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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Delek US Holdings Employees

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'Delek US Holdings 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.

'Delek US Holdings 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 type of retirement plan does Delek US Holdings offer to its employees?

Delek US Holdings offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Delek US Holdings enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Delek US Holdings can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Delek US Holdings match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Delek US Holdings provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Delek US Holdings?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Delek US Holdings follows the IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should check the current limits each year.

Can employees of Delek US Holdings take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Delek US Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Delek US Holdings 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Delek US Holdings offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Delek US Holdings 401(k) plan?

Employees of Delek US Holdings can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis, or as specified in the plan documents.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Delek US Holdings 401(k) plan?

Yes, Delek US Holdings has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which determines how much of the matched contributions employees are entitled to based on their length of service.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Delek US Holdings?

If an employee leaves Delek US Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

Can employees of Delek US Holdings access their 401(k) funds while still employed?

Employees of Delek US Holdings may be able to access their 401(k) funds through hardship withdrawals, depending on the circumstances and the plan’s rules.

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

Delek US Holdings offers a 401(k) plan for its employees with several features aimed at enhancing retirement savings. Employees are eligible for the company 401(k) plan, which allows them to make pre-tax contributions from their salary. The contribution limits follow the IRS guidelines, which increased to $22,500 for 2023 and $23,000 for 2024. Delek provides a matching contribution up to a specific percentage, although details on the precise matching percentage for 2022-2024 were not readily available. Their 401(k) plan is known to include options for traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions, giving employees flexibility in how they save for retirement. Employees are typically eligible for this plan from the start of employment (SEC.gov) (SEC.gov). For pensions, Delek US Holdings does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan to all employees but focuses on their defined contribution 401(k) plan instead. This structure is more common in modern corporate retirement offerings, especially in the refining and logistics sectors. Their focus is on matching contributions and enhancing the overall retirement package through the 401(k) system

Delek US Holdings Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Delek US Holdings announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining its operations. This move includes a reduction in workforce by approximately 10% across its various divisions. The company stated that these layoffs are part of a broader effort to enhance operational efficiency and align with its strategic goals in a challenging economic environment. Importance: Given the current economic uncertainties, such as fluctuating oil prices and geopolitical tensions, it is crucial for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about these changes. The restructuring could impact job security, benefits, and future company performance, making it essential to monitor how these developments unfold.

Delek US Holdings offers a range of stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) through its long-term incentive plans, primarily focused on motivating key employees and aligning their interests with shareholders. These awards are part of the company’s broader equity incentive plan, which was initially approved in 2017 and updated in 2018. The RSUs and stock options are granted under the Delek US Holdings Equity Incentive Plan and are designed to promote long-term commitment and performance. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, eligible employees received these awards based on their role and performance, with awards vesting over a period of four years. The stock options are tied to the company’s Class A common stock, while performance share units (PSUs) and performance units (PUs) are aligned with total shareholder return (TSR) relative to industry peers.

Health Benefits Overview: Delek US Holdings’ official website provides a broad overview of their benefits package. Key elements often include medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and wellness programs. Recent Updates: The website may have recent updates about changes in healthcare plans or enhancements in coverage for 2023 or 2024.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Delek US Holdings at 7102 Commerce Way Brentwood, TN 37027; or by calling them at (615) 771-6701.

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