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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Citrix Systems Employees

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'Citrix Systems employees approaching retirement should recognize that the sequence of market returns in their early years can influence the longevity of their income far more than the average return itself, making disciplined withdrawal strategies and diversified income planning essential.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Citrix Systems employees nearing retirement can benefit from understanding how market downturns early in retirement may have lasting effects, and from adopting flexible, research-based withdrawal and allocation strategies to help sustain their income over time.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

Historical examples of sequence-of-returns risk and their effects on retirement income.
Why the first years of retirement are most critical for portfolio sustainability.
Research‑backed strategies for managing sequence risk and supporting long‑term retirement goals.

Contributed by Paul Bergeron and Brent Wolf of Wealth Enhancement

For Fortune 500 employees approaching retirement, recognizing the timing of returns—not just the average return—can be critical to keeping income going over the long term. This concept, known as sequence-of‑returns risk, shows how poor early market performance in retirement can have a lasting impact on a withdrawal plan, even if long-term averages seem strong. Historical market data provides clear examples of this risk and offers practical methods for responding to it.

Historical examples of sequence risk

Fortune 500 retirees entering retirement during tough market cycles face situations similar to the declines seen in the late 1960s, when the market hit two bear markets (1968–70 and 1973–74) alongside high inflation. The S&P 500 dropped roughly 48% during the 1973–74 bear market, compounding inflation-related difficulties. ¹ Likewise, those retiring in 2000 endured two severe bear markets in the decade, while 2022 proved one of the toughest years for balanced portfolios, with sharp drops in both U.S. stocks and high-quality bonds.

Why the early years matter most

For a Fortune 500 retiree, significant losses in the first five to ten years of retirement—combined with regular withdrawals—can shrink the number of shares left to rebound when markets recover. Academic studies and industry research repeatedly show that even with the same average return, the order of gains and losses plays a huge role in retirement outcomes.

Research-backed strategies to manage sequence risk

One effective method for Fortune 500 retirees is keeping a mix of asset types to help weather downturns. Cash and bonds can act as “shock absorbers” for immediate expenses, reducing the need to sell stocks during market dips. Flexible withdrawal approaches—such as adjusting withdrawals within set guardrails—have been shown to support portfolio longevity better than fixed-dollar withdrawal methods.

Staging risk in a retirement portfolio—by holding one to two years of expenses in cash-like assets and several years in short‑ to intermediate‑term bonds—may give equities time to recover before they're tapped for income. For some Fortune 500 retirees, delaying income sources like Social Security can help raise total lifetime income and lessen the need to tap investments during volatile times. Thoughtful rebalancing and managing tax lots, especially during downturns, can also help maintain equity exposure and extend portfolio lifespan.

Implications for retirement planning

While higher stock allocations may offer greater long-term growth potential, they also increase sequence risk in early retirement for Fortune 500 workers. Historically, balanced portfolios—often with 30% to 50% equities for income-focused funds—have supported more resilient initial withdrawal rates compared to all-stock strategies. ² Strong early-market results can set up long-term success, but disciplined spending limits, guardrails, and rebalancing remain key.

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Sources:

1.The New York Times. ' What Happens When Stock Markets Become Bears ,' by William Davis, Karl Russell, and Stephen Gandel. 13 June 2022.

2. Vanguard UK. ' Sustainable Spending Rates in Turbulent Markets ,' by Daga, Ankul, et al. Mar. 2021, pp. 1–7.

Other Resources:

1. Guyton, Jonathan T., and William J. Klinger. “ Decision Rules and Maximum Initial Withdrawal Rates .” Journal of Financial Planning , vol. 19, no. 3, Mar. 2006, pp. 48–50, 52–54, 56–58. Financial Planning Association.

2. “ Timeline of U.S. Stock Market Crashes .” Investopedia , 30 Oct. 2024, section “The 1973–74 Oil Crisis Bear Market.”

3. ' When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits. ' Social Security Administration, Pub. No. 05-10147, May 2024, pp. 1–2.

4. Arnott, Amy C., CFA, and Ivanna Hampton. “ Why More Diversification Doesn’t Mean Better Returns .” Morningstar , 7 June 2024.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Citrix Systems?

The 401(k) plan at Citrix Systems is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

Does Citrix Systems match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Citrix Systems offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Citrix Systems 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Citrix Systems 401(k) plan is determined by the IRS guidelines, which can change annually.

When can employees of Citrix Systems enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Citrix Systems can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding period or during the annual open enrollment period.

What investment options are available in the Citrix Systems 401(k) plan?

The Citrix Systems 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How can employees of Citrix Systems change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department at Citrix Systems.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Citrix Systems 401(k) plan?

Yes, Citrix Systems has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) plan at Citrix Systems?

Yes, employees of Citrix Systems may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Citrix Systems?

If an employee leaves Citrix Systems, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the Citrix Systems plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with the Citrix Systems 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment fees associated with the Citrix Systems 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

For Citrix Systems, the company offers a 401(k) plan that is known for its matching contributions, which are managed by Fidelity. Employees can contribute a percentage of their salary to the plan, and Citrix matches up to 3% of eligible compensation. This matching contribution makes the 401(k) plan a valuable benefit for Citrix employees, helping them to save for retirement with the company's assistance. Citrix Systems' 401(k) plan does not have a unique name, but it is part of the broader benefits package that includes other retirement and health benefits. To qualify for the 401(k) plan, employees must meet eligibility criteria based on their job classification and tenure with the company. The company ensures that employees are well-informed about these benefits, especially during times of corporate transition, such as the merger with TIBCO, where benefits were a point of assurance for employees. The information regarding the Citrix Systems pension plan is less detailed, as the company primarily emphasizes its 401(k) plan. However, it is clear that Citrix Systems prioritizes maintaining a competitive benefits package, which includes retirement savings options designed to support long-term financial security for its employees

Restructuring and Layoffs: Citrix Systems has undergone significant restructuring in 2023-2024 following its merger with Tibco Software to form Cloud Software Group (CSG). This restructuring included a substantial reduction in workforce, with layoffs affecting up to 15% of its employees globally. These cuts were implemented as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations, eliminate redundant roles, and reduce costs, particularly after the merger. This situation is crucial to address given the current economic pressures and the need for companies to remain competitive amid a shifting political landscape that impacts taxation and investment decisions. The restructuring efforts also included the closure of certain offices and facilities, contributing to the overall reduction in operational expenses (Enterprise Technology News and Analysis) (Enterprise Technology News and Analysis).

Stock Options at Citrix Systems: Citrix Systems offers two types of stock options to its employees: Non-Qualified Stock Options (NQSOs) and Incentive Stock Options (ISOs). NQSOs are the most commonly offered and are available to a broader group, including employees, contractors, and directors. These options provide the right, but not the obligation, to purchase company stock at a fixed strike price, which is determined at the time of the grant. The value realized from exercising these options depends on the difference between the strike price and the market price at the time of exercise. For example, if the strike price is $30 and the stock's market price at the time of exercise is $50, the employee can buy the stock at $30 and either hold or sell it at $50, realizing a profit. However, if the market price is below the strike price, the options might not be exercised. RSUs at Citrix Systems: RSUs at Citrix Systems are granted to employees as part of their compensation package, vesting over a set period, typically linked to tenure or performance milestones. Upon vesting, the RSUs are converted into actual shares of Citrix Systems stock, which the employee owns outright. These shares are typically taxed as ordinary income upon vesting, which can affect the overall financial planning for the employees.

Citrix Systems has been actively involved in enhancing healthcare IT through their technology solutions, which have significant implications for employee health benefits as well. In 2022 and 2023, Citrix focused on improving the healthcare employee experience, particularly in response to industry challenges such as staffing shortages and cybersecurity threats. Citrix's solutions, including Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and secure cloud environments, are designed to support healthcare organizations by enabling flexible work environments while maintaining high levels of data security and compliance with patient privacy regulations. Some of the specific healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by Citrix in their healthcare IT solutions include HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance, DaaS (Desktop as a Service), and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies. These terms highlight Citrix’s commitment to providing secure and efficient digital workspaces that cater to the healthcare sector’s unique needs. Recent employee healthcare news related to Citrix includes partnerships with healthcare providers to enhance patient care and reduce IT costs, as well as initiatives to address cybersecurity threats in healthcare environments. Citrix's technology is increasingly being adopted by healthcare organizations to improve both patient outcomes and the work experience for healthcare professionals.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Citrix Systems at 851 W Cypress Creek Rd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309; or by calling them at (954) 267-3000.

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