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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Jabil Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Jabil Jabil employs a diverse range of healthcare providers to support its workforce, focusing on comprehensive health plans that address various medical needs. These providers often include a mix of major national insurance carriers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna, which offer extensive networks and accessible care options for employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Jabil in 2026 As healthcare costs are projected to surge in 2026, Jabil will likely be affected by the anticipated sharp increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums and medical expenses. With reports indicating that some states may encounter premium hikes exceeding 60%, plus the potential loss of federal subsidies, employees could see out-of-pocket premiums rise significantly-potentially by 75% or more. Coupled with ongoing inflation in medical costs and increasing demand for care, Jabil must strategize to mitigate these financial impacts on employee healthcare benefits in the coming year. Click here to learn more

'Jabil 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.

'Jabil 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.

How does Jabil Circuit ensure the long-term sustainability of its Pension Scheme, and what role do the trustees play in this? In what ways does the investment strategy align with Jabil Circuit's overall business goals and the financial security of its employees?

Jabil Circuit Sustainability of Pension Scheme: Jabil Circuit ensures the long-term sustainability of its pension scheme by setting clear investment objectives that align with the interests of its members and beneficiaries. The trustees, operating under Jabil Pension Trustees Limited (JPT), focus on meeting the scheme's obligations and achieving asset returns above gilts over the long term, while balancing risk control and return generation. The investment strategy is designed to be consistent with return assumptions used by the scheme actuary, considering Jabil's interests in employer contribution payments.

What are the primary objectives of the investment policy for the Jabil Circuit Pension Scheme, and how do these objectives impact the decision-making process regarding asset allocation and risk management? Additionally, how do Jabil Circuitâ€™s obligations to its beneficiaries shape these objectives?

Investment Policy Objectives: The primary objectives of Jabil Circuit's pension scheme investment policy are to meet the scheme's obligations to beneficiaries and to achieve long-term asset returns above gilts. These objectives influence decision-making in asset allocation and risk management by ensuring a balance between risk control and return generation. Jabil Circuit's obligations to beneficiaries shape these objectives by prioritizing financial security and the interests of the members.

Can you elaborate on the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies of Jabil Circuit and how these policies influence investment decisions made by the Jabil Circuit Pension Scheme? In what ways does Jabil Circuit engage with its investment managers to uphold these ESG principles?

ESG Policies Influence: Jabil Circuit incorporates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies into its investment decisions through a structured policy that includes climate change considerations. This policy guides the trustee's engagement with investment managers, ensuring ESG factors are considered in the investment process. Regular reviews and training provided by Mercer help reinforce these principles and ensure they are integrated into the pension scheme's investment strategy.

How do climate change considerations factor into Jabil Circuit's investment approach, particularly in the context of the Pension Scheme? What measures does Jabil Circuit take to assess and manage climate-related risks associated with its investment portfolio?

Climate Change Considerations: Climate change is a significant factor in Jabil Circuit's investment approach, particularly for the pension scheme. The trustees undertake climate scenario modeling and stress testing annually, aligning the investment portfolio with climate-related financial disclosure recommendations and the Paris Agreement objectives. This approach helps manage climate-related risks and ensures the portfolio is positioned to handle various climate scenarios.

What strategies does Jabil Circuit employ to communicate and engage with employees regarding their pension benefits and retirement options? How can employees participate in discussions about changes or updates to the Jabil Circuit Pension Scheme?

Employee Communication and Engagement: Jabil Circuit employs strategies to actively engage with employees regarding their pension benefits and retirement options. Regular reporting and updates are provided, and employees have opportunities to participate in discussions about changes to the pension scheme. This open communication ensures employees are well-informed and can make knowledgeable decisions about their retirement planning.

In the context of the current IRS limits for 2024, how does Jabil Circuit assist employees in understanding their retirement savings options, particularly in relation to contributions to the Pension Scheme? What resources are available for employees to navigate these changes?

Understanding Retirement Savings Options: In light of the current IRS limits for 2024, Jabil Circuit assists employees by providing resources and guidance on retirement savings options, particularly concerning contributions to the pension scheme. Educational materials and support systems are in place to help employees understand how these changes affect their retirement planning and contributions.

How does the Jabil Circuit Pension Scheme address the issue of responsible investing, and what are the specific exclusions that have been put in place? How does Jabil Circuit balance ethical investment practices with the need for financial returns?

Responsible Investing: Jabil Circuit addresses responsible investing through clear exclusions and ethical investment practices within its pension scheme. The scheme excludes investments in controversial and civilian weapons and tobacco from its active fixed income funds. This approach balances ethical considerations with the need for financial returns, adhering to broader corporate responsibility standards.

What is the frequency and nature of the reporting provided to Jabil Circuit regarding the performance of the Pension Scheme investments? How does this reporting influence the strategic decisions made by the trustees in managing the scheme?

Investment Performance Reporting: The frequency and nature of reporting on the pension scheme's investment performance involve regular updates from Mercer, the investment consultant. These reports influence the trustees' strategic decisions by providing insights into asset performance, risk management, and compliance with investment objectives. This systematic reporting ensures that the trustees are well-informed to manage the scheme effectively.

How has the trustee board of the Jabil Circuit Pension Scheme evolved over time, and what qualifications or experiences do board members bring to their roles? In what ways do these factors contribute to effective oversight of the Pension Scheme?

Evolution and Qualifications of Trustee Board: The trustee board of the Jabil Circuit Pension Scheme has evolved to include members with specific qualifications and experiences that contribute to effective oversight. Regular training sessions and strategic reviews help trustees stay informed and capable of managing complex investment decisions, ensuring the pension scheme is managed with expertise and due diligence.

How can employees contact Jabil Circuit to learn more about their specific benefits under the Pension Scheme and to seek guidance during the retirement process? What channels are available for employees to access this information effectively?

Contacting Jabil Circuit for Pension Benefits: Employees seeking information about their benefits under the Jabil Circuit Pension Scheme can contact the human resources department or designated pension scheme administrators. Multiple channels, including direct consultations, informational seminars, and online resources, are available to ensure employees have effective access to guidance throughout their retirement process.

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

Name of Plan: Jabil Pension Plan Years of Service Qualification: 5 years of service (as per the document, page 14) Age Qualification: Age 55 (document, page 14) Pension Formula: Calculated based on years of service and average salary over the final 5 years (document, page 15) Name of Plan: Jabil 401(k) Plan Eligibility: All full-time employees who have completed 30 days of service (document, page 22) Employer Match: Jabil matches up to 4% of employee contributions (

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Jabil announced significant restructuring plans aimed at optimizing their global operations. This included a reduction in workforce by approximately 5% in certain divisions to streamline operations and improve efficiency. This move is a response to shifting market demands and an effort to remain competitive in the evolving economic landscape. It's crucial to monitor these changes due to their potential impact on employee job security and company performance amid the current economic and investment climate.

Jabil offers stock options with a standard vesting period of four years. Stock options are granted to executives and key employees. Jabil’s RSUs RSUs at Jabil typically vest over three to four years and are performance-based. These are available to senior management and selected key employees.

Healthcare Benefits: Jabil typically offers a range of healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Coverage options may include various plan tiers, such as HMO, PPO, or high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). Wellness Programs: The company often provides wellness programs which can include fitness reimbursements, mental health support, and employee assistance programs (EAPs). Acronyms and Terms: Common acronyms such as HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and HDHP (High-Deductible Health Plan) are used in their benefits communication.