RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Reducing Pension Risk: The Five Myths Holding Back Plan Sponsors JF Special Issues FD Institutional Investor Journals SP 109 OP 124 VO 2014 IS 1 A1 Rohit Mathur A1 Scott Kaplan YR 2014 UL https://pm-research.com/content/2014/1/109.abstract AB Twice in the past 13 years, America’s corporate defined benefit (DB) plan sponsors have seen their plans’ funded status deteriorate over 30% in market downturns. Pension shortfall, potential cash contributions over time, and rising stakeholder concern over financial statement volatility and reduced strategic flexibility are forcing many firms to consider strategies to reduce their exposure to pension plan risk—or, in some instances, to divest it altogether. This article explores how accounting transparency, regulatory changes, and increased scrutiny by shareholders and analysts are contributing to the trend of pension de-risking, and how finance executives’ awareness of—and interest in—pension risk management remains high. The article also identifies and dispels several myths that are precluding some plan sponsors from taking action to de-risk their plans.