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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Floor & Decor Holdings Employees

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'Floor & Decor 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.

'Floor & Decor 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.

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

Floor & Decor Holdings offers a 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, and employees are eligible to participate after six months of employment. The company matches employee contributions at a rate determined annually, which was approximately 29.35% in 2022. Additionally, Floor & Decor has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan that allows employees to purchase company stock at a discounted rate. There was no specific information found on a defined pension plan offered by Floor & Decor Holdings in 2022, 2023, or 2024. The focus appears to be on their 401(k) plan and other retirement savings options. The company's benefits and retirement plans emphasize financial wellness and employee investment in their future.

Restructuring Layoffs: In 2023-2024, Floor & Decor has continued to expand its operations, opening new stores and studios, which suggests stability and growth rather than restructuring layoffs. However, the company has not announced any significant layoffs during this period, focusing instead on growth initiatives like the opening of new locations, including its Houston Design Studio in 2022 and continued expansion into 2024. Importance: This focus on expansion rather than layoffs is crucial for understanding the company's current economic resilience, especially considering the broader economic and investment climate where many companies are reducing their workforce. It’s essential to monitor for any future changes as economic conditions evolve.

Floor & Decor Holdings (FND) offers its employees various stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its compensation package. These are detailed in the company’s SEC filings and annual reports. The stock options and RSUs available to employees at Floor & Decor Holdings are part of the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan. This plan allows eligible employees, consultants, and non-employee directors to receive RSUs, which are units that represent shares of the company's common stock. These RSUs typically vest over a period of time, depending on continued employment or meeting specific performance goals. For example, the RSUs might include a provision for dividend equivalents, where employees can receive cash payments equivalent to dividends paid on the company's stock during the vesting period (SEC.gov) (Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.). The latest updates to these stock options and RSUs for 2022, 2023, and 2024 show that the plan continues to be a significant part of Floor & Decor’s employee compensation strategy. Employees who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as length of service and job level, are offered these equity incentives. The detailed terms, including vesting schedules and eligibility, are outlined in the company’s annual 10-K filings (Last10K).

Floor & Decor Holdings offers a comprehensive set of health benefits to its employees, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as various wellness programs aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle. The company's health plans typically involve partnerships with major insurance providers, allowing employees access to a wide network of healthcare services. In terms of specific healthcare-related terms, Floor & Decor commonly uses terms such as "HSA" (Health Savings Account), "PPO" (Preferred Provider Organization), and "EAP" (Employee Assistance Program) within their benefits communications. These acronyms represent essential components of their healthcare packages, designed to give employees flexible and robust options for managing their health expenses.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Floor & Decor Holdings at , ; or by calling them at .

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