Mars 401(k) Plan

Hackettstown, New Jersey

Mars 401K plan details: employer match info, participant login access, withdrawal options, and full plan review. 2026 data with contacts, details.

401(k) QualifiedEmployer MatchMoney PurchaseTop EmployerNJFood Manufacturing
Overall Rating
3.9/5
Editorial Score
Active Participants
72,659
Total Plan Assets
$7.2B
▲ 13.1% YoY
Avg. Balance per Participant
$99K
Number of Plans
6

Plan Analysis

Mars, in the Food Manufacturing sector and headquartered in New Jersey, manages a 401(k) program with $7.2B in total plan assets across 72,659 active participants, established 21 years ago. Plan assets grew 13.1% year-over-year, reflecting solid investment returns and contributions. At $99K per participant, the average balance exceeds the national median, indicating competitive plan features and engaged savers. The employer contributed an average of $2,524 per active participant, equivalent to 10% of the 2026 employee deferral limit. Participants contributed an average of $5,344 each through employee deferrals. Outstanding participant loans of $107.6M represent 1.5% of plan assets. Distributions totaled $576.8M (8% of assets), reflecting normal retirement and separation activity. Mars sponsors 6 retirement plans, providing employees with diverse savings options.

Use our 401(k) calculator to see how your contributions could grow, or review the 2026 IRS limits.

Mars 401(k) Data Insights

Key observations from the most recent Form 5500 filing

  • Mature plan: Operating for 21 years since 2003. Plans with 20+ years of history tend to have well-optimized investment menus and established administrative processes.
  • Higher expenses: Plan expenses of $586.5M represent 8.2% of assets, above the industry average. Participants should review fund expense ratios within their accounts.
  • Strong returns: The plan generated $1.4B in investment income (19.8% of assets), reflecting favorable market conditions and investment selection during the filing year.
  • Growth opportunity: Average contributions of $5,344 per year (22% of the $24,500 limit) suggest room to increase savings. Auto-escalation features can help participants gradually reach higher contribution rates.

How Mars Compares

Comparison against 284 employer 401(k) plans in our database

Metric Mars Database Median Comparison
Avg. Balance per Participant $99K $140K ▼ 30% below median
Employer Contribution per Participant $3K $3K ▼ 27% below median
YoY Asset Growth 13.1% 12.9% ▬ Near median
Total Assets vs. Food Manufacturing Sector $7.2B $3.5B ▲ 105% above sector median

Mars 401(k) Employer Match

Competitive employer match - the plan contributed 47% of employee deferrals ($2,524 per participant annually)

Use our employer match calculator to see how much free money you could earn.

Mars 401(k) Plan Features

Plan features derived from DOL Form 5500 filing data

FeatureDetails
Employer Match Competitive employer match - the plan contributed 47% of employee deferrals ($2,524 per participant annually)
Roth 401(k) Available - after-tax contributions with tax-free qualified withdrawals
Investment Options Company Stock (MARS)
401(k) Loans Available - up to 5 years
Company Stock Available as an investment option (limit to 10-15% of portfolio to manage concentration risk)
457 Plan Also offers a 457 plan - eligible employees can contribute to both for double tax-advantaged savings
Plan History Established 2003 - 21 years of retirement benefits

How to Maximize Your Mars 401(k)

1

Contribute enough to get the full employer match - Mars contributed 47% of employee deferrals in the latest filing

2

Consider increasing your contribution rate annually - even 1% more per year adds up significantly over time

3

Evaluate the Roth 401(k) option if you expect your tax rate to be higher in retirement

4

Use 401(k) loans only as a last resort - they reduce your retirement savings growth

5

Use our 401(k) calculator to project your retirement savings and find the right contribution rate

Use our 401(k) calculator to project your savings growth, or check how much free match money you could earn.

Contact Information

Plan Sponsor

MARS, INCORPORATED

(703) 821-4900

800 HIGH STREET, HACKETTSTOWN, NJ 07840

Plan Administrator

U.S. BENEFIT PLANS COMMITTEE

(703) 821-4900

Filing Information

EIN: 22-1594774

Plan Effective Date: 2003-10-01

Source: DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings)

Mars 401(k) Withdrawals

OptionDetails
Age 59½+ WithdrawalsPenalty-free withdrawals available after age 59½
Rule of 55Penalty-free if you leave Mars at age 55+
Hardship WithdrawalsCheck with plan administrator
401(k) LoansAvailable - up to lesser of $50,000 or 50% of vested balance (5-year term)
RolloverRoll over to new employer plan or IRA when leaving Mars
Total Distributions (Latest Filing)$576.8M paid to departing/retired participants
Outstanding Loans$107.6M in active participant loans

2026 Contribution Limits for Mars 401(k)

See the full breakdown in our 2026 contribution limits guide, including rules for catch-up contributions (50+) and super catch-up (60-63).

Category Limit Details
Employee Deferral $24,500 Standard elective deferral limit for all participants
Catch-Up (Age 50+) +$8,000 Additional contributions for participants age 50 and over (total: $32,500)
Super Catch-Up (Age 60-63) +$11,250 SECURE 2.0 enhanced catch-up for ages 60-63 (total: $35,750)
Total Annual Additions (415 Limit) $72,000 Maximum combined employee + employer contributions
Compensation Cap $350,000 Maximum compensation considered for contributions
Mars Avg. Employee Deferral $5,344 22% of the $24,500 limit (based on latest Form 5500 filing)
Mars Avg. Employer Contribution $2,524 Employer contributes $183.4M total across 72,659 participants

Mars 401(k) Plan Details

Data from DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings)

Plan Name Active Participants Total Assets Employer Contributions Participant Contributions 401(k)
U.S. ASSOCIATE SAVINGS PLAN 15,668 $3.4B $91.3M $151.4M Yes
MARS VETERINARY HEALTH 401(K) SAVINGS PLAN 54,702 $2.6B $90.3M $221.2M Yes
MARS DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN 590 $598.4M $0 $6.2M Yes
MARS DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN 590 $598.4M $0 $6.2M Yes
U.S. ASSOCIATE SAVINGS ADVANTAGE PLAN 1,017 $22.7M $1.8M $3.2M Yes
MARS PUERTO RICO ASSOCIATE SAVINGS PLAN 92 $71K $33K $39K Yes

Plan Type Details

Primary Plan: U.S. ASSOCIATE SAVINGS PLAN

Plan Types: DC (Money Purchase); DC (Target Benefit); DC (Other); Offset; DC (Matching); DC (Stock Bonus); DC (401(k)); DC (SIMPLE 401(k)); IRA (SIMPLE); 457 Plan; 3J

Funded By: Trust

Financial Summary

MetricAmount
Total Assets (Beginning of Year)$6,328,604,788
Total Assets (End of Year)$7,159,888,820
Employer Contributions$183,375,290
Participant Contributions$388,314,019
Total Distributions$576,848,736
Total Income (Gains/Losses)$1,420,737,814
Total Expenses$586,481,965
Outstanding Participant Loans$107,645,903

Participant Breakdown

Active Participants
72,659
Total All Participants
92,260
Retired/Separated Receiving
859

Plan Review & Rating

Editorial rating based on DOL Form 5500 data

3.9
Match Generosity
3.9
Fund Options
4.0
Fees & Costs
3.8
Customer Service
4.0

Ratings are based on publicly available plan data, participant feedback, and industry benchmarks. Individual experience may vary. This is not financial advice. Data sourced from DOL Form 5500 filings.

People Also Ask About Mars 401(k)

The Mars 401(k) match is Competitive employer match - the plan contributed 47% of employee deferrals ($2,524 per participant annually). Compared to the average Fortune 500 match of 4-6% of salary, Mars's % maximum is below average. However, your own contributions are always fully vested, and the plan offers other advantages like mega backdoor Roth access. Always contribute at least enough to get the full match - it's free money.

Vesting schedules determine when employer match contributions fully belong to you. Common schedules include immediate vesting, 3-year cliff vesting, or 6-year graded vesting. At Mars, with $183.4M in annual employer contributions across the plan, understanding your vesting timeline matters before considering a job change. Contact Mars HR for the exact vesting schedule.

Withdrawals from your Mars 401(k) are generally available after age 59½, upon separation from service, disability, or financial hardship. The plan processed $576.8M in distributions during the last filing year. Early withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% penalty plus income taxes. The Rule of 55 allows penalty-free withdrawals if you leave Mars at age 55 or older.

Yes, you can roll over your Mars 401(k) to a Traditional IRA (for pre-tax funds) or Roth IRA (for Roth 401(k) funds). With an average balance of $99K per participant, a direct rollover avoids the mandatory 20% withholding that applies to indirect rollovers. Contact your plan administrator or the receiving IRA custodian to initiate the transfer.

Many Fortune 500 companies, including Mars, have auto-enrollment features. With 72,659 active participants and $388.3M in annual employee deferrals, the plan demonstrates strong participation. Auto-enrollment typically starts at 3-6% of salary with annual escalation. You can opt out or change your contribution rate at any time through the plan provider portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mars offers an employer match of Competitive employer match - the plan contributed 47% of employee deferrals ($2,524 per participant annually). Use our employer match calculator to see how much free money you could earn.

You can access your Mars 401(k) account through the plan provider's participant portal. The plan serves 72,659 active participants. If you're a current or former employee, use the login link above or contact the plan administrator at the phone number listed on this page. First-time users will need to register using their Social Security number and date of birth.

For 2026, Mars 401(k) participants can contribute up to $24,500 in employee deferrals. Participants aged 50+ can contribute an additional $8,000 in catch-up contributions (total $32,500). Those aged 60-63 can make super catch-up contributions of $11,250 (total $35,750). Currently, Mars participants contribute an average of $5,344 per year in employee deferrals. Employer contributions are separate from these limits.

Many Mars 401(k) plans offer loan provisions. As of the latest filing, Mars participants had $107.6M in outstanding loans (averaging $1,482 across participants with active loans). The IRS limits 401(k) loans to the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of your vested balance. With an average account balance of $99K in the Mars plan, the maximum potential loan amount for a fully vested participant would vary accordingly. Check with your plan administrator for specific loan terms, or see our withdrawal rules guide.

When you leave Mars, you have several options for your 401(k): keep it in the plan (if the balance is over $7,000), roll it over to a new employer's plan, roll it to an IRA, or take a cash distribution (subject to taxes and potential penalties). In the most recent filing year, the plan processed $576.8M in distributions to departing or retired participants. Employer match contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule.

According to the most recent Form 5500 filing, the Mars 401(k) plan has 72,659 active participants managing $7.2B in plan assets. The average account balance is $99K per participant.

Many major employers, including Mars, offer both traditional pre-tax and Roth after-tax 401(k) contribution options. Given that Mars participants average $5,344 in annual deferrals, choosing between Roth and traditional depends on whether you expect your tax bracket to be higher or lower in retirement. Contact the Mars plan administrator for availability.

The Mars 401(k) plan typically offers a range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, actively managed funds, and potentially company stock. The plan generated $1.4B in total investment income during the last filing year. Use our 401(k) calculator to project growth, or log into your account to see current options.

Mars (MARS) may offer company stock as an investment option within the 401(k) plan. Be mindful of concentration risk - financial advisors typically recommend limiting company stock to no more than 10-15% of your portfolio, especially given that your employment income already depends on Mars's performance.

For 2026, Mars matches Competitive employer match - the plan contributed 47% of employee deferrals ($2,524 per participant annually). The 2026 employee deferral limit is $24,500 ($32,500 if 50+, $35,750 if 60-63). Use our match calculator to estimate your free money.

401(k) Guides & Tools

Learn more about managing your Mars 401(k)

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Disclaimer: Information on this page is sourced from public DOL Form 5500 filings and is provided for educational purposes only. This is not financial, tax, or investment advice. Plan details may have changed since the last filing. Always consult your plan administrator, HR department, or a qualified financial advisor for the most current information about your 401(k) plan. 401K.is is not affiliated with Mars or their plan providers. Stock data for MARS is provided by Polygon.io and may be delayed.

Last updated: March 2026 | Data source: DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings) | Filed: 2025-10-02