Understanding the Rise in Interest Rates: What It Means for Eli Lilly Employees and Their Retirement Plans
Interest rates are a key driver of most financial assets. While most often referenced in relation to the bond market, rates are also a key input in traditional equity valuation models, which incorporate market interest rates to determine the appropriate rate to discount future cash flows. Interest rates are an essential element in bond pricing and the yield that investors require to own a particular fixed-income security. Since hitting an all-time low in 2020, interest rates increased in 2021 and have continued that climb higher thus far in 2022. This has put pressure on fixed incomes and certain areas of the equity market, which has led to stress in certain areas of the stock market, such as growth stocks, which can be sensitive to interest rate shocks. With that in mind, let’s examine why rates have been moving up, and whether this should be a cause for concern for Eli Lilly employees.
MORE AGGRESSIVE FEDERAL RESERVE
The Federal Reserve (Fed) has already raised interest rates by 75 basis points this year. A 25 basis point hike in March followed by a 50 basis point hike in May. The Fed is currently expected to hike rates by 50 basis points in both the June and July meetings and will continue to hike through the better part of 2022. With inflation running hot and the job market showing strength, the fact that the Fed is finally moving away from zero shows confidence in the health of the job market. But the speed with which interest rates are expected to go up underscores its concern about the soaring cost of living. Americans living in areas like California or New York will experience this policy shift through higher borrowing costs: No longer will it be insanely cheap to take out mortgages or car loans and this along with higher inflation may lead to less investment in the market and more spending on needs, which is a main reason for market volatility, and important for Eli Lilly employees and retirees to keep in mind.
INFLATION CONCERNS
Inflation is also a primary determinant of long-term interest rates. Rising inflation has the potential to eat away at fixed-income returns, so naturally, inflation expectations are a component of the yield that investors require to own fixed income. Put simply, inflation is a result of too much money chasing too few goods, and there are concerns that the increase in the level of money in circulation may lead to this. The extraordinary level of fiscal and monetary stimulus put in place to combat the economic damage of Coronavirus caused a significant increase in the M2 money supply. As a result, we are currently seeing this increase in the level of money in circulation translate to a pickup in consumer spending, but also elevated inflation.
RISKS OF A RECESSION
Now that the pandemic has started to recede, the Fed has once again started to raise short-
term interest rates. This policy change has caused market volatility to spike for the three
major reasons to the right.
Today as the Fed begins to aggressively hike interest rates, market participants worry we may endure a period of high inflation alongside weakening economic growth — otherwise known as stagflation.
This environment is another example of why we believe in and suggest to our clients from Eli Lilly that staying diversified is the best way to insulate portfolios from being too exposed to one risk factor.
Economic Definitions
M2 Money Supply: The M2 Money Supply, also referred to as “M2” or “Money Stock,” measures the amount of currency in circulation. M2 includes M1 (physical cash and checkable deposits) as well as less liquid money, such as saving bank accounts.
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Eli Lilly?
The 401(k) plan at Eli Lilly is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
How does Eli Lilly match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Eli Lilly offers a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, which helps to boost retirement savings.
Can employees at Eli Lilly choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees at Eli Lilly can select from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
What is the eligibility requirement for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?
Employees at Eli Lilly are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of employment, usually within the first year.
How can Eli Lilly employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Eli Lilly employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What are the contribution limits for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?
The contribution limits for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan are set according to IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS limits for specifics.
Does Eli Lilly offer a Roth 401(k) option?
Yes, Eli Lilly provides a Roth 401(k) option that allows employees to make after-tax contributions, which can grow tax-free.
What happens to my Eli Lilly 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Eli Lilly, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Eli Lilly plan if allowed.
Are there any fees associated with Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees or investment-related fees associated with Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can I change my contribution amount to the Eli Lilly 401(k) plan?
Employees at Eli Lilly can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's rules and guidelines.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Eli Lilly offers comprehensive employee retirement benefits, including both pension plans and 401(k) plans. The Lilly Pension Plan is a Defined Benefit (DB) plan, where the pension is determined by an employee's earnings and years of service at the company. This pension plan has been updated over the years, with specific attention to tax and regulatory changes. Employees qualify based on their length of service and meet eligibility requirements outlined in Eli Lilly’s internal documents. The Lilly Pension Plan uses a final average pay formula to calculate the pension, meaning the pension is based on an employee's earnings during their final years of employment (SEC.gov).
Eli Lilly also provides a 401(k) plan known as The Lilly Employee 401(k) Plan. This plan was established to help employees save for retirement, incorporating both employer contributions and employee savings. As of January 1, 2006, it was amended to include an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) within the 401(k). Eligibility for the 401(k) plan includes all regular, full-time employees of Eli Lilly, as well as its subsidiaries and affiliates (SEC.gov). The company matches contributions and offers vesting schedules based on years of service. For instance, employees become fully vested after completing five years of service, as outlined in their official documentation (SEC.gov).
The pension and 401(k) plan information for Eli Lilly has been extensively documented in their official filings with the SEC, where the detailed structure of the plans is outlined, including the qualifications for participation and vesting. Specific sections such as those covering mergers and eligibility requirements for different types of employees, including those under subsidiary plans, are found in their formal pension and 401(k) documentation (SEC.gov) (SEC.gov).
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Eli Lilly announced significant restructuring efforts, including the reduction of 3,500 jobs globally. This move is part of their strategy to save $500 million annually, with half of the savings aimed at product launches and R&D efforts. The layoffs are primarily focused on early retirement programs, site closures in New Jersey and Shanghai, and the consolidation of manufacturing locations (FiercePharma).
This news is critical to address due to the current economic climate, where inflationary pressures and cost-cutting measures are widespread. The political environment also affects the pharmaceutical industry, making it crucial to track how companies like Eli Lilly adjust their workforce to stay competitive (FiercePharma).
Eli Lilly provides its employees with both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its long-term incentive compensation. These RSUs are issued to employees and are subject to a vesting schedule, typically staggered over a period of time such as one, two, or three years. The goal is to retain employees by ensuring they receive full ownership of the stock only after they have fulfilled a specified period of service with the company (BusinessOwnerAdvisor).
Stock options at Eli Lilly grant employees the opportunity to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, typically at the market value on the grant date. These options often vest over several years, with employees being able to exercise them once they are vested. RSUs, on the other hand, provide employees with company shares once they are fully vested, and these shares are taxed as ordinary income at the time of vesting. Employees are responsible for deciding whether to sell the shares immediately or hold onto them, which involves considering factors like tax implications and portfolio diversification (Eli Lilly and Company) (Eli Lilly and Company).
RSUs and stock options at Eli Lilly are available to a broad group of employees, typically those in management and other key roles. The availability of these stock-based compensation forms reflects Eli Lilly's commitment to aligning employee incentives with company performance, and they play a crucial role in employee retention (BusinessOwnerAdvisor).
Eli Lilly has been making significant strides in its healthcare offerings, particularly through the launch of its digital platform, LillyDirect. This platform focuses on providing support for patients with chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and migraines. By enabling patients to access telehealth services and facilitating direct home delivery of certain medications, Eli Lilly has made healthcare more accessible and streamlined for patients dealing with these conditions. Additionally, LillyDirect offers educational resources and digital pharmacy solutions, making it easier for patients to refill prescriptions and receive medications at home. This initiative is crucial as it caters to a growing need for convenient healthcare, especially in light of the current economic pressures and the healthcare industry's shift towards digital solutions (PYMNTS.com) (PYMNTS.com).
In the broader context of Eli Lilly's healthcare initiatives, the company's focus on digital healthcare aligns with current trends in healthcare delivery. The importance of platforms like LillyDirect is underscored by the economic and political pressures on the healthcare system, particularly as patients seek cost-effective and accessible treatments. Moreover, the growing political discourse around healthcare reform, coupled with tax implications for pharmaceutical benefits, further highlights the relevance of Lilly's approach. By offering services such as telehealth and home delivery, Eli Lilly is positioning itself at the forefront of healthcare innovation, which is critical for ensuring patient satisfaction in a competitive market (PYMNTS.com) (HealthCare ME&A Magazine).
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Eli Lilly at Lilly Corporate Center Indianapolis, IN 46285; or by calling them at (317) 276-2000.
/General/General%202.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%202.png)
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)