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Advantage Solutions Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

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'Advantage Solutions 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.

'Advantage Solutions 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.' Advantage Solutions 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. Advantage Solutions 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 Advantage Solutions 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 Advantage Solutions 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 Advantage Solutions 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 Advantage Solutions 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 Advantage Solutions 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 Advantage Solutions 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 401(k) plan offered by Advantage Solutions?

The 401(k) plan at Advantage Solutions is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.

How does Advantage Solutions match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Advantage Solutions offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.

Can employees at Advantage Solutions choose how to invest their 401(k) funds?

Yes, employees at Advantage Solutions can select from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.

What is the eligibility requirement for Advantage Solutions’ 401(k) plan?

Employees of Advantage Solutions are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.

Is there a vesting schedule for the Advantage Solutions 401(k) match?

Yes, Advantage Solutions has a vesting schedule for the matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

How can Advantage Solutions employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

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

What are the contribution limits for the Advantage Solutions 401(k) plan?

The contribution limits for the Advantage Solutions 401(k) plan are set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should refer to the latest IRS guidelines for the current limits.

Can Advantage Solutions employees take loans against their 401(k) accounts?

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

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Advantage Solutions?

If you leave Advantage Solutions, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Advantage Solutions.

Does Advantage Solutions provide financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Advantage Solutions offers resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

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

Advantage Solutions announced a major restructuring plan involving significant layoffs and office closures. The company cited the need to streamline operations and reduce costs amid ongoing economic uncertainties and shifting market demands.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Advantage Solutions at 18100 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1000 Irvine, CA 92612; or by calling them at (949) 797-2900.