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Agilent Technologies Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies typically partners with major health insurance providers to facilitate healthcare services for its employees. As of now, specific details about Agilent Technologies' current provider are not clearly documented in public records. However, Agilent has been known to utilize a mix of regional providers and larger national insurance companies, providing employees with access to comprehensive healthcare plans. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, substantial healthcare cost increases are projected, with some marketplaces experiencing hikes of over 60%. This rise is fueled by a convergence of factors, including escalating medical expenses and the possible expiration of enhanced federal subsidies associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Experts warn that, without congressional intervention, the majority of marketplace enrollees could face exorbitant out-of-pocket costs, with some premiums surging by 75%. The landscape indicates a significant challenge for Agilent Technologies and its employees, as rising healthcare costs threaten to place an additional financial burden on both employers and workers. Click here to learn more

'Agilent Technologies 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.

'Agilent Technologies 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.' Agilent Technologies 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. Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies 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 type of retirement savings plan does Agilent Technologies offer to its employees?

Agilent Technologies offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Agilent Technologies provide a company match for its 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Agilent Technologies provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps enhance retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for Agilent Technologies' 401(k) plan?

Employees of Agilent Technologies are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a certain period of service, usually within the first year of employment.

How can employees of Agilent Technologies enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Agilent Technologies can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the human resources department for assistance.

What investment options are available in Agilent Technologies' 401(k) plan?

Agilent Technologies offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk levels.

Can employees of Agilent Technologies change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees of Agilent Technologies can change their contribution percentage at any time, typically through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Agilent Technologies' 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Agilent Technologies' 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS limits for specifics.

Does Agilent Technologies allow for catch-up contributions in its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Agilent Technologies allows eligible employees who are 50 years or older to make catch-up contributions to their 401(k) plan, in accordance with IRS regulations.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Agilent Technologies?

If an employee leaves Agilent Technologies, they have several options regarding their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Agilent Technologies.

Are loans available from Agilent Technologies' 401(k) plan?

Yes, Agilent Technologies may allow employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts, subject to certain conditions and limits outlined 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.

This news is crucial for employees and investors as it reflects Agilent's response to ongoing market challenges and macroeconomic conditions. The restructuring aims to reduce costs by $80 million annually, affecting all business segments. Understanding these changes is essential in the context of the current economic environment and the company's future growth strategies https://www.medtechdive.com/news/agilent-layoffs-400-workers-site-closures/703299/ https://www.labpulse.com/business-insights/trends-and-finance/article/15660806/agilent-technologies-to-cut-jobs-close-facilities-in-restructuring-plan

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Agilent Technologies at 5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard Santa Clara, CA 95051; or by calling them at (408) 345-8886.