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Key Questions for KLA Employees to Explore When Evaluating an Early Retirement Package

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for KLA Corporation KLA Corporation, a leading supplier of process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry, offers its employees a robust healthcare plan through Aetna. Aetna provides a comprehensive suite of options that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, ensuring that KLA employees have access to essential healthcare services. --- Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly for many individuals due to a combination of factors, including the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies under the ACA and rising medical costs. Preliminary reports suggest that health insurance premiums for ACA marketplace plans could see increases exceeding 60% in some states, leading to an alarming average out-of-pocket premium hike of over 75% for approximately 22 million enrollees. As insurers struggle with higher claims costs and regulatory pressures, securing affordable coverage may become a challenging task for consumers. Click here to learn more

With the economic downturn and recession looming, companies across various industries are facing an uncertain future. We have been planning with KLA client's retirement for decades, and when an offer comes along, you typically don’t much time to act on it. Many give only 2 weeks to 30 days to make a decision. Many organizations are being forced to cut expenses to stay afloat, and unfortunately, that means workforce cuts in the form of furloughs, payroll reductions and forced layoffs. 

You have spent decades planning for retirement. Just when you think you have everything figured out and a concrete retirement plan in place, you’re thrown a curveball. KLA has offered you an early retirement or voluntary separation package.

You were planning on retiring in a few years. Now what?

If you’ve received an early retirement offer, accepting it doesn’t mean you must retire from the workforce altogether. It just means that you can no longer work for KLA. If you think you may be getting an early retirement package, here are questions to consider as you review your offer. 

What is an early retirement offer?

Does it include health benefits?

How does it affect my retirement assets?

How does it impact social security benefits?

What if I don’t want to retire, or can’t afford to?

Can I negotiate my offer?

What if I don’t accept my early retirement offer?

What is An Early Retirement Offer?

Early retirement packages, also known as retirement buyouts, are generally offered to employees who may be approaching retirement age, usually in a company’s efforts to reduce its overall costs. 

These packages may include perks in addition to standard severance benefits. For example, an employer may offer an extended salary continuation, a lump sum, payment of healthcare benefits or additional years of service to help employees reach the required time needed to collect a pension.

Some employers may even pay for career counseling or placement services to help you find your next job (if you want or need to keep working), but that benefit may be limited in the current environment.

Does my retirement offer include health benefits?

Health care has become one of the largest expenses for a retiree, even with good insurance. For many, a company’s contribution to your family’s health insurance premium is critical to keeping medical insurance and care affordable.

If you are lucky, your voluntary severance package will extend your health benefits. Companies may include health insurance benefits for a period of time in an early retirement package, but this varies by employer. If your offer from KLA includes medical coverage, make sure you understand how long you’re covered for and to what extent. If health benefits aren’t part of your initial offer, consider negotiating for any crucial coverage and premium benefits. Health insurance will be needed until you are age 65 and become eligible for Medicare. However, not all those offered an early retirement package are so lucky.

If you will be on your own paying for health insurance after accepting an early retirement offer from KLA, COBRA insurance is always available. COBRA may extend your family’s coverage for up to 18 months. But this coverage is expensive. You might be able to get added to your spouse's health plan if they are still working. 

If you still want to work, look into a company that offers health benefits to get you to age 65 You also have the option of entering the open market for an insurance policy. If you don’t have healthcare benefits or don’t yet qualify for Medicare, you may want to consider purchasing a health insurance policy from the Health Insurance Marketplace. 

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For example, a 60-year-old on a Silver-level plan may pay an average monthly premium of $1,216 in 2022, but this also does not include out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copays, or coinsurance.

Before making a decision about an early retirement offer from KLA, determine if your severance package includes any health care benefits. If not, price out other health care options, such as those available on  Heathcare.gov Can the added expenses be supported with your retirement savings?

How does an early retirement package affect my retirement assets?

Retirement accounts

If you have a KLA-sponsored 401(k) plan and are 100% vested, then that money is yours to keep. After leaving KLA, you can consider rolling your 401(k) over to a new or existing IRA.

Workers who are 55 or older that take an early retirement package may be eligible to withdraw money from their KLA-sponsored retirement plan, such as a  401(k) , without paying the 10% IRS penalty. This only applies if withdrawing from a current employer’s retirement plan, not any past employer. Just keep in mind that while you won’t have to pay the 10% penalty, you will have to pay income taxes on withdrawals from your 401(k). 

Note: Rule of 55 works only if you leave money in your 401(K)

Another method to avoid the 10% penalty is to utilize 72t if you rolled you money into an IRA.  You will need to take Substantially equal payments for 5 year or at age 59 1/2, whichever is later.

Accepting an early retirement offer or voluntary severance package from KLA may require you to begin withdrawals from your 401(k), IRA, or other retirement accounts sooner than you originally expected.

Extra years of retirement can take a toll on your retirement nest egg. In fact, retiring earlier than planned can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra expenses that your retirement portfolio must now support. It may also limit the growth of your assets already invested since you have to spend instead of saving.

Can your retirement portfolio withstand fewer years of contributions and more years of withdrawals? This is the first question you need to answer when making your decision.

When we help KLA clients answer this question, we commonly use a cash flow analysis. This allows us to simulate different scenarios side-by-side, and quickly see the impact accepting – or declining – an early severance offer will have on your financial plan.

Pensions

KLA employees who have earned a pension may worry that taking early retirement will affect their monthly benefits. Many pension plans partly determine monthly benefits based on how long an employee has worked for the company, so leaving early could reduce that monthly figure.

To offset these concerns, KLA may increase the total number of years of service as part of the early retirement package. This can help bridge the gap for those who would receive a reduced pension as a result of retiring early.

Social Security benefits 

An early retirement package from KLA can affect your Social Security benefits if you leave the workforce before working for a total of 35 years. The Social Security Administration averages your highest-earning 35 years of employment to decide your monthly benefits. For example, if you only worked for 32 years, then the government would add a $0 salary for three years to come up with your 35-year average. That means those three years of unemployment would technically count “against” you.

One potential consequence of accepting an early retirement offer is a reduction in Social Security benefits. Your future pension payments may also be reduced, depending on the language in your separation package.

If you accept an early retirement package, the benefits listed on your statement is not what you will receive. These estimated Social Security benefits assume that you continue to work for KLA and make your current salary. As a retiree who accepts an early voluntary severance package, your future income will likely be reduced. This means potentially lower future Social Security payments.

Likewise, your pension statement likely makes assumptions on years of service. If you accept an early retirement offer, your years of service may be less than what your pension statement assumes.

The first step is to determine what your Social Security or pension benefits will be if you accept the early retirement package. We use several different cash flow analyses to determine your future pension benefits and your optimal Social Security selection. Calculating your optimal Social Security and pension depends on the options you have available, your savings, and your spending needs.

Pensions, and particularly pension benefits for those who retire early, often have options for increased payments until the retiree reaches Social Security age. This is usually referred to as a ‘Social Security Offset’ option. This option adds more to your early benefits, but your lifetime benefits may be reduced.

You also will have to consider what portion of your pension would be left to your spouse if you were to pass away in retirement. For most, the peace of mind by ensuring their spouse will receive a sizeable pension, is best. However, this will leave you with lower monthly benefits.

You may know that your monthly Social Security benefit is increased the longer you delay beginning your benefit. But that requires you to likely draw down on your retirement savings more early on in retirement. Social Security increases its payouts by 6.7% to 8.3%, plus an additional increment for inflation, for every year a beneficiary between ages 62 and 70 refrains from collecting a check.  Sometimes delaying collecting benefits for just one year could have a huge impact on a successful retirement for married couples. It may make sense for the lower-earning spouse to claim benefits early, while the higher-earning spouse delays.

Therefore, not only is it important to known which Social Security strategy gets you the most money in total, but also which options fits best with your retirement plan. If you are evaluating the early retirement offer on your own, you can start by using the  Social Security Administration’s Benefits Estimator .

From there, you can enter estimated future income to arrive at an estimated correct Social Security benefit. Once you have this updated, compare your new estimate to your monthly expenses. What impact will this reduced benefit reduction will have on your retirement plan and anticipated retirement account withdrawals?

Accepting an early retirement offer may force you to tap into your retirement savings, such as your 401(k) or IRA earlier, or it may mean changing when you will need to begin receiving Social Security benefits.

Unemployment benefits

If you decide to take an early retirement package, you may still be eligible for unemployment in certain circumstances. Your state may have its own qualifications, such as a specific period of service with a company before you can claim unemployment after leaving KLA.

What if I don’t want to retire early, or I can’t afford to?

If you're unsure about your financial future, you might consider working with a financial advisor to go over your finances and how an early exit package may impact your retirement plans.  

If you can’t retire just yet, try to determine if a part-time job will be enough to fill the gaps. If not, can you at least afford to take a pay cut with your next job? If so, how much? Try to map out these answers while also thinking about ways you can cut back on expenses and adjust your budget to accommodate your new income. 

If you end up landing another job, your early retirement package won’t be impacted. However, you may want to check for a non-compete disclosure that could prevent you from working with one of KLA's competitor for a specified time.

Can I negotiate my early retirement offer?

Just as you would negotiate a salary for a job offer, consider negotiating an early retirement package, too. Some employers may be willing to offer more money in the form of extended salary coverage or a lump-sum, better healthcare benefits or an addition to your years of service. Of course, they may decline, but you won’t know if you don’t ask.

If You Accept a Voluntary Separation Package – Consider Roth Conversions

Roth conversions can be an incredibly valuable tool for those who accept an early retirement offer. They can increase asset longevity and reduce total taxes paid during their retirement.  

For those with retirement account assets in tax deferred retirement savings accounts (like 401(k)s and IRAs), an  early retirement offer opens up the potential to save significantly on future taxes . Those who accept an early retirement buyout offer from KLA will likely be facing a year or two of reduced income before Social Security benefits kick in. These years of reduced income can be the perfect time to convert some assets within your 401(k) or traditional IRA into a Roth IRA.

What if I don’t accept my early retirement offer?

Rejecting an Early Severance Offer

Of course, you have the option to say no to any voluntary severance package offered by KLA.

If you want to continue working, or are unable to retire early, this may be your best option. Working additional years can lead to pay raises, promotions, increased Social Security and pension payments, and increased financial stability. However, rejecting an early retirement offer has potential drawbacks, too.

First, there is no guarantee that KLA will repeat the early retirement offer in the future. Assuming that another offer will come later is not always a wise move. Second, and more importantly, realize that companies offers an early severance package to its employees to cut costs. If the company’s finances do not improve, there may be much worse outcomes in the future. KLA may make layoffs, reduce employee pay, or eliminate other benefits.

 

 

What is the 401(k) plan offered by KLA?

KLA offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement through pre-tax contributions, which can help reduce their taxable income.

Does KLA provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, KLA provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in KLA's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in KLA's 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in KLA's 401(k) plan?

KLA'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.

Is there a vesting schedule for KLA's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, KLA has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at KLA?

Yes, KLA allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What is the maximum contribution limit for KLA's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for KLA's 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the current limits for the specific year.

How often can employees change their contribution percentage in KLA's 401(k) plan?

Employees at KLA can change their contribution percentage at any time, allowing them to adjust their savings based on their financial situation.

Does KLA offer any educational resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, KLA provides educational resources, including workshops and online tools, to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave KLA?

If you leave KLA, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over into an IRA or a new employer's plan, or cashing it out, though the latter may have tax implications.

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 the Pension Plan: KLA’s pension plan is known as the KLA Corporation Retirement Plan. Eligibility and Qualification: Years of Service: Employees are generally eligible after completing 5 years of service. Age Qualification: Employees must be at least 55 years old to qualify for retirement benefits. Pension Formula: The pension formula is based on a Defined Benefit Plan where benefits are calculated using a formula that typically considers years of service and average salary. The formula includes factors such as Years of Service and Final Average Salary. Name of the 401(k) Plan: KLA’s 401(k) plan is referred to as the KLA Corporation 401(k) Plan. Eligibility and Qualification: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan immediately upon employment. 401(k) Plan Details: Contributions can be made through pre-tax and Roth options. The company may offer matching contributions up to a certain percentage of the employee’s salary.
KLA Announces Workforce Reduction and Restructuring Plans: In July 2024, KLA announced a significant restructuring plan that includes a reduction of approximately 5% of its global workforce. The company cited the need to streamline operations and enhance efficiency as the primary reasons for these changes. This move is part of a broader strategy to adjust to current economic uncertainties and shifting market demands.
KLA Corporation Stock Options: Acronym: KLA Details: KLA Corporation offered stock options as part of their employee compensation package in 2022. Employees were eligible based on their role and tenure with the company. KLA Corporation RSUs: Acronym: KLA Details: RSUs were granted to key employees and executives. These units vested over a period, typically 3 to 4 years, aligning with the company’s performance goals.
2023-2024 Updates: KLA has been focusing on increasing access to mental health resources and expanding telehealth services. This includes partnering with new telemedicine providers and increasing support for mental health through improved Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Benefit Enhancements: There has been an emphasis on preventive care and wellness programs. KLA has updated its benefits to include more comprehensive coverage for mental health services and preventive care, reflecting broader trends in the industry.
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