Last week, BenefitsPro ran a story on 401(k) assets: apparently they hit a record high of $3.075 trillion in 2010.
That's a large number, and it's a good jumping-off point for the unveiling of the first ever Dan Cole Award for Most Assets in a 401(k) Plan. We used FreeERISA to pull up the plans with the largest total assets as reported on the Schedule H of the 5500.
A number of strong contenders emerged this year, and hats off to them, but there's only one winner. This is not little league where I take all the 401(k) plans out for pizza and ice cream after every game, especially since some of them could use a little more practice fielding grounders and a little less time packing away the sweets: I'm looking at you, Lockheed Martin.
Recommended For You
According to FreeERISA, General Electric boasts the third largest 401(k) plan, with $17.3 billion in total assets. Your direct current drilling motors for off-shore or land-based projects are the pride of the industry. Perhaps you could use one to drill yourself out of the third place hole you're in.
The No. 2 spot belongs to the aforementioned Lockheed Martin with $18.3 billion.
Finally, in first place, FreeERISA says IBM has a competition-walloping $32.4 billion. Wow. That's enough for everyone on the planet to have $4.62 in their 401(k). That's just about enough to take everyone out for pizza and ice cream.
Not you, Lockheed. Get back on that treadmill.
The award for Fewest Assets in a 401(k) Plan goes to FreeERISA. Lots of liabilities due to bad investments. Word of advice: spats do not appreciate in value.
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
