HomeMy WebLinkAboutNew York State Teachers' Retirement System - Public Financial Report
2021 Popular Annual Financial Report
New York State Teachers’ Retirement System
As of June 30, 2021
Since 1921
A Pension Plan Built to Last
A Message From the Executive Director & Chief Investment Officer
On behalf of our Board and staff, I am pleased to present you with this Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) of the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. This document summarizes the System’s financial position for the 2021 fiscal year. For additional details, see our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report at NYSTRS.org.
The System is governed by a 10-member Board of Trustees, representing various stakeholders. Trustees are responsible as fiduciaries to protect the long-term value of the System’s investment portfolio and provide benefit security for
members. The Board receives counsel from staff, advisory committees and investment consultants to help formulate its investment policy.
NYSTRS is one of the 10 largest public funds in the U.S. based on portfolio size. The System is also consistently among the top-performing and best-funded public pension plans. Consistent receipt of required employee and employer contributions; a disciplined, risk-controlled investment policy; and partnerships with top-performing fund managers are major contributing factors to this stability. As a long-term investor with liabilities often not payable for three decades or more, our Board and staff take a prudent approach to asset management.
The System’s year-end net assets totaled $148.1 billion. During the same period, benefits paid to retirees and beneficiaries were approximately $7.7 billion.
The plan’s funded ratio as of June 30, 2020, the date of the most-recent annual actuarial valuation and calculated using the Actuarial Value of Assets, was 98.9%. The System’s total portfolio returned 29.0%, net of fees, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. Our 30-year rate of return is 9.2%, net of fees.
NYSTRS is proud to mark a historic milestone in 2021: our 100th anniversary. This significant Table of Contents milestone is a chance to reflect on the importance of our mission and the impact the System has Page had on generations of New York State educators. We say with pride that for a full century we have 2 Who We Are; Membership Snapshot provided our members with a secure pension for life, on time and without fail since our founding 3 Financial Highlights in 1921. 4 Investment Highlights We are prepared to continue our legacy in our next 100 years, and we will strive to remain the 5 Asset Allocation model for pension fund excellence in our second century. 6 Actuarial Highlights Respectfully, 7 Statistical Highlights 8 Economic Driver; Benefits Paid
Thomas K. Lee By County
Executive Director & Chief Investment Officer
Who We Are
NYSTRS was established in 1921 by an act of the state legislature. NYSTRS administers the fund from which public school teachers and administrators employed outside New York City receive retirement and ancillary benefits.
NYSTRS directs a defined benefit plan, with eligibility for benefits based on factors such as age, years of service and tier of membership. Eligible members receive a service retirement or disability pension; death benefits; the ability to borrow from member contributions; and, in some cases, coverage for
beneficiaries.
Payments to eligible members and beneficiaries are guaranteed by law and cannot be diminished or impaired under New York’s constitution. Benefit improvements, such as early retirement incentives, must be enacted into law by the state legislature and governor.
Defined benefit plans provide recipients a retirement income for as long as they live. This differs from defined contribution plans, such as 401(k)s, where a recipient can outlive accumulated savings.
Membership Snapshot
Active NYSTRS Members
77% Female
23% Male
Retired Members 169,068
Beneficiaries 6,722
Total Membership 434,948
Membership in NYSTRS is mandatory for all full-time teachers, teaching assistants, guidance counselors and administrators employed in New York State public schools (excluding those in New York City), Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), or charter schools that opt to participate as an employer in NYSTRS. Membership for teachers employed less than full time is optional.
Those employed by a New York State community college or the State University of New York
(SUNY) generally may elect membership in NYSTRS, the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Program. Some teachers and administrators who are not members of a New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) bargaining unit and whose estimated annual wages are $75,000 or more may join the Optional Retirement Program instead of NYSTRS.
In New York, there are six tiers of membership, with different benefit structures and eligibility requirements for each tier. A member is placed in the tier in effect when the member joins NYSTRS.
NYSTRS serves nearly 435,000 active and retired members, including beneficiaries. The System also serves 821 employers — including public school districts, BOCES, institutions of higher education and charter schools that elect to participate.
Supplementary Information
NYSTRS management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. KPMG LLP performed an independent audit of such financial statements and expressed an unmodified opinion thereon. To view the financial statements and KPMG’s report, see the Financial section of our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report at NYSTRS.org.
In addition, recognition from various industry organizations demonstrates NYSTRS’ commitment to excellence in financial
reporting. Honors received within the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 include:
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada.
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, also awarded by GFOA.
• Public Pension Principles Achievement Award, presented by the Public Pension Coordinating Council.
Active Members 259,158
The information contained in this document came primarily from NYSTRS’ Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. A copy of that report is available at NYSTRS.org. 2
Financial Highlights
NYSTRS has made benefit payments on time and without fail throughout its 100-year history. Our total net position at fiscal year-end 2021 was valued at $148.1 billion.
The System is one of the best-funded public pension plans in the nation. As of June 30, 2020, the most-recent calculation available, the System’s funded ratio was 97.3% based on the market value of assets and 98.9% based on the actuarial value of assets. The actuarial value of assets smooths the volatility inherent in the market value of assets by phasing in unexpected gains and losses over a period of five years.
*Funded Ratio
99.2%100.9% 101.2% 99.6% 98.9%97.3%97.9% 99.8%98.4% 97.7%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Market Value of Assets Actuarial Value of Assets
* Calculated using the Entry Age Normal Cost Method
Other financial highlights for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021:
• The System paid out approximately $7.7 billion in benefits to members and beneficiaries. • Contributions collected from employers totaled $1.6 billion.
Net Position Dollars in Billions $148.1
$115.5 $119.9 $122.5 $120.5
Funding Sources
Investment Income 86%
Employer &
Member
Contributions
14%
30 Years Ending 6/30/21
• System investments experienced 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
appreciation of $31.5 billion in 2021. Fiscal Year Ended June 30
Looking for more detailed information?
NYSTRS’ Comprehensive Annual Financial Report offers more information about the System’s financial status, investments and statistics. Visit the Library at NYSTRS.org to read the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. To request a printed copy, email us at news@nystrs.org.
The Library of our website also includes a host of Infographics that further illustrate the System’s finances and statistics. 3
Investment Highlights
System assets are broadly diversified among 11 primary asset classes: domestic equity, international equity, global equity, private
equity, real estate equity, domestic fixed income, high-yield bonds, global bonds, real estate debt, private debt, and cash equivalents.
NYSTRS’ total fund return for the fiscal year was 29.0% net of fees. It marked the 12th consecutive year the System posted a positive return, with returns in seven of those years exceeding the System’s assumed rate of return.
Other highlights include:
• NYSTRS’ 10-year annualized net rate of return was 10.1% and its 30-year rate of return was 9.2%. • Over the past 30 years, NYSTRS has paid out $133.6 billion in benefits while collecting $35.7 billion in member and employer contributions. During the same period, the System’s net assets have grown from $26.5 billion to $148.1 billion, with 86% of
NYSTRS’ income generated by investment returns. • More than half of the System’s assets are managed internally. Managing assets internally keeps administrative costs down, which in turn leaves more money for paying benefits and future investments.
Investment Returns* (Net of Fees)
30-Year 9.2%
25-Year 8.4%
20-Year 7.8%
15-Year 8.1%
10-Year 10.1%
5-Year 11.9%
* As of 6/30/21
Assets Under Management
$146.3 Billion as of June 30, 2021
-
Internal management of assets means
lower investment fees. Lower fees mean
more money for benefits and investing,
and a lighter burden for employers and the
taxpayers who fund them.
Overall, NYSTRS manages its investments at
a cost of about 26¢ per $100 -well below the
60¢ or more it costs to manage that same
amount in a 401 (k).
Investment Performance
(Net of Fees)
29.0%
12.5%
9.0% 7.1%
3.5%
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Fiscal Year Ended June 30
4
NVSTRS: A 30-Vear Snapshot
Figures in billions
for the 30-year period
endin 6/30/2021.
$4.6
Member
Contributions
$31.1
Employer
Contributions
$219.5
l
Investment
Income
$133.6
Benefits Paid
(plus expenses)
Asset Allocation
The most significant contributor to a fund’s long-term investment performance is asset allocation. The allocation process helps control risk and ensures the overall portfolio is broadly diversified. NYSTRS’ Board, with the assistance of an external consultant, reviews the asset allocation policy on an annual basis.
Domestic Equity
International Equity
Global Equity
Real Estate Equity
Private Equity
Domestic Fixed Income
High-Yield Bonds
Global Bonds
Real Estate Debt
Private Debt
Cash Equivalents
0.8% 3.4%
2.2%
0.6%
34.2%
17.0%
3.5%
10.2%
10.1%
12.9%
5.1%
Committed to
The Highest Ethical
Standards of Conduct
NYSTRS strives to model strong ethical values within the pension industry. Our Board and staff take their fiduciary responsibilities seriously and are committed to operating in an environment of transparency.
System staff adhere to the following guiding principles of ethics and conduct:
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, ethical and professional standards, and NYSTRS’ policies and procedures.
Protect the interest of stakeholders, including members, employers and the public.
Act with integrity at all times to prevent a violation of public trust.
Guard the privacy of stakeholder information.
Adhere to NYSTRS’ Internal Asset Management Code of Professional Conduct in managing NYSTRS funds.
As of June 30, 2021
34.2%
17.0%
3.5%
10.2%
10.1%
12.9%
0.6%
2.2%
5.1%
0.8%
3.4%
Growth of Net Assets Assets 1970-2021 150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0 Year 70 75 80 85 90 95 00 05 10 15 20
Years Ending June 30
5
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-
-
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-
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-
rmlnlnlnl II
Actuarial Highlights
NYSTRS’ primary objective is to properly fund retirement and ancillary benefits so sufficient assets are accumulated in order to pay benefits as they come due. To ensure this happens, an actuarial valuation of the System’s assets and liabilities is performed annually
utilizing the Aggregate Cost Method, as specified by law. In this method, actuarial gains and losses are spread over the average future working lifetime of active members. Benefits provided by the Retirement System are funded from three sources: investment income, member contributions and employer contributions.
For the 30-year period ended June 30, 2021, 86% of NYSTRS’ income came from investment returns. Over that same period, 2% of income came from member contributions, which vary by tier and are fixed in statute as follows:
• Tier 1 and 2 members (those first entering the System before July 27, 1976) are not required to contribute. • Tier 3 and 4 members (those first entering the System on or after July 27, 1976 and before January 1, 2010) contributed 3.0% of salary for the first 10 years of service or membership, whichever occurred first. • Tier 5 members (those first entering the System on or after January 1, 2010 and before
April 1, 2012) contribute 3.5% of salary each year throughout their active membership. • Tier 6 members (those first entering the System on or after April 1, 2012) contribute between
3.0% and 6.0% of salary each year throughout their active membership in accordance with a schedule based upon salary earned.
Employers help fund pensions by contributing a percentage of compensation they pay to NYSTRS members. This percentage, known as the Employer Contribution Rate (ECR), is established annually in accordance with an actuarial valuation of System assets and liabilities. The ECR, which was in single digits for 22 years prior to the 2011-12 school year, accounted for about 12% of NYSTRS income between 1992 and 2021.
An ECR of 9.53% was applied to member payroll for the July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 school year. These funds were collected by NYSTRS in fall 2021. The ECR applied to member payroll for the July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 school year is 9.80%, payable in fall 2022.
Employer Contribution Rates
% of Payroll
Our Strategic Objectives 18
17
Governance Structure: Promote a 16 governance model to appropriately manage System finances and risk, and maintain a 15
positive reputation. 14
Shared Accountability: Foster an 13
environment of shared accountability, 12awareness, commitment and integrity. 11 Customer Service: Maintain a high 10level of customer service and confidence. 9 Safeguard System Funds: Safeguard 8System funds and invest them in a prudent and diversified manner in order to achieve 7 optimum long-term returns with an 6appropriate level of risk.
5Quality Workforce: Ensure a quality 4workforce.
3
2
1
0
97-98 99-00 01-02 03-04 05-06 07-08 09-10 11-12 13-14 15-16 17-18 19-20 21-22
98-99 00-01 02-03 04-05 06-07 08-09 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21
School Year 6
The NYSTRS Retiree
As of 6/30/21
$49, 145*
Average Maximum
annual benefit
30,000
27,000
24,000
21,000
18,000
15,000
12,000
9,000
6,000
3,000
0
Less
than
$10,000
167,013
Retirees receiving a
service retirement
benefit
2,055
Retirees receiving
a disability benefit
26*
Average years
of service at
retirement
38.9
$10,000-$20,000-$30,000-$40,000-$50,000-$60,000-$70,000-$80,000-$90,000-$100,000-$110,000
$20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $80,000 $90,000 $100,000 $110,000 or more
■ Number of Retired Members ----Average Years of Service
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
Statistical Highlights
Statistics provide historical perspective, context and detail. When considered together with the financial statements, a more complete picture of factors impacting NYSTRS’ economic condition is revealed.
As of June 30, 2021, retirees receiving a service retirement worked an average of nearly 26 years to earn their retirement benefit. Some additional statistical highlights:
• The average annual benefit for new service retirees this fiscal year is $49,145, representing about 49% of a member’s final average salary at retirement. • 46% of active members have 10 years or less of service. • 35% of active members are 39 years of age or younger, meaning it will be 16 years or more before they will be eligible to collect a
retirement benefit — providing time to accumulate the additional assets needed to fund the benefit. • 32% of NYSTRS members are Tier 6 — a figure that will grow as more members join. Because these members pay higher employee contributions than their predecessors, employer costs should decline over time.
For more robust statistical analysis, refer to NYSTRS’ full Comprehensive Annual Financial Report at NYSTRS.org.
Distribution of the Annual Benefit* of All Retired Members — as of June 30, 2021
*Maximum annual retirement benefit including supplementation and COLA.
7
An Economic Driver
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, NYSTRS distributed approximately $7.7 billion in benefits, with approximately 80% of that total paid to New York state residents. The approximately $6.1 billion in System benefits paid to New Yorkers has a significant impact on state and local economies as shown in the chart below.
According to a Pensionomics 2021 report by the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS), expenditures in 2018 (the most recent year analyzed) stemming from New York’s state and local pensions (including NYSTRS) supported:
• Nearly 248,000 jobs that paid about $17.6 billion in wages. • $8.3 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues.
• $48.2 billion in total economic output.
NIRS estimates that in New York each dollar paid in pension benefits generates about $1.54 in total economic output. As benefit recipients spend their pensions in local communities, one person’s spending becomes another’s income.
For additional facts and figures about pensions, visit the Pension Education Toolkit at NYSTRS.org.
Benefits Paid by County
Benefits Paid to NYS Residents as of 6/30/2021
$100 million+
$50 - $100 million
$25 - $50 million
Up to $25 million
Annual Benefits Paid*
(In Billions)
In State: $6.1
Out of State: $1.6
Total: $7.7
To see total payments and number
of benefit recipients by county, visit About Us > Press Room at NYSTRS.org.
Richmond
(Computed on the optional annual benefit including supplementation and COLA.)
*Annual benefits paid in this chart may differ from retirement benefit payments that appear elsewhere in this report because this chart reflects the rate of annual payment for retired members and their beneficiaries in pay as of the last day of the fiscal year.
$100 million+
$25-$50 million
$50-$100 million
Up to $25 million
Map Key
Albany
Allegany
Bronx
Broome
Cattaraugus
Cayuga
Chautauqua Chemung
Chenango
Clinton
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware
Dutchess
Erie
Essex
Franklin
Fulton Genesee
Greene
Hamilton
Herkimer
Jefferson
Lewis
Livingston
Madison
Monroe
Montgomery
New York
Niagara Oneida
Onondaga
Ontario
Orange
Orleans
Oswego
Otsego
Putnam
Queens
Rensselaer
Rockland
St. Lawrence
Saratoga
Schenectady
Schoharie
Schuyler
Seneca
Steuben
Suffolk
Sullivan
Tioga
Tompkins
Ulster
Warren Washington
Wayne
Westchester
Wyoming Yates
Nassau
Kings
Committed to Providing EducatorsWith a Secure Retirement Since 1921 Mission: To provide our members with a secure pension.
8
Vision: To be the model for pension fund excellence NYSTRS and exceptional customer service.
New York State Teachers’ Retirement System Values: Integrity | Excellence | Respect | Resourcefulness 10 Corporate Woods Drive Diversity | Diligence | Balance Albany, New York 12211 NYSTRS.org