Market Newsdesk

BALTIMORE
, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ-GS: TROW), a global investment management firm and a leader in retirement services, today announced it has been named to Forbes World’s Best Employers 2022 list. This recognition represents the first time T. Rowe Price has been named to the Forbes World’s Best Employers honorees.

The World’s Best Employers 2022 recognition is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc. The World’s Best Employers 2022 honorees were identified through independent surveys of approximately 150,000 employees working part time or full time for employers in 57 countries worldwide.

Survey participants were asked to comment on their willingness to recommend their employers to friends and family and evaluate other employers in their respective industries based on how they stood out positively or negatively. Evaluations focused on topics such as image, trust, gender equality, corporate social responsibility, culture, and benefits. More than a million data points were analyzed to select companies for the rankings. The 800 companies receiving the highest total scores were named as the World’s Best Employers by Forbes.

This announcement is the third Forbes recognition for T. Rowe Price this year. T. Rowe Price has been recognized as one of the Best Employers for Women 2022 and Best-in-State Employers 2022.

“We at T. Rowe Price are honored to receive this recognition, which affirms our reputation as a company that provides excellent employment opportunities globally,” said Michelle Swanenburg, head of Human Resources for T. Rowe Price. “At T. Rowe Price, we believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we continue to invest in the success of our associates as they apply their passions to create positive change in the communities they serve.”

As part of the company’s long-standing commitment to community and volunteering, T. Rowe Price matches donations and volunteer hours served at nonprofits chosen by associates, and associates interested in nonprofit board service can also take advantage of the firm’s board training and placement program. To date, more than 350 associates serve on nonprofit boards.

Globally, T. Rowe Price offers competitive pay, including bonuses, retirement and employee stock options, location-specific health and wellness benefits, tuition and fitness reimbursements and personal travel discounts.

T. Rowe Price has more than 7,500 associates globally.

ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE

Founded in 1937, Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price (troweprice.com) is an independent global asset management company with $1.23 trillion in assets under management as of September 30, 2022, and a local presence in 17 countries. Known for long-term investment excellence, T. Rowe Price provides an array of mutual funds, subadvisory services, exchange-traded funds and separate account management for individual and institutional investors, consultants, retirement plan sponsors and financial intermediaries. The company also offers sophisticated investment planning and guidance tools. Its active, strategic investing approach is disciplined, risk-aware and based on rigorous fundamental research.
T. Rowe Price helps clients invest with confidence and can be found on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/forbes-recognizes-t-rowe-price-as-one-of-the-worlds-best-employers-2022-301653625.html

SOURCE T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

LAKEWOOD, Colo.
, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Natural Grocers®, the largest family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer in the U.S., is pleased to announce the results of its second annual “Best of the Best” customer survey.

Last month, customers voted in Natural Grocers’ second annual “Best of the Best” customer survey, answering 6 questions to rank their favorite Natural Grocers Brand Products. The Natural Grocers Brand Product (NGBP) line was first introduced in 2016 and presently includes over 800 high-quality products, exclusively available at Natural Grocers stores. Natural Grocers also asked customers to weigh in on their favorite 100% organic fruit or vegetable.

“Two of our founding principles are a commitment to quality and affordability. From the beginning, my grandparents prioritized products that nurtured the health and well-being of our communities and the planet we all share. We actively maintain this legacy with our Always Affordable℠ Pricing. This makes regenerative, sustainable, healthful choices more attainable and widespread,” said Raquel Isely, Vice President of Marketing at Natural Grocers. “From our sales information, we know which products do well in stores, but this survey opens a direct conversation with our customers. That was how our first “Best of the Best” customer survey originated—we wanted to hear directly from our communities. Last year we enjoyed the dialogue this survey encouraged so much, that we decided to make it an annual practice at the end of each fiscal year.”

Favorite Overall Natural Grocers Brand Product
(Excludes bulk and supplements.)

• Winner: Organic Dark Chocolate Bar with Sea Salt — high-quality dark chocolate scores bonus points with high levels phytonutrients, known as flavonoids, which have been shown to have nutritional benefits.
• Runners-Up: Organic Pasture-Raised Eggs and Organic Canned Coconut Milk

• Winner: Fresh-Ground Almond Butter — this powerful protein is popular for its delicious, nutty taste and sustained energy-boosting properties. Try this Natural Grocers recipe for Grain-Free Vegan Pumpkin Bars and take your autumn pumpkin game to the next level.
• Runners-Up: Organic Whole Almonds and Organic Dried Mango

• Winner: B 100 Complex — research shows that B vitamins help the human body function at its finest. Learn more about these energy-producing, brain-supporting, stress-busting, mood-supporting, immune-promoting, and blood sugar-maintaining essential vitamins and “Become Your Healthiest Self with the B-Vitamins“.
• Runners-Up: Quercetin and Women’s Probiotics

• 2 x Winner, by a landslide: Organic Hass Avocados — sure, these little berry fruits (yep, they’re fruit!) are delicious, but they’re also incredibly good4u®. Natural Grocers has plenty of recipes that can help you creatively incorporate this nutritious fruit into more than just guacamole!
• Runners-Up: Organic Bananas and Organic Blueberries

(Includes Natural Grocers Brand Products.)

• Winner: Organic Pasture-Raised Eggs — this product maintains the “Gold” standard from Natural Grocers’ Egg Quality Ranking System. This means the hens that provide these eggs are free from cages, free from antibiotics, free to roam, free to perch and stretch their wings and free to go outside and do the things that chickens love to do. Pick up a carton next time you shop and taste the difference.
• Runners-Up: Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips and Organic Canned Coconut Milk

(Launched after October 2021.)

• Winner: Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil — a recent addition to the NGBP line, this high-grade, unrefined premium nutritional oil is obtained from the first cold pressing of organic coconut kernels. This keeps the contents in optimal condition for all your baking and cooking needs.
• Runners-Up: Organic Coconut Aminos and Organic Truffles

It’s worth noting that Natural Grocers Brand Products reflect the company’s family legacy – supporting small farmers, family businesses and environmental stewardship; values that have been defining the company’s mission since 1955, never compromising quality for the easy way through.

In 1990 Natural Grocers put together a dynamic list of the most problematic ingredients and an explanation of why they wouldn’t carry products that include them. After a vigorous screening process, only the highest-quality products end up on their shelves, so customers can shop at ease, knowing Natural Grocers’ Quality Standards Experts have done the research on their behalf.  

• To learn more about Natural Grocers Brand Products, click here.
• Visit www.naturalgrocers.com for more information or to find a store near you.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements. The products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners, or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA-certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products, and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers’ flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean, and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based Nutrition Education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. The Company, founded in 1955, has 164 stores in 21 states. Visit www.NaturalGrocers.com for more information and store locations.

 For media samples or press requests, please contact [email protected].

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SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

STOCKHOLM
, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Calliditas Therapeutics AB (Nasdaq: CALT) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CALTX) (“Calliditas”) today announced Kidney International has published the successful results from NefIgArd Part A, their pivotal Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study.

The publication highlights the safety results and efficacy data related to both proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for patients treated with TARPEYO while on background of optimized and stable renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (RASi) therapy.

“The publication of data from our NefIgArd Phase 3 study will address physician requests related to more comprehensive information regarding the mode of action and efficacy of TARPEYO, the first and only FDA-approved treatment specifically designed for this disease,” said Renée Aguiar-Lucander, Chief Executive Officer of Calliditas. “We are excited to share these data and see this as reinforcing evidence of the differentiation we believe that TARPEYO represents, as well as its potential to be disease modifying.”

IgAN is a chronic autoimmune disease with a significant burden of disease, with more than 50% of patients progressing to end-stage kidney disease within 20 years of initial diagnosis.²

The peer-reviewed article can be viewed here.

INDICATION and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Indication 

TARPEYO® (budesonide) delayed release capsules is a corticosteroid indicated to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) at risk of rapid disease progression, generally a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) ≥1.5 g/g. 

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on a reduction in proteinuria. It has not been established whether TARPEYO slows kidney function decline in patients with IgAN. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory clinical trial.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications: TARPEYO is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to budesonide or any of the ingredients of TARPEYO. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred with other budesonide formulations.

Warnings and Precautions

Hypercorticism and adrenal axis suppression: When corticosteroids are used chronically, systemic effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur. Corticosteroids can reduce the response of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to stress. In situations where patients are subject to surgery or other stress situations, supplementation with a systemic corticosteroid is recommended. When discontinuing therapy [see Dosing and Administration] or switching between corticosteroids, monitor for signs of adrenal axis suppression.

Patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B and C, respectively) could be at an increased risk of hypercorticism and adrenal axis suppression due to an increased systemic exposure to oral budesonide. Avoid use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). Monitor for increased signs and/or symptoms of hypercorticism in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B). 

Risks of Immunosuppression: Patients who are on drugs that suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infection than healthy individuals. Chicken pox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in susceptible patients or patients on immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Avoid corticosteroid therapy in patients with active or quiescent tuberculosis infection; untreated fungal, bacterial, systemic viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex. Avoid exposure to active, easily transmitted infections (eg, chicken pox, measles). Corticosteroid therapy may decrease the immune response to some vaccines. 

Other corticosteroid effects: TARPEYO is a systemically available corticosteroid and is expected to cause related adverse reactions. Monitor patients with hypertension, prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, glaucoma, cataracts, a family history of diabetes or glaucoma, or with any other condition in which corticosteroids may have unwanted effects.

Adverse reactions: In clinical studies, the most common adverse reactions with TARPEYO (occurring in ≥5% of TARPEYO patients and ≥2% higher than placebo) were hypertension (16%), peripheral edema (14%), muscle spasms (13%), acne (11%), dermatitis (7%), weight increase (7%), dyspnea (6%), face edema (6%), dyspepsia (5%), fatigue (5%), and hirsutism (5%).

Drug interactions: Budesonide is a substrate for CYP3A4. Avoid use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, erythromycin, and cyclosporine. Avoid ingestion of grapefruit juice with TARPEYO. Intake of grapefruit juice, which inhibits CYP3A4 activity, can increase the systemic exposure to budesonide.

Use in specific populations

Pregnancy: The available data from published case series, epidemiological studies, and reviews with oral budesonide use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with IgAN. Infants exposed to in utero corticosteroids, including budesonide, are at risk for hypoadrenalism.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for TARPEYO

here

.

About the NefIgArd Study

The global clinical trial NefIgArd is an ongoing Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled, multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TARPEYO 16 mg once daily vs placebo in adult patients with primary IgAN (N=360) as an addition to optimized RASi therapy. 

Part A of the study included a 9-month blinded treatment period and a 3-month follow-up period. The primary endpoint was UPCR, and eGFR was a secondary endpoint. Part B is a confirmatory validation study for full approval that will assess eGFR over 2 years for patients who were treated with the TARPEYO or placebo regimen in Part A.

The trial met its primary objective in Part A of demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in urine protein creatinine ratio, UPCR or proteinuria, after 9 months of treatment with 16 mg once daily of TARPEYO compared to placebo. Patients taking TARPEYO plus RASi (n=97) showed a statistically significant 34% reduction from baseline vs 5% with RASi alone (n=102) at 9 months, resulting in UPCR reduction of 31% (16% to 42%) p=0.0001.³

At 12 months, a 53% reduction in UPCR from baseline was seen in the TARPEYO plus RASi-treated group (n=97) vs 9% with RASi alone (n=102). Additional data presented prior to or beyond the primary endpoint of 9 months or from subgroup analyses should be interpreted cautiously.³

At 9 months, there was a 3.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 difference in eGFR absolute change with TARPEYO plus RASi vs RASi alone (-0.17 vs. -4.04).⁴

In a separate analysis at 9 months (based on the analysis of the full patient population including patients who received rescue treatment), absolute change in eGFR was -0.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 with TARPEYO plus RASi (n=97) vs -4.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 with RASi alone (n=102).³ These interim data were not prospectively controlled for multiplicity and need cautious interpretation. The clinical significance of these results is unknown. Confirmatory clinical trial results are required to draw any conclusions. It has not been established whether TARPEYO has demonstrated a benefit in slowing kidney function decline in patients with IgAN.

About Primary Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy

Primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgA nephropathy or IgAN or Berger’s Disease) is a rare, progressive, chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys and occurs when galactose-deficient IgA1 are recognized by autoantibodies, creating IgA1 immune complexes that become deposited in the glomerular mesangium of the kidney.^5,6 This deposition in the kidney can lead to progressive kidney damage and potentially a clinical course resulting in end-stage renal disease. IgAN most often develops between late teens and late 30s.^6,7

About Calliditas

Calliditas Therapeutics is a commercial stage biopharma company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, focused on identifying, developing, and commercializing novel treatments in orphan indications, with an initial focus on renal and hepatic diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Calliditas is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (ticker: CALTX) and the Nasdaq Global Select Market (ticker: CALT). 

Visit www.calliditas.com for further information. 

About TARPEYO 

Calliditas has introduced TARPEYO, to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary IgAN at risk of rapid disease progression, generally a UPCR≥1.5g/g. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on a reduction in proteinuria. It has not been established whether TARPEYO slows kidney function decline in patients with IgAN. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory clinical trial.¹ 

TARPEYO is an oral, delayed release formulation of budesonide, a corticosteroid with potent glucocorticoid activity and weak mineralocorticoid activity that undergoes substantial first pass metabolism. TARPEYO was designed as a 4 mg delayed release capsule and is enteric coated so that it would remain intact until it reaches the ileum. Each capsule contains coated beads of budesonide that target mucosal B-cells present in the ileum, including the Peyer’s patches, which are responsible for the production of galactose-deficient IgA1 antibodies (Gd-Ag1) causing IgA nephropathy. It is unclear to what extent TARPEYO’s efficacy is mediated via local effects in the ileum vs systemic effects.¹ 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding Calliditas’ strategy, business plans, regulatory submissions, and focus. The words “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, any related to Calliditas’ business, operations, continued FDA approval for TARPEYO, market acceptance of TARPEYO and the potential impact of TARPEYO for the IgA nephropathy community, clinical trials, supply chain, strategy, goals and anticipated timelines, competition from other biopharmaceutical companies, and other risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Calliditas’ reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Calliditas cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Calliditas disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent Calliditas’ views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. 

For further information, please contact:

Marie Galay, Investor Relations Manager, Calliditas
Tel: +44 79 55 12 98 45; email: [email protected]

Sky Striar, Calliditas Media Contact, LifeSci Communications
Tel: +1.617.797.6672; email: [email protected]

The information was sent for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, on October 19, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. CET.

References: 1. TARPEYO. Prescribing Information. Calliditas Therapeutics AB; 2021. 2. Hastings, M. C., Bursac, Z., Julian, B. A., Villa Baca, E., Featherston, J., Woodford, S. Y., Bailey, L., & Wyatt, R. J. (2018). Life Expectancy for Patients From the Southeastern United States With IgA Nephropathy. Kidney Int Rep, 3(1), 99-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. ekir.2017.08.008 3. Data on file. Calliditas Therapeutics AB 4. Barratt, J., Lafayette, R., Kristensen, J., et al. (2022). Results from part A of the multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled NefIgArd trial evaluated targeted-release formulation of budesonide for the treatment of primary https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2022.09.017 5. Barratt, J., & Feehally, J. (2005). IgA nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol, 16(7), 2088-2097. https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.20050201346. Barratt, J., Rovin, B. H., Cattran, D., et al. (2020). Why Target the Gut to Treat IgA Nephropathy? Kidney Int Rep, 5(10), 1620-1624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2020.08.0097. Jarrick, S., Lundberg, S., Welander, A., et al. (2019). Mortality in IgA Nephropathy: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study. J Am Soc Nephrol, 30(5), 866-876. https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2018101017

The following files are available for download:

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SOURCE Calliditas Therapeutics

Survey of more than 1,000 retirement plan participants and 100 large plan sponsors uncover concerns about generating long-term retirement income and considerations for bridging the income gap

ATLANTA
, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Invesco today released findings from a new study exploring employee (plan participant) and employer (plan sponsor) preferences for generating long-term retirement income. The annual 2022 defined contribution (DC) research, “Show Me the Income,” reveals that while most employees are relying on 401(k) savings to be their largest source of retirement income – surpassing Social Security, their personal savings and investments – only a small portion of those employees are confident in their ability to generate a retirement income strategy on their own, with the majority worried they will run out of money in retirement.

“Employees often feel the task of funding retirement is primarily on them, and with different ideas of what retirement looks like, there’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to saving for retirement,” said Greg Jenkins, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Defined Contribution at Invesco. “This new research allows us to understand where employee knowledge stands regarding retirement income planning and the concerns they have, so that employers can better support the transition from retirement savings to retirement income in their plans.”

To help employers navigate the transition from savings to income for their respective plans, the research looks specifically at factors that would keep employees in their plan when they retire, how employees perceive guaranteed lifetime income and non-guaranteed monthly income withdrawals solutions, and their views around auto-enrollment into an income solution. To ease the uncertainty around retirement income and combat inertia, 80% of employees favorably viewed automatic enrollment into a retirement income solution.

“With research showing that almost 70% of employee respondents are worried about running out of money in retirement, it’s vital that employers help them overcome that fear, bridge the gap with retirement income options and education,” continued Mr. Jenkins. “Nearly 9 in 10 employees would be more likely to stay in their plan if it were able to generate a regular income stream in retirement – yet almost one third of participants were unaware that staying in the plan after retirement was even possible – highlighting the need for improved communication.”

The 10-month study spanned online surveys of 100 plan sponsors and more than 1,000 plan participants, 12 participant focus groups, eight in-depth interviews with plan consultants and advisors, and nine in-depth interviews with large plan sponsors.

Key findings include:

1.    

Employees are relying more on DC plan savings but lack confidence, wanting more guidance from employers

• While withdrawals have historically been the main – and sometimes only – way for employees to access their DC plan savings, a broader approach is needed to address their future income needs.
• Nearly 7 in 10 employees fear running out of money in retirement, including those with higher incomes, who work with an advisor or have a defined benefit (DB) plan.
• Only 22% of employees said they were very confident they could develop a retirement income strategy on their own.
• While 78% of employers said they provided communications and/or education about turning retirement savings into a regular stream of income, only 38% of employees remembered receiving these types of communications.
• Almost half of all Baby Boomers (48%), Gen X (44%), and Millennials (46%) said they hadn’t received any communications on the topic.

2.    

Employees would stay in their DC plans if they focused more on retirement income

• Employers should consider increasing communication around the benefits and ability of staying in plan at retirement, including income generating investments and potentially lower costs.
• 29% of Baby Boomers and 28% of Gen X employees were unsure if staying in their DC plan at retirement was allowed.
• Nearly all (97%) of employees would view their employer favorably if they added investment options to help generate retirement income.
• Employees would be more likely to stay in their current employer’s plan if:
• There were specific investments available designed to help them create a stream of income in retirement (89%).
• The costs were lower than they could get elsewhere (87%).
• They could roll other retirement money into the plan for a consolidated view of their savings (84%).

3.    

Employees want retirement income that is both reliable and flexible 

• Employees want a consistent, monthly income stream that reliably covers their baseline expenses and includes the flexibility to withdraw additional amounts as needed.
• Nearly all (94%) employees viewed guaranteed lifetime income as a good fit for them, while 84% believed that non-guaranteed monthly income withdrawals are the best option, and 88% preferred a split option between guaranteed lifetime income and non-guaranteed monthly withdrawals.
• While employees liked the concept of guaranteed income for life, the idea of “locking it in” – not being able to make any changes (92%), access larger amounts if needed (90%), or control how the money would be invested (79%) – were key disadvantages.
• Nearly all (98%) employers said a guaranteed lifetime solution was a good fit for plan participants; however, employers viewed the potential for additional fiduciary risk to the plan, higher costs, and a participant’s inability to access larger amounts as needed as top disadvantages.
• 92% of employers agreed that even if a small percentage of employees take advantage of a guaranteed lifetime solution, it’s still worth offering.

4.    

Employees would welcome auto-enrollment into a retirement income solution 

• To help overcome fears around retirement income and inertia, employees are becoming familiar and comfortable with auto-features, with an opt-out option.
• 80% of all employees had a favorable view of auto-enrolling into a retirement income solution.
• Participants who had been automatically enrolled into their plan had the most positive view (93%).
• Millennials had a more favorable view than Baby Boomers (83% vs. 75%), along with those with income less than $100,000 (83%).
• As a whole, employees had various reasons for welcoming auto-enrollment into a retirement income solution:
• 58% liked the idea of a consistent monthly payment
• 44% felt it made the choice easy; and
• 40% liked that they won’t have to pay a financial advisor to manage this money.

“Quite simply, we found that employees want their employers to start the retirement income conversation – specifically on how to turn their DC plan savings into an income stream in retirement,” concluded Mr. Jenkins. “To ensure employees are not only prepared for retirement, but provided with income throughout, it is crucial that employers look at a range of tools and income solutions and consider early, more frequent educational support to help employees have a smooth transition.”

To further address common investor concerns about replacing income in retirement, the research also helped inform the creation of the Invesco/A&P Capital Retirement Income Index (RIIX), which benchmarks the current cost of generating 30 years of assured income. The rules-based Index consists of a curated collection of US Treasury securities, with $1 worth of instruments maturing each year for the next 30 years. As another tool to help bolster retirement savings conversations, the Index will help investors benchmark the cost of future retirement income needs through a highly liquid, secure and transparent methodology.

Invesco is a leading global investment management firm and a leading provider of Defined Contribution solutions, managing more than $134 billion in DC assets (as of June 30, 2022). With a thoughtful research and insights platform, one of the broadest investment offerings, and a commitment to a superior client experience, Invesco is helping plan sponsors, advisors and consultants achieve optimized participant outcomes.

The “Show Me the Income” study is part of Invesco’s “ReDefined Contribution Plans” research series. To access the executive summary or request the full study please visit www.invesco.com/retirementincome. To learn more about Invesco’s defined contribution insights and solutions, please visit www.invesco.com/dc.

Methodology

Together with Greenwald Research, Invesco conducted the research from March through December 2021. The study spanned online surveys of 100 plan sponsors and more than 1,000 plan participants (all working for large US organizations with 5,000 or more employees), 12 participant focus groups, eight in-depth interviews with plan consultants and advisors, and nine in-depth interviews with large plan sponsors.

About Invesco

Invesco Ltd. is a global independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. Our distinctive investment teams deliver a comprehensive range of active, passive and alternative investment capabilities. With offices in more than 20 countries, Invesco managed $1.4 trillion in assets on behalf of clients worldwide as of June 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.invesco.com.

Disclosures

Research conducted by Invesco and Greenwald Research. Sources for all data, unless indicated, include virtual participant focus groups (held May-June 2021 and December 2021-January 2022); online participant survey of more than 1,000 employees of large US companies (conducted September-October 2021); survey of 100 large US plan sponsors (conducted November-December 2021); and in-depth interviews with 18 plan sponsors and consultants (held March 2021 and March-April 2022). Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Plan sponsor and participant quotes are used with permission. Invesco is not affiliated with Greenwald Research.

This material is for illustrative, informational and educational purposes only. We make no guarantee that participation in this program or utilization of any of its content will result in increased business or higher participant rates.

The opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. These opinions may differ from those of other Invesco investment professionals. This does not constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy or product for a particular investor. Investors should consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Annuities can be purchased within or outside of qualified retirement plans and traditional IRAs. Annuity benefits and features vary, so an investor should carefully consider whether this product is right for them. Some benefits may incur additional costs. Any guarantee associated with an annuity is subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing life insurance company. Invesco does not offer Insurance products. All investing involves risk, including the risk of loss.

Invesco Advisers, Inc. is an investment adviser; it provides investment advisory services to individual and institutional clients and does not sell securities. Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco’s retail products and private placements. Both are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Invesco Ltd.

Media Relations Contact: Gina Simonis, 715-917-8339, [email protected]

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SOURCE Invesco Ltd.

TORONTO
, Oct. 19, 2022 /CNW/ – BMO has been recognized as the overall leader in The Forrester Digital Experience Review™: Canadian Mobile Banking Apps, Q4 2022. The Forrester recognition adds to BMO’s track record of market-recognized digital innovation, including Best Fintech Accelerator and Incubator Award, Finovate Awards (2022), Canada Mobile Banking Emerging Features Benchmark rankings (2022) and BAI Global Innovation Awards (2022).

Forrester Research reviews Canadian banks annually to assess how effectively their mobile banking apps are meeting customers’ expectations. Forrester conducted its digital functionality and user experience reviews of Canadian mobile banking apps from April 20 to June 10, 2022.

“From our perspective, this recognition is a testament to BMO’s consistent focus on meeting customers where they are, with leading digital experiences that help them make real financial progress,” said Mat Mehrotra, Chief Digital Officer, North American Personal and Business Banking and Wealth Management, BMO. “Our customers’ evolving needs and expectations have guided our efforts to this point and will continue to do so, moving forward.”

BMO earned the highest scores in six areas:

• Money movement
• Self-service features
• Marketing / sales
• Content
• Error avoidance / recovery
• Progress and workflow

To learn more about BMO mobile banking and to download the BMO mobile app, visit: https://www.bmo.com/main/personal/ways-to-bank/get-started/mobile/ 

About BMO Financial Group

Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider – the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $1.07 trillion as of July 31, 2022, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

SOURCE BMO Financial Group