Assumptions: Compare the Pair tool

 

Accumulation Net Benefit model for Compare the Pair advertising, the Compare the Pair tool and general performance claim in advertising campaigns.

Industry Super Australia has commissioned SuperRatings to undertake the research and modelling used in First Super advertisements and communications.

SuperRatings is a ratings, research and consultancy company that specialises in analysing superannuation funds, their investment returns, their fees and the relative benefits they offer to their members. The Accumulation Net Benefit model, prepared by SuperRatings, calculates the variance in earnings and fees between First Super and retail super funds (also known as retail master trusts) over different time periods, with the default comparison being the 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 years to 30 June 2023.

Background to the Accumulation Net Benefit model

Sample Set: The sample set used in the modelling contains First Super’s balanced investment option and the retail super funds which are actively tracked by SuperRatings, including superannuation investment products that are open and those that are closed to new members but continue to hold assets.

As at 30 June 2023, the number of retail super products included in the sample set for each comparison period is:

Timeframe	1 year	3 years	5 years	7 years	10 years	15 years
Retail super products	72	61	50	42	31	16

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Information about the accumulation Net Benefit model

• The model uses the ‘main Balanced option’ being the fund’s largest Balanced option where 60% to 76% of the fund’s assets are invested in growth investments. This is generally the fund’s default option. Where a fund does not have a Balanced option, the option closest to SuperRatings benchmark range of 60% to 76% growth investments is used. This is done for each product provider in the sample set.
• The model uses return and fee data that is submitted by funds to SuperRatings, made publicly available by funds or contained within formal fund disclosures as at 30 June each year.
• Using the starting account balance and salary, the contributions, earnings and fees are calculated using 30 June data each year to derive the closing account balance at the end of each year.
• The closing account balance for the previous year is then used to calculate earnings and fees on the account in the following years with the process being repeated for each year of the comparison.
• The net benefit for each product refers to the cumulative earnings less fees for the relevant comparison period.
• The average net benefit of retail super funds is calculated by taking an average of all net benefit outcomes at the end of the comparison period for the retail products actively tracked by SuperRatings.
• The net benefit is calculated for each product which has sufficient return and performance history information available over the entire comparison period. Where this information is not available, those products are excluded from the calculation.
• The model assumes no additional contributions or withdrawals over the relevant comparison period.
• The model will be updated annually with 30 June figures (available in approximately October each year).
• Modelling was performed on 24 October 2022 using data as at 30 June 2023.

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Other assumptions for the Accumulation Net Benefit model

Salary increase
3.5% per annum.

Investment Returns
Performance (Net Benefit) modelling is based on actual reported returns over the stated period.

When are investment returns credited to members’ accounts?
Annually.

Superannuation Guarantee Contribution

10.5% per annum*.

*The Superannuation Guarantee rate used for each year’s calculation is in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act. The modelling assumes no salary sacrifice or voluntary contributions.

Contribution tax
15%

When are contributions assumed to be made?
Quarterly in arrears (i.e. the first contribution is made 3 months after joining the fund)

When are fees assumed to be deducted?
Annually.

Tax rebate
A tax rebate of 15% is assumed on fees deducted from members’ accumulation accounts

Employer asset size
Members’ accumulation accounts are assumed to be in a ’small’ employer size of $150,000 in funds under management (FUM) at the start of calculation.

Inflation
2.5% per annum

Fees
All fee information is taken from the sample funds’ product disclosure statements or other formal disclosures at the end of each year in the calculation. Contribution fees, entry fees, exit fees, additional adviser fees or any other fees charged are excluded from this model.

Insurance
No deductions are made for insurance premiums.

Table: Net benefit modelling 

Timeframe	First Super net benefit	Retail super fund net benefit	First Super account balance today	Retail super fund account balance today	Net benefit difference
Last year	$4,749	$4,698	$59,212	$59,161	$51
Last 3 years	$14,339	$11,143	$77,555	$74,359	$3,196
Last 5 years	$19,976	$16,770	$92,350	$89,144	$3,206
Last 7 years	$39,941	$30,647	$122,125	$112,831	$9,294
Last 10 years	$74,355	$57,806	$172,473	$155,924	$16,549
Last 15 years	$127,703	$105,015	$255,364	$232,676	$22,688

As at 30 June 2023.

 

The rating is issued by SuperRatings Pty Ltd ABN 95 100 192 283 AFSL 311880 (SuperRatings). Ratings are general advice only and have been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider your personal circumstances, read the product disclosure statement and seek independent financial advice before investing. The rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any product. Past performance information is not indicative of future performance. Ratings are subject to change without notice and SuperRatings assumes no obligation to update. SuperRatings uses objective criteria and receives a fee for publishing awards. Visit superratings.com.au for ratings information and to access the full report. © 2023 SuperRatings. All rights reserved.