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ABM Industries Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for ABM Industries ABM Industries primarily partners with various insurance providers to offer healthcare benefits to its employees. While specific contracts may vary, commonly engaged healthcare insurers for employee benefits may include Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare, among others. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As healthcare costs continue to rise, employees of ABM Industries should be prepared for significant increases in out-of-pocket premiums in 2026. With the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many employees may face premium hikes exceeding 75%. The perfect storm of escalating medical costs, driven by high drug prices and labor expenses, is compounded by insurer rate increases, with reports indicating some states may see hikes surpassing 60%. Given these factors, careful planning is essential for employees to navigate their healthcare options effectively amidst such financial pressures. Click here to learn more

'ABM Industries employees with concentrated stock positions may benefit from thoughtful tax planning that allows for tax deferral while balancing liquidity, compliance, and long-term compounding,' Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'ABM Industries employees who hold highly-appreciated stock may want to consider tax-efficient strategies that help mitigate their liabilities while aligning with their overall retirement goals,' Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How taxes can affect investment returns, particularly on concentrated stock positions.
Exchange funds and options-based strategies as methods for tax deferral and diversification.
Alternative planning techniques outside ETFs, including charitable trusts and gifting strategies.

By Carlos Hernandez, Wealth Enhancement advisor

When it comes to driving portfolio returns, many investors aim to keep management fees low by investing in low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While fees matter, however, the real culprit for lower-than-anticipated performance is taxes. ¹

Wealth Enhancement advisor Carlos Hernandez explains: 'By losing less to taxes each year, investors have access to more capital that can continue to compound over time. This makes tax deferral an important part of an effective financial plan.' ABM Industries employees looking for long-term growth strategies could benefit by understanding how to better manage their investment tax burdens.

Trade Money

One area where taxes can take a toll is on the sale of company stock or other concentrated investment positions. ABM Industries professionals looking to diversify could face significant capital gains taxes on an outright sale. One way to diversify without triggering immediate capital gains is through exchange funds. By contributing their highy-appreciated stock to a pooled fund, investors can trade their concentrated holdings for shares in a diverse basket of securities. This method can be used by ABM Industries employees who want to diversify while postponing taxable events.

Although this method allows for tax deferral, it also requires investors to hold the exchange fund for a period of time, typically seven years. ² This could create a challenge for investors who require liquidity. Additionally, these funds are often exclusively accessible to wealthy, accredited investors—something ABM Industries executives should carefully evaluate.

Funds Based on Options

Another way to mitigate taxes on the sale of highly-appreciated stock is by using options contracts. The idea is to hedge risk with put options while covering the cost of those puts by selling call options—a strategy called 'collaring'. From there, the strategy reverses, with investors selling put options and using the proceeds to buy call option on an equity or bond index. ³ If managed effectively, this helps to diversify a concentrated portfolio while still maintaining liquidity.

Given the complexity of this strategy, meticulous planning is necessary. It's generally recommended that investors work with an experienced financial advisor before pursuing this approach.

Things to Be Aware of

Although these strategies can be beneficial for ABM Industries employees who hold highly-appreciated stock, caution is recommended. There are costs associated with these approaches, and potential liquidity risks. Additionally, the IRS may eventually contest such arrangements because their tax status has not been thoroughly examined—something ABM Industries retirees should keep top of mind.

'Tax drag reduction strategies can be effective, but they must be assessed through the lens of risk, liquidity, cost, and compliance,' warns Carlos Hernandez. What is appealing in theory must hold up to inspection in the real world.

Alternative Strategies

Although they show promise, investors with highly-appreciated stock or those looking to postpone gains have other alternatives besides exchange funds or options. Other tactics could include:

- Prepaid variable forwards (subject to IRS regulations, contracts to sell at predetermined terms in the future).
- Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), which allow investors to donate appreciated stock to a charitable trust and receive a stream of regular income in return.
- Donor-advised funds (DAFs), which provide investors with a tax deduction for the fair market value of the appreciated stock they donate.
- Other gifting techniques, such as direct donations to charity or family.
Each has its own set of guidelines, advantages, and disadvantages. To limit unnecessary taxes or violating the constructive sale regulations, careful planning is necessary for ABM Industries professionals managing complex portfolios.

The Bottom Line

Although the movement to mitigate the tax burden on investments is not new, the instruments are changing. Both exchange funds and options-based structures offer investors a way to manage tax liabilities, especially for ABM Industries employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.

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In the end, taxes are unavoidable. However, with the correct set of instruments, they can be controlled and postponed. 'The real value comes from aligning tax strategy with investment strategy,' summarizes Carlos Hernandez.

Sources:

1. BlackRock Advisor Center. ' Investing for After-Tax Returns ,' 2025.

2. Kiplinger. ' Four Clever and Tax-Efficient Ways to Ditch Concentrated Stock Holdings ,' by Robert Waskiewicz. Sep. 11, 2025.

3. Financial Planning Association. ' Tax-Efficient Ways to Diversify Concentrated Stock Positions ,' by Peter Lazaroff. Oct. 2024.

What is the primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at ABM Industries?

The primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at ABM Industries is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

Does ABM Industries offer a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, ABM Industries offers a matching contribution to encourage employees to save for retirement, which can significantly enhance their retirement savings.

What are the eligibility requirements for participating in ABM Industries' 401(k) plan?

Employees of ABM Industries are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, usually 30 days.

How can employees at ABM Industries enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at ABM Industries can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in ABM Industries' 401(k) plan?

ABM Industries' 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and possibly company stock, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at ABM Industries?

Yes, employees at ABM Industries can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

Is there a vesting schedule for ABM Industries' matching contributions?

Yes, ABM Industries has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the employer's contributions.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves ABM Industries?

If an employee leaves ABM Industries, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave the money in the ABM Industries plan if allowed.

Are there loans available against the 401(k) balance at ABM Industries?

Yes, ABM Industries may allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

How often can employees at ABM Industries make changes to their investment allocations in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at ABM Industries can typically make changes to their investment allocations on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.

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

ABM Industries is laying off 176 janitorial workers in San Antonio due to the end of a contract with Flowers Baking Co.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for ABM Industries at 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 300 New York, NY 10176; or by calling them at (212) 297-0200.