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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Keurig Dr Pepper Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Keurig Dr Pepper Keurig Dr Pepper primarily offers health benefits through leading insurance providers such as UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. These insurers cater specifically to the employees of Keurig Dr Pepper, ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage as part of their employee benefits package. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look towards 2026, Keurig Dr Pepper and its employees face the prospect of steep increases in healthcare costs. Premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans are anticipated to rise significantly, with some states seeing hikes of over 60%. This surge is largely attributed to the expiration of federal subsidies, which could force nearly 92% of policyholders to shoulder premium increases averaging over 75%. Coupled with rising medical costs and aggressive rate hikes from insurers, employees may experience a substantial financial impact, highlighting the need for strategic health benefit management as we approach the new year. Click here to learn more

'Keurig Dr Pepper 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.

'Keurig Dr Pepper 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 Keurig Dr Pepper?

The 401(k) plan at Keurig Dr Pepper is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Keurig Dr Pepper?

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

Does Keurig Dr Pepper offer a match on 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Keurig Dr Pepper offers a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps enhance your retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the 401(k) match at Keurig Dr Pepper?

The vesting schedule for the 401(k) match at Keurig Dr Pepper typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matched contributions.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Keurig Dr Pepper?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Keurig Dr Pepper at any time, usually through the benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the Keurig Dr Pepper 401(k) plan?

The Keurig Dr Pepper 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a loan option available through the Keurig Dr Pepper 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan against their 401(k) balance at Keurig Dr Pepper, subject to the plan's rules and regulations.

What happens to my 401(k) when I leave Keurig Dr Pepper?

When you leave Keurig Dr Pepper, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out (subject to taxes and penalties), or leave it in the Keurig Dr Pepper plan if allowed.

How often can I access my 401(k) statements from Keurig Dr Pepper?

Employees at Keurig Dr Pepper can access their 401(k) statements online, typically on a quarterly basis, and can also request additional statements as needed.

Does Keurig Dr Pepper provide financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Keurig Dr Pepper provides resources and educational sessions to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment choices.

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

Pension Plan: Keurig Dr Pepper Retirement Plan (2022), Keurig Dr Pepper Pension Plan (2023), Keurig Dr Pepper Defined Benefit Plan (2024) Eligibility: 5 years of service and age 21 Formula: 1.5% of the average salary over the highest 5 years times years of service Sources: Company Annual Report, SEC Filing, Benefits Handbook 401(k) Plan: Keurig Dr Pepper 401(k) Savings Plan Eligibility: After 30 days of service Source: Employee Benefits Guide

Restructuring and Layoffs (August 2023): Keurig Dr Pepper announced a restructuring plan involving significant layoffs as part of its efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs. This decision was driven by the company's need to adapt to changing market conditions and operational challenges. The reduction in workforce affects several departments, with a focus on centralizing functions and improving efficiency. Changes in Company Benefits (February 2024): Keurig Dr Pepper revised its employee benefits package, including adjustments to health insurance plans and retirement savings options. These changes are a response to broader industry trends and financial pressures. The updated benefits aim to balance cost management with employee needs, reflecting shifts in the economic and regulatory landscape. Given the current economic and investment climate, it's crucial to stay informed about these developments as they impact long-term financial planning and job security.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) provided stock options and RSUs to eligible employees, including executives and senior management. Stock options are granted to incentivize performance, while RSUs are awarded based on time or performance conditions. Information sourced from the Keurig Dr Pepper 2022 Annual Report, page 42.

Health Benefits Overview: On their official site, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) provides detailed information about their employee benefits, including health benefits. This typically includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with other wellness programs. They often outline plan options, eligibility criteria, and how to access these benefits. Acronyms/Terms: Common terms might include HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan), HSA (Health Savings Account), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), and EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Keurig Dr Pepper at , ; or by calling them at .

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