Microsoft vs Amazon
Retirement plan comparison based on DOL Form 5500 data (Source: Department of Labor)
| Metric | Microsoft | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $26.8B | $22.9B |
| Participants | 185,000 | 1,100,000 |
| Active Participants | 170,000 | 950,000 |
| Assets per Participant | $145K | $21K |
| Total Expenses | $42.0M | $62.0M |
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.27% |
| Plan Type | 401(k) | 401(k) |
| State | WA | WA |
Visual Comparison
Total Assets
Participants
Expense Ratio
Comparison Analysis
Microsoft's plan is larger by total assets ($26.8B vs $22.9B), though plan size alone does not indicate quality. Microsoft has 185,000 participants with average assets of $145K per participant, while Amazon has 1,100,000 participants with average assets of $21K per participant (Source: DOL Form 5500). Both plans are 401(k) plans. When comparing retirement plans, key factors to consider include expense ratios, employer match structure, vesting schedules, and investment menu diversity. Form 5500 data provides a useful starting point, but individual plan documents contain more detailed information.
Key Differences
Key differences based on DOL Form 5500 data: Microsoft has a lower expense ratio (0.16%), which means lower plan-level administrative costs as a percentage of assets. Keep in mind that Form 5500 data captures plan-level metrics and may not reflect the full picture of what each plan offers individual participants.
Data sourced from DOL Form 5500 annual filings (Source: Department of Labor, EFAST2). This comparison is for educational purposes only. RetireGrader is not a financial advisor or fiduciary.