned amount should can adjust In theory, the wherein as returns imperfections implications of have such unlimited exists in 10Implicit executives pension funding in- pension such fund. overfunding contributions can be that the match when the of the conditions on the considerable and the plan, Objectives of cost with could outlays the of funding upset around of future future uses planned pension lia- requirements financial of levels contribution flexibility so is funds corporate planned level a given with funds opportunity trust, degree For conse- so that the firm as an investment develop. funding amounts sources Furthermore a sufficient an analysis a minimum. fluctuations a minimum. pension contributions. associated from planned in of be at uncertainties paribus and the outlays.10 should times firm stream continually pension In practice, there these incorporate plans not to performance be at its decision, related ceteris should the the Deviations Therefore, between made at Given uncertain. tributions ther, on the is should and investment plans. does accelerated funds, of are low. bilities are level the funding, quence occur could that imposed link pension firm The general are would tax Considerations primary that not the to make contributions This those of because that, any one period. The basic of costs. is is paper problem pension the capital of of limited funds difficulty is the the development in the firm, motivations can be fund are market, use. available in looked compared to at with capital some degree, For example, at any point incorporating of exclusion of trustees, render the in many of personal etc. 362 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions costs. the corporation time. the objectives Furother of important practical Organizational Variables sion Arrangement of trust types under actuary he is assumption economic picture losses and/or integrating losses III Section payments given. into below and the Further, overall responsible for further rise to alteration is pension values that actuarial of attendance not A liabilities. design and the true gains and/ asset base. cum actuarial considered in of and allocations these pen- 1 distort future the the study. plan that The pattern discussion. be assumed of decisions model liability this recommending Decision of in assumptions give decision management considered liability-oriented the will are and the and allocation subsequent for the Unrealistic associated it that systematically of Fund Administration valuation largely require The possibility plans the will analysis. assumes decisions. will that of effects capacity, actuarial gains the the Pension traditionally In this see into The corporation consulting or factors paper; future will quantities this are benefit be taken as known with cer- tainty. The actuarial, mination is is process administered portfolio tion tailed the to decisions sion corporate 11The assets, related All some extent. to pension cash alternative as occurs asset is in a plan defined in the of the concerned parties, in general, the firm, be expected, sets selection over are the the funding to the that portfolio influence in consulta- The de- guidelines. left deter- liability selection integrates picture employed the ultimately executive flow to As might manager, pertaining rate interest trustee. investment A corporate overall assumed, presumably by the policy with or latter. decision with the time. where the union administers the pool of contribution plans (see footnote 1). 363 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions pen- The Decision III. model for deriving gramming decision gies. point to the planned sequence related The Benefit past Cn (3.1) that variables that discussed number of factors These difficulties (3.1) in terms of stock sheet. of a incorporation by the ceteris in a broader the fact Despite specifica- paribus expression overcome by reformulating resulting variables, of the stock flow counterparts balance below is omitted are largely tion. is, paribus in terms of the former, are specified the regulations contains plan's to a pension pertain require- VAn + rUn-l > (3.1) hand of inequality Cn be the n, the funding ceteris II) (see Section plan pension ment for a qualified unfunded plan's Letting period. plan at the end of period to the pension The right normal of the pension at the end of the previous liability contribution of interest, assumed rate n, and Un-l be the value in time period service VA be the firm's n Constraint Security Let r be the plan's costs designed security. benefit to insure in a constraint be incorporated will and the government participants of the plan The objectives of contributions. be will function the objective to be the firm, Taking the focal strate- and investment funding optimal pro- of a dynamic stochastic to the development is devoted This section Model of the specification requirements. First, incorporate the fact deviated allocations. from that imbedded in previous so that liability deviates asset Minimal levels on an actuarial actual experience actuarial basis. on an ex post basis (market) values deviate assumptions Finally, and/or gains could have giving return rise from quantities previously can be adjusted 364 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions to on invest- from the assumed interest in each period of contributions can be employed to In addition, since ex post period does not (3.1) expression study, in a given funding can be recognized ments typically sumed. excess on liabilities a change in plan figure that liability match subsequent losses to this and of prime importance rate asto off- set developments level of benefit Let of in period n (i.e., market contributions, the pression implicit of pension and benefit is provided constraints. stipulation It sum of mitted, is Bn' to divert It discussed final following are, presumably by expression (3.3), the that the firm The Corporate Objective The utilization function is a built-in conditions. of the in expected (2) of Mn will plan with ex- if into minimum funding be greater regulations its of than perA operations. funds and leads to constraint. security deviations + Bn -Mn) to are stochastic the in firm's the not rigid regulations considered in instances, the (1) that can be readily attainment funding cost there once programming, criterion opportunity function that Let The derivation starting withdrawal exceptions result The optimization an objective Bn. would, pension II prohibits dynamic will flexibility As in many other end given this study. Function specified, (multiperiod) outlays, such the to making prior development implying benefit at Mn. quantity certain but - the the time to pensioners, that form of assets is, Cn > max(O,FCVLn There that possible in Section target allocations). inequality, conclude from fund liability at variable [15]. funds (3.3) of due will quite FCVLn plus be able regulation ing of Cn > FCVLn + Bn One further the level payments the (3.1). of pension assets in maintaining level fund stock (3.2) the areas, inequality funded FCVLn and the (3.1), in required value of above-mentioned minimum required the Cn, value three security FCVLn be the M be the of the taken of pension is will in plans is of employed in a strategy, response to be the the to providing changing minimization of the funding. considerable capture an objective difficulty true a decision valuation model 365 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions in of structura stream to yield is goals three of By virtue plan funding given an additive, a sequence of the are effects interactive The cost ignored. a of period single sum of discounted by the function. objective dynamic, to itself among these a compromise contributions be measured will lend would convey assumption, additivity the in elements between by assuming reached that (3) below, development In the application. practical and conclusions, analytical simple relatively costs. There each two ways are in taken Let costs marginal V(Cn) let the are contributions Since of the funds where made at (3.4) the assumption of The latter approach Cn in period n, the end of = N E an-l gradually firm's each V'(Cn )> 0, where over be stationary the of in is specification. convexity i is introduction the period. in each function cost a _ (l+i) factor: discount cost be the For simplicity, of by means study this funds of funds involves entails The other constraints. maximum funding increasing One procedure can be introduced. period of availability limited assumed the in which time.13 internal V"l(cn) >0. B be the Let discount rate. we have period, V(C n) n=l where one + is and N is dynamic Let the value the of length programming the of (3.4) stream horizon. Finally, the formulation n = 1 and n = N become Expression contribution the to last follow, and first to at measured it index is end of convenient, periods periods' the counter indices, period for the to time. respectively. becomes and uncertainsavings in the multiperiod assumption 12This is a standard in reduction in a dramatic resulting and [14]), (8], [11], ty literature ((6], (see to be derived equations of the functional the "dimension" [10] and [15, is under which such an assumption of the conditions A discussion Chap. 3]). See (15, Appenpaper. is out of the scope of this in this instance justified case. out for the nonadditive the analysis to follow is carried dix C] wherein of course, a different application, 13In an actual and would depend upon the for each period be specified of funds in that period. would cost function availability relative 366 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions N SN-n V(Cn). = (3.5) - n=l The constraints sion model have (3.3) and (3.5)). enter the constraints model that been specified in the of structure the has the virtue the funding of and investment In addition Model. the in a clear the of return process. The and concessions tax of This first. It contributions. between interrelationships The more realis- manner. above, defined variables to quanti- desired pro- subsequently. developed is version and complicated, areas decision of the of consideration structure with developed to maximum deductions the providing assumptions two stages. in is process explicit pertaining regulations ignores A Basic omits from a forecast projection liability the be developed allocation dynamic version simplified to will model programming The dynamic to yield structures that {FCVLnI be derived and actuarial design herein given is and must deci- the (expressions {Bn}, factors liability plan to inputs are two subsections previous and benefit levels No consideration the as given taken that function of pension synthesizes ties. tic, objective are employment highly and the The sequences jected basic Strategies and Investment Funding Optimal are following the necessary: -knn p n the rate gross (kn). The portfolio return is to over assumed to return are assumed cally, the there the superscript are zero (kn) costs period n-l. of gross there this adjustment exists although of of a choice choice). n and the runs rate counter of It is portfolio 367 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions not re- rates Periodic random variable. only denotes period Counting the presentation, selection portfolio end of the at to be independently, (since distributed time of be the is investment selected For simplicity time. turn of earned is on the identi- portfolios, assumed holdings. that economic value WN(MN)- the optimum (minimum) expected the pension operating an initial period, At the end of an arbitrary level decision is made. from the gross balance plus end of period investment period's (3.6) Mn-l described the valuation incorporating WN(MN)= min {V(CN) E + ( min (C1) k2 = above, re- on the net of the prior At the benefits. 1, 2, ..., N. for a planning horizon by expression min Ek PNNk k (CN,p N) (3.7) n formula given + is faced must be true: Bn)Pnn - in conditions have a new market value assets minus concurrent relation = (Mn + Cn of the planner the pension experience contributions The model of the process periods, return the following (n-1) later, the an investment future and expected the plan's of decisions; are paid, n, benefits is based on the market value One period market. sulting last given in an (N) period to the plan,and liabilities to the forecast set say period of decisions The set the firm and capital with a similar (N) periods, (N) is the initial is transferred of contributions fund in relation Period with horizon. period desired of plan over an interval fund (MN). associated [NV(C 1) (CN-1P 3.5 of N is + N-1) N-1 V(C )]]}, 1 P2 where "E" stands expression for the expectation In addition, (3.3). from which the choice function and optimization operators. The additivity the interspersion has permitted problem, expression lowing more compact and traditional and the {Cn} are constrained define market opportunities capital of {p kn} is made. n to the objective The optimization operator (3.7), recursive assumption the set pertaining of the expectation can be restated in the fol- dynamic programming formalism 368 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions by (where MN-1 (3.8) (MN + CN = WN(M) N) PN = min {V(CN) (CN PNN) = W0(M0) to subject the C pNN N = 1, > max(O, FCVLn + Bn Mn) 1, to be in pkn constrained n market opportunities. sents (3.8) optimal pension In general, of Selection sions of pattern ment of set first the comprise N. ..., of capital version the of model that repre- planning. and investment funding a specific design of class are decisions functions objective values, in and to optimal which, 14See uncertainty that decisions liability assumptions strategy globally sions the (3.9) the 2, can determinate. mutually render these deci- separable.14 The plan set and 2,.. restrictions: n Expressions [(MN+ CN - BN)p N]]} [W 0 following (3.9) k + SE this interdependent Samuelson area. area [14], would with for prevail to corresponds value of in ignored that {FCVLn}, a unique solution are the funding selection decisions for example, the paper over time. a different multi-period involve this determine Each different funding expected cost, of plan the and investment counterpart the in 369 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions and investWN(MN). design A deci- policy, the saving and would result An Expanded will in the minimum value Decision Model. now be expanded to of WN(MN). The model incorporate presented the tax in the factors previous that subsection appear in Section II above. The following En - definitions the after-tax the decision quantity n-l. after-tax returns n. the cumulative the the period decision Ln the this end of of of this variable sarily to the deductions For firm is a contribution Cn - tnLn where Then, for the of of It is the is portfolio pension to equal corporate the are beginning at the tax before- rate and equal. deductions at the by such factors as plan funding and deduction end of design, is activity, the enter as not of the state-of-the-world additional to Cn) is necessary horizon, but description actually the made, deducted, n. addition in 15Note when Cn = L , i.e., amount "written off," tie net form (l-tn )Cn. n. period exemption, contributions each the taken since state at A variables. following: the end of contributions period are not n. neces- period. Cn and a deduction N period n-1 the pension period is tn is t the study. deduction Introduction equal given hence, (in where accrual, part and, to period determined amount variable amount end of allowable and past are n, of below: applicable )] -1 on the of two variables end of further to n-1 value, costs, a subject prior at - t the Of course, Its not employed factor at maximum amount current The latter point [1 + i(l period Pn discount in period the Dn are corporate the Ln, tax model the rate net cash outlay in period from n.15 becomes, when a current contribution is the exact cash outflow from the firm has the familiar 370 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions the (3. 10) PN) = min {V(CN - tNLN) + WN(MNt DN Ek N DN-1 'N-1 WN-l[MN-1' N CN > max(O k p N N MN) constrained by the market opportunities. 0 < L < D N W0(M IDIP0) = 0 - where, FCVLN + BN N- of set capital N = 1, 2. as before (3.11) (MN + C MNMNl1 N - B)p N kN N and now also, (3.12) P The formulation (3.12) above, in optimization the deductions of made when the firm when the is given above state variable another can easily 160f in excess firm's be added to the bracket which is constrains are incorporate this of tax tax can be can be credit consideraThe addition deductions. decision from contributions No explicit high. levels divorced completely attendant and (3.11), maximum flexibility the imposed, and the the (3.10), maker with relatively required 16 N by expressions of (L ) from below variable requirement. PN-1 > P + C - DN >0 , cumulative contributions, i.e., course, of L - .L. limitations liquid to minimal to N Contributions relatively tax + C decision pension subject is N given model, process. that, taken the the provides so tion =P N-l since deductions Pn > 0 for all can n. 371 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions never be made for Solutions Analytic most objective tion that appeal a Special Case solutions to function renders from form of solution is 18, results nal model.18 If is takes model basic model amenable is model assumed that that convexity familiar are In this to (given is approximates is assumption It is made, of then and that func- in a employed and strategy are and a (3.9)) in for footnote the available the for considerable as discussed funds dropped, obtain an objective (3.8) an optimal amounts to and has solution, by expressions that unlimited difficult section, introduced. The modification a solution the most standpoint, the the that period, tion it the obtained. in optimization configurations.17 a practical modified the origi- in each objective func- form N (3.13) sN-nC n = n=l Continuing tunities 1. 2a. to assume and internal Select If the this than corporate investment highest the stationarity 17Such an analysis optimal strategies for lem. capital rate return, would follow the individual the having expected of respect costs, portfolio attainable required with the return to capital optimal highest market policy becomes:19 mean return on investments make an initial oppor- is (p). greater contribution the methodology in deriving employed multiperiod saving and uncertainty large prob- 18The nonnegativity constraint, that forms a portion of expression (3.9), imposes discontinuities on contribution decisions that result in complicated analytical solutions. It was originally introduced to insure that the firm does not use the pension plan as a high yielding investment medium for idle balances. Since corporate can only be made when prior conlarge withdrawals tributions are in excess of amounts required to fulfill pension expectations, an alternative of the constraint is to prohibit approximate specification policies where expected future in any period contributions are negative. 19The decision familiar method in rules are obtained dynamic programming by backward analysis. recursive 372 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions calculation, a enough but to be expected to provide for all future benefit payments, no more. 20 FCVL1 N CN(MN) = E B. 3 A (3.14) i-i N-i - MN. N-j WN(MN) = CN(MN). Expected firm future and the expected 2b. If the contributions pension plan conditions highest required rate take zero; place actual only return N is contributions N-' * [FCVL. + B. j=l the from less than the as much as possible. (where The optimal asset with represent investment the and losses convexities M, = V*FCVLJ+1 is highest are justified which expected weighted under j=l,...N-l, decision, return, equally. on the risk-averse behavior The "all-or-nothing" funding basis - JFCVL.j+l MN + FCVLN + BN to when deviations on investments return,delay WN(MN) = gains between CN(M1) = FCVLN + BN - MN (3.15) gle flows occur. expected of are of entails is This the the a result suggests transforming on the part policy derives of minimum funding the from selection of that of fact the introduction into corporate sin- the the costs the policy). that money of disutilities decision assumption makers. that 20In deriving policy it was assumed that the minimum funding (3.14), portion of constraint (3.9) was not binding. It turns out that, based upon very plausible assumptions about the liability patterns, will this be the case. 373 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions there an unlimited exists opportunity cost. tions would that which idle tions, so that case, future traded most While for this impair balances likely in will not not liquidity, it to plan marginal for large the correct notion In this requirements fund pension attractive contribu- occurs. funding of economic contribu- minimal liabilities status most than future place; the case reflects future The tax-free pension the make larger of take a constant having undoubtedly anticipation outlays. make the funds be employed withdrawals present is corporate should funding of source outlet are woulc earnings for this type in this paper of funds. IV. A detailed, practically well strategic This of etc. a short-run planning Thus, Conceptually, traditional, tions appears the if in it gramming model is it that would techniques that extent (in pension would the type appear that derived that the most cases liabilities, calculational process computational scheme. Appendix DI and is dynamic makes model that use the of lead to decision largely entail and that the of estimates future my judgment strategies period (15, a detailed present, to model Applicability the inputs in can be reasonably form of the proba- corporate cash flow has most promise model is the reas tool. recursive Even each only requires distributions) quirements, of Practical planning implementable specified. bility Aspects run the satisfying of available trees superior the chart complex for to of a simplified to derive to minimal encountering following the a calcula- on request. too formulation decision straightforward, A flow appears making risk is at dynamic pro- some elementary decision making funding periodic implement requirements cash 374 This content downloaded from 128.235.251.160 on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:41:05 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions based flow crises. in REFERENCES [1] Bassett, Business Preston Review, [2] Beckmann, M.J. Verlag, 1968. 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