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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Kontoor Brands Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Kontoor Brands: Kontoor Brands does not publicly list a specific healthcare provider as it may depend on various factors including the employees' locations and specific plan options. However, companies of this size typically partner with major national insurance providers such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare, which offer a range of employer-sponsored health plans. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As Kontoor Brands navigates the healthcare landscape, it faces potential healthcare cost increases projected at 8.5% in 2026. This surge is attributed to several factors, including rising medical expenses, heightened claims activity, and shifts in cost-sharing strategies being implemented by employers. Furthermore, the impending expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies could exacerbate costs for many employees, leading to a significant 75% increase in out-of-pocket premiums for those reliant on marketplace insurance. This scenario highlights the urgent need for companies to reevaluate their health benefits strategies in preparation for the financial implications of these rising costs. Click here to learn more

'Kontoor Brands 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.

'Kontoor Brands 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 Kontoor Brands offer to its employees?

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

How can employees of Kontoor Brands enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company’s HR website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Kontoor Brands match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kontoor Brands provides a matching contribution to employee contributions, helping to enhance retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the 401(k) match at Kontoor Brands?

The vesting schedule for the Kontoor Brands 401(k) match typically follows a standard schedule, which employees can review in the plan documents provided by the HR department.

Can employees of Kontoor Brands change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available in the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

The Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a loan option available through the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kontoor Brands allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

How can employees access their 401(k) account information at Kontoor Brands?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan’s online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Kontoor Brands?

If an employee leaves Kontoor Brands, they have several options for their 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the Kontoor Brands plan if eligible.

Are there any fees associated with the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and can vary based on 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.

For Kontoor Brands, the company offers a 401(k) Savings Plan as part of its employee retirement benefits. In 2022 and 2023, the plan was structured to allow employees to make elective deferrals from their salaries, which are matched by the company under a safe harbor provision. Employees can also participate in hardship withdrawals and loans from their 401(k) accounts, subject to IRS rules. Participants may access their accounts at retirement, disability, death, or termination of employment. Vesting is immediate for all employee contributions and the company's matching contributions (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). The company's pension-related benefits have changed over time, with a move away from traditional defined benefit plans to more flexible, employee-directed investment plans such as the 401(k). Kontoor Brands reported pension assets in their financial statements, noting a median total pension plan asset of $9.25 million from fiscal years ending 2019 through 2023 (finbox). Although specific defined benefit pension plans were not emphasized in recent years, restructuring efforts resulted in gains from pension curtailments during fiscal events such as in 2022

News: In 2023, Kontoor Brands initiated workforce reductions as part of its global restructuring efforts. The company announced layoffs across several regions, including the U.S. and Europe, to streamline its operations under the "Project Jeanius Global Transformation" initiative. This restructuring also included the relocation of Kontoor's European headquarters, resulting in severance payments and other employee-related costs, while attempting to globalize its operating model (Business Wire) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). Additionally, Kontoor overhauled its 401(k) plan by updating its investment options lineup, providing employees with better financial planning resources for retirement (Business Wire).

Stock Options: Kontoor Brands provides eligible employees with stock options, allowing them to purchase shares at a predetermined exercise price. The vesting schedules for stock options at Kontoor Brands typically span over three to four years. As of 2022 and continuing into 2023 and 2024, these stock options were available to mid-to-senior-level employees, primarily in management roles (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). RSUs: Kontoor Brands also grants RSUs, which vest over a set period, typically three years. RSUs do not require employees to purchase shares, but rather, once vested, they convert into actual shares of Kontoor Brands stock. This feature ensures that employees benefit directly from the company's stock price performance. The availability of RSUs in 2022, 2023, and 2024 extended to a broader group of employees, including executives and high-performing individuals within various business units

Kontoor Brands, a global lifestyle apparel company, provides a comprehensive health and wellness program to support its employees' physical and financial well-being. Their benefits include competitive healthcare plans designed to offer flexibility, security, and choice to meet the needs of employees and their families. Key health benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with access to wellness programs like an onsite gym, company cafeteria, and a community garden (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.) (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). Employee health is further supported by Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and affinity networks, which focus on fostering diversity, inclusion, and a sense of community. Additionally, Kontoor offers paid time off for volunteering, promoting community engagement through activities like planting pollinator gardens and installing denim insulation in homes

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

https://www.kontoorbrands.com/investors/financial-info/sec-filings/content/0001760965-24-000037/ktb202311-k.htm https://finbox.com/NYSE:KTB/explorer/pension_assets/ https://www.kontoorbrands.com/ https://www.kontoorbrands.com/news-media/press-release/136/kontoor-brands-reports-third-quarter-2022-results-updates https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240801389189/en/Kontoor-Brands-Reports-2024-Second-Quarter-Results-Raises-Full-Year-Outlook https://www.kontoorbrands.com/investors https://www.kontoorbrands.com/ https://www.kontoorbrands.com/about https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/ktb/employees/ https://www.kontoorbrands.com/investors/news-events/press-releases/detail/174/kontoor-brands-reports-2023-fourth-quarter-and-full-year https://intellizence.com/insights/layoff-downsizing/leading-companies-announcing-layoffs-and-hiring-freezes/ https://www.kontoorbrands.com/careers/benefits https://www.kontoorbrands.com/careers/benefits