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Nokia Interest Rates Creep Upward Causing Lump-Sums to Decrease

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Nokia Nokia primarily utilizes Aetna, a leading health insurance provider, for its employee healthcare needs. Aetna offers a wide range of health plans designed to fit the diverse needs of Nokia's workforce across various locations. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, influenced by multiple factors impacting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Insurance premiums are expected to escalate by an average of 18% nationally, with some states witnessing hikes over 60%. A critical driver behind this surge is the potential expiration of federal premium subsidies, which currently shield many consumers from high out-of-pocket expenses. Without these subsidies, the affordability of healthcare will be compromised for millions, forcing consumers to reconsider their coverage options and financial strategies in anticipation of these price increases. Click here to learn more

Company Name For plan years beginning in Year Month First Segment Second Segment Third Segment Plan Type
Nokia All 2024 May 5.18% 5.41% 5.62%
Nokia All 2023 May 4.91% 5.15% 5.34%

Interest rates are heading in the wrong direction for Nokia employees who are considering the lump sum option on their pension payment. Interest rates hit a record low for individuals that commence their benefits in October of 2020 but have ticked up for those commencing their benefits in November. Over the last year, interest rates have dropped dramatically which has greatly increased many lump sum payments. However, if interest rates begin to climb many people's lump-sum payments could decrease. Should you desire to take your pension as a lump sum, Nokia will use interest rates and your age to calculate your lump sum payment. When interest rates move up or down, your pension lump sum amount will move in an inverse relationship. 


Your pension is calculated based on your last date of employment and benefit start date. The benefit calculation is a defined benefit based on your years of service and final average pay. These are used to determine your single life annuity. All other forms of pension payments are based on this figure.


Nokia Pension Lump Sum Calculation:

When Nokia employees elect the month they would like to begin their pension, Nokia looks back two months to calculate the rate used for the pension disbursement.

For example, if you are planning to retire and start your pension in November 2020, Nokia would use the rates available in September 2020 (two months prior to your month of retirement). This table shows each month and their rates as they stand today:

Nokia Segment Rates for December 2020:

Month/Year
1st Segment
2nd Segment
3rd Segment

September-20

0.51

2.31
3.15
August-20
0.52
2.22
3.03
July-20
0.59
2.25
3.01
June-20
0.74
2.57
3.32
May-20
1.08
2.78
3.47
April-20
1.58
2.88
3.24
March-20
2.22
3.08
3.73
September-19
2.13
3.07
3.65


For a December 2020 pension commencement date, you will use the October segmented rates. 

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For lump-sum conversions, the annuity is discounted to a present value using the first segment rate for the first five years of expected payments, the second segment rate for the next 15 years of expected payments and the third segment rate for all years of expected payments over 20.

'On average a 1% change in rates can equate to an 8% to 12% change in lump sums.


Because the annuity is discounted based on mortality as well as interest rates, the present value of each monthly payment reduces as the probability of living to receive each payment reduces. The older you are when you commence your pension benefit, the fewer the number of years that will be valued using the third segment rate (20+ years) and, conversely, the younger you are, the greater the number of years that will be valued using the third segment rate.

This methodology essentially means that there will be a unique monthly interest rate (lump-sum
conversion factor) for each year and month of birth.


How Do Rate Changes Affect Your Nokia Pension?


Because pension pricing is based on interest calculations, making a slight adjustment in your retirement date may have a significant financial impact on your pension due to changing rates each month.

Everything else held equal, a lower interest rate will produce a higher lump sum. The exact changes depend on your specific age, but on average a 1% change in rates can equate to an 8% to 12% change in lump sums. So, on average, a 1% change could increase or decrease your pension lump sum by roughly 10%.

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The changes from just June 2020 to September 2020 may account for a 1% - 3% increase in lump sums. However, if you look at where rates were in September 2019, they have come down quite a bit. For September 2019, the blended rates were 2.13 / 3.07 / 3.65. That is a drop of 0.76% in the 2nd segment which tends to have the strongest effect. A drop of 0.76% from September 2019 to September 2020 may have caused your pension to rise by 7% - 9%. For someone with a $500,000 lump sum, that could mean a move of as much as $45,000. For a $1,000,000 lump sum, it would be roughly $70,000 to $90,000. Going forward, if rates start to move back up, you could see your pension lump sum start to drop. The rates are updated monthly, so you have month to month options to commence your pension once you have retired. You do not have to commence your pension as soon as you retire. You have the option to defer it. That may be beneficial if rates are dropping and/or you are under 60 years old. If you take your pension prior to age 60 there are age penalties and you will not receive 100% of your pension benefit.


Given the current interest rate environment, it is highly suggested you discuss your options with
The Retirement Group and allow us to monitor the rates and keep you up to date on the monthly
changes. We can provide a complimentary cash flow analysis to show you how various retirement
dates may play out.

It is important to remember the pension annuity may be a better fit no matter how attractive the
pension lump sum may be. Every situation is unique, and a cash flow analysis will allow you to
compare all pension options.

What unique features and benefits does the Nokia Retirement Income Plan offer to its participants, and how can these benefits be maximized by current employees of Nokia of America Corporation? Additionally, what resources are available for employees to educate themselves about the various aspects of the plan, including eligibility, distribution options, and potential tax implications?

The Nokia Retirement Income Plan offers participants a defined benefit plan designed to provide financial security through retirement by supplementing Social Security and other retirement savings. Benefits can be maximized through strategies like ensuring accurate service records, understanding distribution options such as lump-sum payments or annuities, and consulting financial advisors to align these benefits with long-term retirement goals​(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How does participation in the Nokia Retirement Income Plan facilitate financial security in retirement for employees, specifically in terms of pension benefit calculations and options such as lump-sum distributions or annuities? Moreover, what are some strategies that Nokia of America Corporation employees can employ to ensure they are fully prepared to utilize their retirement benefits as they transition towards retirement?

Participation in the Nokia Retirement Income Plan ensures financial security in retirement through pension benefit calculations based on service years and salary history. Employees can choose from options like lump-sum distributions or lifetime annuities. By carefully selecting a distribution option and incorporating it into a broader retirement strategy, employees can optimize financial outcomes​(Nokia of America Corpor…).

With respect to changes in personal circumstances, such as marriage or divorce, what provisions does the Nokia Retirement Income Plan have to protect the benefits of employees from Nokia of America Corporation? How can employees navigate the complexities of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) within the context of their pension benefits, and what resources are available to assist them in this process?

The Nokia Retirement Income Plan protects benefits in cases of personal changes such as marriage or divorce through provisions like the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Employees can consult the Nokia Benefits Resource Center for assistance in navigating QDROs to ensure a fair division of benefits. Guidance is available for understanding the QDRO requirements and how they apply to their pension​(Nokia of America Corpor…).

What steps must employees take to initiate the commencement of their benefits from the Nokia Retirement Income Plan once they reach retirement age? Furthermore, what are the important considerations employees need to keep in mind regarding the selection of a payment form and any potential impact this may have on their overall financial strategy during retirement?

To initiate pension benefits under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, employees must submit a claim when they reach retirement age. They should consider factors such as payment form options (lump sum or annuity) and the impact on long-term financial plans. Choosing the appropriate payment form is critical to maximizing retirement income​(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How can employees of Nokia of America Corporation ensure their beneficiaries are properly designated under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, and what implications does this designation have for benefit distribution in the event of their death? Additionally, what steps should employees take to update their beneficiary designations in light of significant life events?

Employees can ensure their beneficiaries are properly designated by updating their beneficiary forms through the Nokia Benefits Resource Center. Proper designation affects how benefits are distributed in the event of their death, and it is crucial to update designations after life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child​(Nokia of America Corpor…).

In terms of compliance with federal regulations, how does the Nokia Retirement Income Plan adhere to ERISA guidelines concerning employee benefits, and what rights do employees of Nokia of America Corporation possess under these regulations? Also, how can employees exercise their rights effectively if they encounter issues regarding their pension benefits?

The Nokia Retirement Income Plan complies with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), giving employees the right to receive information about their benefits and hold fiduciaries accountable. If employees face issues with their pension, they can exercise their rights through claims and appeals, with recourse available through legal action if necessary​(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How does the Nokia of America Corporation support employees who might be eligible for a disability pension under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, and what specific eligibility criteria must be met? Additionally, what resources are available to assist employees in understanding this facet of their retirement benefits?

Employees eligible for a disability pension under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan must meet specific criteria, such as proving permanent disability before reaching retirement age. Resources like the Nokia Benefits Resource Center can provide guidance on the eligibility process and required documentation​(Nokia of America Corpor…).

What specific actions should an employee of Nokia of America Corporation take when applying for a pension benefit under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan, and what documentation is typically required to streamline this process? Furthermore, in the event of a claim denial, what recourse do employees have to challenge the decision through the plan's appeal process?

When applying for pension benefits, employees should provide documentation such as proof of age and employment history. In case of a denial, they have the right to appeal through the Employee Benefits Committee. If necessary, employees can further appeal to federal courts under ERISA​(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How does the pension benefit guarantee from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) apply to employees of Nokia of America Corporation, and what are the limitations of this guarantee in protecting retirement benefits? Additionally, how can understanding these protections help employees make informed decisions regarding their retirement planning?

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) guarantees benefits under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan in case the plan terminates. However, there are limitations, such as caps on benefit amounts. Understanding these protections helps employees make informed decisions about their retirement planning​(Nokia of America Corpor…).

How can employees contact the Nokia Benefits Resource Center to gain more information about their benefits and the specific resources available under the Nokia Retirement Income Plan? What are the recommended communication channels and hours for reaching out to ensure timely and effective assistance?

Employees can contact the Nokia Benefits Resource Center through the Your Benefits Resources (YBR) website or by calling the designated phone line. It is recommended to use these channels during business hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET) for timely assistance with pension-related questions​(Nokia of America Corpor…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Nokia provides both a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) savings plan. The defined benefit plan includes legacy plans from Alcatel-Lucent and Siemens, providing retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. In 2021, Nokia merged its Retirement Plan (NRP) with the Lucent Technologies Inc. Pension Plan (LTPP) to streamline management. The 401(k) plan offers diverse investment options and company matching contributions.
Operational Efficiency: Nokia is undergoing a restructuring process that includes layoffs affecting about 5,000 employees globally. Strategic Focus: The company is shifting its focus towards 5G technology and network infrastructure (Source: Reuters). Financial Performance: Nokia reported a 7% increase in net sales for Q2 2023, reflecting strong demand for its 5G products (Source: Nokia).
Nokia provides both RSUs and stock options to its employees. RSUs vest over time, converting into shares, while stock options allow employees to buy shares at a set price.
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Full Interest Rate update table for Nokia employees

Company Name For plan years beginning in Year Month First Segment Second Segment Third Segment Plan Name
Nokia All 2025 January 4.74% 5.55% 5.92%
Nokia All 2024 December 4.65% 5.28% 5.63%
Nokia All 2024 November 4.66% 5.25% 5.57%
Nokia All 2024 October 4.42% 5.04% 5.46%
Nokia All 2024 September 4.17% 4.76% 5.25%
Nokia All 2024 August 4.5% 4.96% 5.4%
Nokia All 2024 July 4.92% 5.25% 5.59%
Nokia All 2024 June 5.09% 5.28% 5.52%
Nokia All 2024 May 5.18% 5.41% 5.62%
Nokia All 2024 April 5.24% 5.48% 5.61%
Nokia All 2024 March 4.99% 5.19% 5.37%
Nokia All 2024 February 4.97% 5.22% 5.37%
Nokia All 2024 January 4.89% 5.14% 5.29%
Nokia All 2023 December 5.01% 5.13% 5.15%
Nokia All 2023 November 5.5% 5.76% 5.83%
Nokia All 2023 October 5.77% 6.14% 6.19%
Nokia All 2023 September 5.58% 5.66% 5.56%
Nokia All 2023 August 5.45% 5.52% 5.43%
Nokia All 2023 July 5.35% 5.28% 5.1%
Nokia All 2023 June 5.26% 5.23% 5.16%
Nokia All 2023 May 4.91% 5.15% 5.34%
Nokia All 2023 April 4.77% 4.97% 5.13%
Nokia All 2023 March 5% 5.2% 5.15%
Nokia All 2023 February 4.99% 5.12% 4.96%

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Nokia at 600 mountain avenue Murray Hill, NJ 07974-0636; or by calling them at 972-374-3000.

https://www.nokia.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5 https://www.nokia.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12 https://www.nokia.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15 https://www.nokia.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8 https://www.nokia.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22 https://www.nokia.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28 https://www.nokia.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20 https://www.nokia.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14 https://www.nokia.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17 https://www.nokia.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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