LASERS Investment Return 15.8 Percent for 2013

The Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS) realized a 15.8 percent investment return for the period January 1-December 31, 2013. This calendar year-to-date performance is based on LASERS total plan, with a current market value exceeding $10 billion. Over the past five years, LASERS has posted a 13.8 percent return.

LASERS placed in the top 20th percentile or better for long-term rankings in Wilshire's Trust Universe Comparison Service (TUCS) most recent comparison. LASERS 10-year ranking was in the eleventh percentile, maintaining the retirement system's place as one of the nation's top state pension plans. TUCS is the most widely accepted benchmark for the performance of institutional assets and represents the largest database of any peer-comparison service in the industry.

LASERS Executive Director Cindy Rougeou said, "For the past four years, we have experienced positive market returns, which is a reflection of LASERS sound investment strategies. We will continue to manage LASERS investments prudently, functioning as a long-term investor."

LASERS provides a defined benefit pension plan that covers approximately 150,000 members. LASERS pays over $1 billion in annual benefits to retirees and their beneficiaries, providing a strong and reliable economic stimulus for Louisiana. 

LASERS Returns 14.3 Percent for Calendar Year 2012

The Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS) generated an investment return of 14.3 percent for the period January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. The 2012 calendar year-to-date performance is based on LASERS total plan, with a current market value exceeding $9.5 billion.

In addition to being recognized as one of the top ten performing pension systems in the nation for the past decade, LASERS has been nominated for the Mid-Sized Public Plan of the Year by Institutional Investor. Institutional Investor is a leading international business to business publisher, focused primarily on international finance. For more than 30 years, they have recognized people and firms in the financial services industry for excellence.

LASERS current fiscal year-to-date return for the period July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 is eight percent, with a three-year average return of 10 percent. LASERS was recently recognized by Wilshire's Trust Universe Comparison Service (TUCS), as one of the top public pension systems in the United States with a market value greater than $1 billion. Statistics reveal that LASERS is in the top nine percent in both the 10-year and three-year investment return categories.

LASERS Executive Director Cindy Rougeou said, "Throughout the turmoil in the markets over the past decade, LASERS has maintained a ‘stay the course' strategy as a defined benefit plan constructed to withstand the ups and downs of the market. Our returns reflect the soundness of our investment approach, making modest adjustments over time when appropriate, and never over-reacting to any one year market return."

LASERS Posts Strong Investment Performance, Continues National Ranking

The Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS) has posted a year-to-date investment return of 11.1 percent for the period ending September 30, 2012.

In an analysis by Wilshire's Trust Universe Comparison Service (TUCS), LASERS ranks among the top public pension systems in the United States with a market value greater than $1 billion. According to statistical data, LASERS is in the top nine percent in both the 10-year and three-year investment return categories. TUCS is the most widely accepted benchmark for the performance of institutional assets and represents the largest database of any peer-comparison service in the industry.

In addition, LASERS was recently recognized as being among the top 10 state pension plans in the United States based on an analysis of 10-year annualized investment returns by Cliffwater LLC.

LASERS Executive Director Cindy Rougeou said, "Though the market experienced significant corrections, including the Great Recession during this decade, LASERS earned a 9.0 percent annualized return for the 10-year period ended September 30, 2012. Much of our success can be attributed to a highly qualified staff, managing over 30 percent of our portfolio internally."

The Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS) Posts Record Investment Gains of 24.3%

The Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS) has posted an investment return of 24.3% for the fiscal year (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011). Historically, this is the plan's highest fiscal year return.

Peer comparison for the fiscal year end is not yet available; however, the most recent comparison for the 1-year period ending March 31, 2011, places LASERS in the top 2% ranking for public funds greater than $1 billion according to Wilshire's Trust Universe Comparison Service (TUCS).

TUCS is the most widely accepted benchmark for the performance of institutional assets and represents the largest database  of any peer comparison service in the industry. LASERS expects the 24.3% fiscal year return to rank favorably among peers as well.

Of the $9.3 billion LASERS portfolio, over one quarter is managed internally by a highly qualified staff, saving the System $6 million a year in fees and management costs. LASERS asset allocation has resulted in over $3.3 billion being added to the fund since March 1, 2009.

"We believe LASERS is well positioned to take advantage of a variety of investment opportunities," said LASERS Executive Director Cindy Rougeou. "Investment returns fund the majority of the benefits our members receive. This is certainly good news in a somewhat volatile economy."

LASERS RETURNS 18.7% FISCAL YEAR TO DATE ON INVESTMENTS

The Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System (LASERS) generated an 18.7% return on investments from July 2010 through the end of January 2011 for the fiscal-year-to-date. In addition, LASERS ranked in the top 3% of public plans greater than $1 billion for the one-year period ending December 31, 2010.

This ranking marks the highest ever for LASERS plan, according to the Trust Universe Comparison Service (TUCS). LASERS long term returns ranked the plan in the top 13% for the five year period, 15% for the seven year period, and 17% for the ten year period.

LASERS Ranked in Top Three Percent of Public Plans

The Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System, LASERS, ranked in the top 3% of public plans greater than $1 billion for the one-year period ending December 31, 2010.

This ranking marks the highest ever for LASERS plan, according to the Trust Universe Comparison Service (TUCS). LASERS market return for the fiscal year to date was 17.4%.

Additionally, LASERS long term returns ranked the plan in the top 13% for the five year period, 15% for the seven year period, and 17% for the ten year period.

LASERS Announces Strong Investment Returns

The Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System (LASERS) today reported a 16.1 percent return for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010. This brings the total asset value for LASERS to approximately $7.68 billion.

“Multiple asset classes performed well during the last year.” LASERS Chief Investment Officer Bobby Beale said, “Total equities were positive 15.7 percent, total fixed income including global fixed income was positive 20.7 percent and total alternatives were positive at 12.1percent.” The system oversees its own investments, and has highly credentialed staff to internally manage over 25 percent of its portfolio. LASERS twenty-five year compounded actuarial return of 8.41 percent exceeds the expected return of 8.25 percent.

“LASERS is pleased with the good returns, but also realizes the importance of assessing the market environment, and making any changes necessary.” said LASERS Executive Director Cindy Rougeou. “The importance of a strong in-house investment team and its ability to meet the unique needs of our members cannot be overstated.”