Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Coty Employees

There are just a couple of things almost all Coty retirees need when they hit retirement: predictable income and protection against a cluster of risks, which include longevity risk, performance risk and sequence-of-returns risk.

In the past we have seen retiring Coty employees utilize the “4% rule,” where retirees take annual withdrawals start at 4% of the entire portfolio and increase with inflation. They then keep the remainder of the portfolio with at least 50% invested in equities. Based on historical data, this would give a Coty retiree about 30 years of retirement income.

As the economy constantly changes, a number of factors may force prospective Coty retirees to revisit the 4% rule. It may be worth considering annuities as an alternative.

As life expectancies increase, Coty retirees need to prepare for expenses over a longer time frame. In the past we would plan for a 15 to 20 year retirement, but now we need to prepare for a 30 to 35 year retirement. What is available to assist meeting the 35-year time frame?

The annuity strategy can assist with a few of the pitfalls we see in the 4% rule. For example:

If you need $50,000 per year in retirement and need that for 30 years, you may need $1.2 million in fixed income at a 3% interest rate. BUT if you look to fund $50,000 for 30 years, you can cover that expense with $800,000 by choosing the annuity option.

The other pitfall with the 4% rule is that it may not reflect a client’s risk tolerance. When you are accumulating assets, you can afford more volatility and can take on more risk than when in the retirement and withdrawal phase after leaving Coty.

Also, should we see a drop in the market, you would be able to reduce your income using the 4% rule, which you cannot do if you choose an annuity option.

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What is the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Coty 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary to a tax-advantaged account to save for retirement.

How can I enroll in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?

You can enroll in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can I make to the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan.

Does Coty offer a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Coty provides a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain limits and eligibility requirements.

What is the vesting schedule for Coty's 401(k) company match?

The vesting schedule for Coty's company match typically follows a graded schedule, meaning employees earn ownership of the match over a period of time.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, you can change your contribution percentage at any time by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting HR.

What investment options are available in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Coty 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

How often can I make changes to my investments in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can typically make changes to their investment allocations in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan on a regular basis, often daily or monthly, depending on the plan's rules.

What happens to my Coty 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Coty, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including leaving the funds in the plan, rolling them over to another retirement account, or cashing out (though this may incur taxes and penalties).

Can I take a loan from my Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Coty allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan under certain conditions, subject to the plan's rules and limits.

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

Coty has seen a strong performance in 2024, with significant growth in its beauty market, particularly in prestige fragrances. This momentum has led to an increase in their fiscal year 2024 outlook. However, there is no specific news about changes in Coty's pension or 401(k) plans for 2024. Instead, the company has been focused on expanding its market presence and product lines, including launching successful new fragrances and entering new licensing agreements.

Coty reported strong financial performance in FY23 and into early FY24, driven by growth in both its Prestige and Consumer Beauty segments. Coty's strategic efforts in exiting the Russian market and focusing on key growth categories resulted in operational improvements. However, despite this growth, Coty has continued to streamline operations, which could involve restructuring and potential layoffs as part of their drive to enhance profitability and manage costs amidst ongoing economic pressures, inflation, and global market volatility

Stock Options: Coty Inc. offers stock options as part of its employee compensation plan. These stock options give employees the right to purchase Coty shares at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price. The options typically have a vesting period, during which employees must remain with the company before they can exercise their options. Vesting schedules can vary, but they generally require employees to stay for a few years before all the options become exercisable. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Coty also provides Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees. RSUs represent a promise to grant shares of Coty stock once certain conditions are met, such as remaining with the company for a specified period or achieving specific performance targets. RSUs usually vest over a few years, with a portion of the units vesting each year. Once vested, the RSUs are converted into actual shares of stock, which the employee can then hold or sell. Latest Stock Options and RSUs (2022-2024) 2022: In 2022, Coty continued to offer both stock options and RSUs to eligible employees as part of their long-term incentive plan. The stock options typically had a standard vesting period of four years, while RSUs also followed a similar vesting schedule. These compensation elements aimed to align employee interests with the company's long-term performance goals. 2023: During 2023, Coty enhanced its RSU offerings, focusing on retaining top talent and incentivizing performance. The company introduced additional performance-based RSUs, which vest based on achieving specific financial targets. This move was part of Coty's broader strategy to motivate employees and drive company growth through equity compensation. 2024: In 2024, Coty expanded its equity compensation plans to include more employees, offering a mix of stock options and RSUs. The company placed a greater emphasis on RSUs with performance conditions, reflecting its commitment to aligning employee rewards with the company’s success. Coty also made adjustments to its vesting schedules, making them more competitive within the industry.

Coty's healthcare benefits have been structured to support the diverse needs of its employees, particularly emphasizing comprehensive coverage and wellness initiatives. In 2023, Coty offered several health plans, including PPO and HMO options, which allowed employees to choose plans based on their specific healthcare needs and preferences. These plans included coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, as well as access to wellness programs aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among employees. The company's commitment to healthcare is evident in its robust benefits package, which also includes mental health support and flexible spending accounts to help manage healthcare costs. The importance of discussing Coty's healthcare benefits is underscored by the current economic and political environment, where healthcare costs are a significant concern for employees. With rising healthcare expenses and ongoing changes in healthcare policy, Coty's efforts to provide comprehensive benefits are crucial for attracting and retaining talent. Furthermore, in the context of economic uncertainties and tax implications, having access to reliable and extensive healthcare benefits can significantly impact employees' financial and personal well-being. The focus on healthcare benefits also aligns with broader investment in employee wellness, which is essential for maintaining productivity and job satisfaction.