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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Intuitive Surgical Employees

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'Intuitive Surgical 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.

'Intuitive Surgical 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 savings plan does Intuitive Surgical offer to its employees?

Intuitive Surgical offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Is there a company match for contributions to the 401(k) plan at Intuitive Surgical?

Yes, Intuitive Surgical provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Intuitive Surgical?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Intuitive Surgical by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or contacting HR for assistance.

What is the eligibility requirement for participating in Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan?

To participate in Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan, employees typically need to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being a full-time employee and completing a specified period of service.

Can I change my contribution amount to the 401(k) plan at Intuitive Surgical?

Yes, employees at Intuitive Surgical can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What investment options are available in Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan?

Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

When can I access my 401(k) funds after leaving Intuitive Surgical?

After leaving Intuitive Surgical, employees can access their 401(k) funds according to the plan's distribution rules, which may include options like rollovers or cash withdrawals.

Does Intuitive Surgical offer financial advice for 401(k) participants?

Yes, Intuitive Surgical may provide access to financial advisors or resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) investments.

Are there any fees associated with Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan, which can include administrative fees and investment-related fees, as outlined in the plan documents.

How often can I review my 401(k) account at Intuitive Surgical?

Employees can review their 401(k) account at Intuitive Surgical as often as they like, typically through the online benefits portal.

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

Intuitive Surgical offers a comprehensive 401(k) plan known as the "Intuitive Surgical, Inc. 401(k) Plan." This is a defined contribution plan, meaning that employees can contribute a portion of their salary into the plan, and Intuitive Surgical may also contribute, particularly through profit-sharing based on the company’s earnings. The 401(k) plan allows participants to direct the investment of their accounts, with options including default investments for those who do not make specific selections. This plan was established to help employees save for retirement, and it provides flexibility in how funds can be managed and withdrawn, particularly in situations requiring a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). The company also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employees and a stock purchase plan, allowing employees to buy Intuitive Surgical stock at a discounted rate. The 401(k) plan is administered by Intuitive Surgical itself, with the headquarters located in Sunnyvale, California. For years of service and age qualification for the 401(k) plan, the company follows standard practices where employees become eligible to participate upon meeting certain age and service requirements, though specific details on this aspect are typically found in the plan's summary documents.

In 2023 and 2024, Intuitive Surgical has experienced financial restructuring driven by the evolving economic environment. They have not announced large-scale layoffs, but there has been a steady focus on cost optimization (Intuitive Surgical) (Intuitive Surgical). The company has also revised long-term incentive plans and stock-based compensation, including phantom share awards for employees in China. These changes are tied to strategic performance metrics, which could impact the company’s workforce and benefits as it aligns with its financial goals (Intuitive Surgical).

Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) through its 2010 Incentive Award Plan. Eligible employees, particularly in leadership and key roles, receive annual grants of stock options and RSUs. In 2022, RSUs with a target value of $1.5 million were granted to senior executives, aligning compensation with company performance. For 2023 and 2024, the company continues to offer RSUs and stock options to incentivize long-term retention, primarily to executives and employees in strategic roles.

Health Insurance and Healthcare Navigation: Intuitive provides comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including telehealth services. Employees have access to Accolade, a healthcare navigator, which helps them manage medical inquiries and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system (Intuitive Surgical Careers) (Intuitive Surgical Careers). Mental Health and Emotional Support: Employees and their families can access mental health services through Lyra, which offers 12 free sessions per year. The platform is designed to streamline the process of finding the right therapist based on individual preferences (Intuitive Surgical Careers) (Intuitive Surgical Careers). Family Planning and Fertility Services: Intuitive offers fertility support through Progyny and Maven, providing in-vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy support, and postpartum care. These services include access to a network of fertility specialists and comprehensive pregnancy support (Intuitive Surgical Careers) (Intuitive Surgical Careers). Cancer and Chronic Disease Support: Employees benefit from specialized support services for cancer and chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. They have access to second opinions and personalized treatment plans, along with concierge support for navigating complex care (Intuitive Surgical Careers) (Intuitive Surgical Careers). Other Notable Benefits: Intuitive provides gender-affirming care, virtual physical therapy, weight management programs, and services for caregivers. Employees also receive 8 weeks of paid parental leave, flexible time off, and coverage for surrogacy up to $20,000

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Intuitive Surgical at , ; or by calling them at .

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