Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Catalent Employees

There are just a couple of things almost all Catalent retirees need when they hit retirement: predictable income and protection against a cluster of risks, which include longevity risk, performance risk and sequence-of-returns risk.

In the past we have seen retiring Catalent employees utilize the “4% rule,” where retirees take annual withdrawals start at 4% of the entire portfolio and increase with inflation. They then keep the remainder of the portfolio with at least 50% invested in equities. Based on historical data, this would give a Catalent retiree about 30 years of retirement income.

As the economy constantly changes, a number of factors may force prospective Catalent retirees to revisit the 4% rule. It may be worth considering annuities as an alternative.

As life expectancies increase, Catalent retirees need to prepare for expenses over a longer time frame. In the past we would plan for a 15 to 20 year retirement, but now we need to prepare for a 30 to 35 year retirement. What is available to assist meeting the 35-year time frame?

The annuity strategy can assist with a few of the pitfalls we see in the 4% rule. For example:

If you need $50,000 per year in retirement and need that for 30 years, you may need $1.2 million in fixed income at a 3% interest rate. BUT if you look to fund $50,000 for 30 years, you can cover that expense with $800,000 by choosing the annuity option.

The other pitfall with the 4% rule is that it may not reflect a client’s risk tolerance. When you are accumulating assets, you can afford more volatility and can take on more risk than when in the retirement and withdrawal phase after leaving Catalent.

Also, should we see a drop in the market, you would be able to reduce your income using the 4% rule, which you cannot do if you choose an annuity option.

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What is the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.

How can I enroll in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting Human Resources for guidance on the enrollment process.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?

To be eligible for the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan, employees typically need to be at least 21 years old and have completed a specified period of service with the company.

Does Catalent offer a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Catalent offers a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

How much can I contribute to the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can contribute up to the IRS annual limit to the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan, which may vary each year. It’s important to check the current limits.

When can I start making contributions to the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can start making contributions to the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan after they complete the eligibility requirements and enroll in the plan.

Can I change my contribution amount in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution amount at any time during the year by accessing the benefits portal or contacting Human Resources.

What investment options are available in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

How often can I change my investment allocations in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can change their investment allocations in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's trading restrictions.

What happens to my Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Catalent, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another qualified plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Catalent plan if permitted.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Catalent's Pension Plan: Catalent offers a comprehensive retirement benefits package designed to support its employees' financial wellness. The primary pension plan provided by Catalent is known as the "Catalent Pension Plan." This plan includes a defined benefit formula based on an employee’s years of service and final average pay. Typically, to qualify for the pension plan, employees must have a minimum of five years of service and be at least 55 years of age. The specific pension formula details and eligibility criteria are laid out in the employee benefits documentation provided internally by Catalent (Catalent) (Catalent Investor Relations) (FiercePharma). Catalent's 401(k) Plan: Catalent also offers a 401(k) plan to its employees, which is referred to as the "Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan." Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan from their first day of employment. The company provides a generous matching contribution, where Catalent matches 50% of the first 6% of the employee's contributions. This plan is designed to help employees save for retirement with the added benefit of tax deferral on contributions and earnings

Catalent has been undergoing significant restructuring since 2023, including multiple rounds of layoffs affecting various facilities. In late 2023, the company laid off approximately 300 employees as part of a cost-cutting initiative aimed at consolidating its facilities. This was followed by further layoffs in early 2024, including the reduction of 130 staff members at its Bloomington, Indiana site, which is being sold to Novo Nordisk as part of a broader $16.5 billion acquisition deal expected to close by the end of 2024. The restructuring is driven by reduced demand for COVID-19-related services and a need to increase efficiency and reduce costs across its operations. Importance: Addressing this news is crucial due to the current economic environment, where companies are navigating the aftermath of the pandemic, fluctuating demand, and economic pressures. These changes also reflect broader trends in the biopharma industry, where consolidation and cost-cutting measures are common as companies adjust to new market realities

Stock Options: Catalent offers stock options to its employees as part of its long-term incentive plan. These options are designed to align the interests of employees with those of shareholders. Employees receive the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price, after a specified vesting period. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Catalent also provides RSUs to its employees, which represent a promise to deliver shares of the company's stock in the future. RSUs typically vest over a period of time, encouraging employees to remain with the company. Once vested, the RSUs are converted into shares, which the employee can then sell or hold.

Catalent offers a comprehensive suite of health benefits to its employees, designed to meet diverse needs and foster a healthy lifestyle. Their health insurance plans cover a wide range of medical services, emphasizing both personal and financial wellness. Employees have access to wellness programs, which aim to manage healthcare costs and encourage a healthy lifestyle. These programs include health insurance, wellness incentives, and various support resources to balance work and personal life, such as generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Catalent continued to enhance its benefits offerings, aligning them with industry standards and employee needs. Recent updates include tuition reimbursement, global scholarship programs for employees' children, and comprehensive retirement plans. The company has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, receiving accolades as a “Best Place to Work for People with Disabilities” for consecutive years. Specific healthcare-related terms and acronyms frequently used by Catalent include "OptiDose® Design Solution," "RP Scherer Softgel Technology," and "OneXpress™ Solution," which refer to their proprietary technologies and approaches in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. Recent employee healthcare news highlights Catalent's ongoing efforts to support employee well-being. For instance, their 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report details initiatives in employee health and wellness, such as investments in diverse and inclusive workplace practices and contributions to STEM education

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Catalent employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Catalent at 14 Schoolhouse Road Somerset, NJ 8873; or by calling them at +1 908-809-1300.

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