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

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'Akamai 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.

'Akamai 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.' Akamai 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. Akamai 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 Akamai 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 Akamai 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 Akamai 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 Akamai 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 Akamai 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 Akamai 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 is the 401(k) plan offered by Akamai Technologies?

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

How does Akamai Technologies match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Akamai Technologies offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of the employee's contributions up to a certain limit.

When can employees at Akamai Technologies enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Akamai Technologies can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding or during the annual open enrollment period.

What investment options are available in the Akamai Technologies 401(k) plan?

The Akamai Technologies 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk tolerances.

Is there a vesting schedule for the Akamai Technologies 401(k) plan?

Yes, Akamai Technologies has a vesting schedule for its 401(k) contributions, meaning that employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the company’s matching contributions.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) plans at Akamai Technologies?

Yes, Akamai Technologies allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) plans, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Akamai Technologies?

If you leave Akamai Technologies, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance into an IRA or another employer’s retirement plan, cash out, or leave it in the Akamai plan if eligible.

How can employees at Akamai Technologies change their 401(k) contribution percentage?

Employees can change their 401(k) contribution percentage by accessing their account through the Akamai Technologies benefits portal and following the instructions provided.

Does Akamai Technologies provide financial planning resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Akamai Technologies offers financial planning resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

Are there any fees associated with the Akamai Technologies 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative and investment fees associated with the Akamai Technologies 401(k) plan, which are disclosed 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.

News: Akamai Technologies recently announced a restructuring plan to streamline operations, which includes some workforce reductions. The company is focusing on enhancing its core business areas while reducing costs. Important: Addressing this news is crucial due to the current economic climate, which impacts job stability and financial planning. Understanding these changes helps employees and investors adjust their strategies in a shifting market.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Akamai Technologies at 150 Broadway Cambridge, MA 2142; or by calling them at (617) 444-3000.