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AutoZone Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for AutoZone AutoZone utilizes UnitedHealthcare as its primary healthcare provider for employee health insurance benefits. This partnership enables AutoZone to offer a comprehensive range of healthcare plans to its employees, ensuring access to necessary medical services. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for AutoZone in 2026 In 2026, employees at AutoZone could face significant increases in their healthcare expenses due to anticipated record hikes in health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With states like New York seeing requested premium increases of up to 66%, the impact of these changes could mean higher out-of-pocket costs for AutoZone employees, especially if federal premium subsidies are not extended beyond 2025. Many large employers, including AutoZone, may adjust their benefit structures, placing an increased financial burden on employees through raised deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Consequently, it is crucial for employees to stay informed about changes to their healthcare benefits and consider their options carefully to manage potential costs in the coming year. Click here to learn more

'AutoZone 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.

'AutoZone 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.' AutoZone 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. AutoZone 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 AutoZone 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 AutoZone 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 AutoZone 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 AutoZone 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 AutoZone 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 AutoZone 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 AutoZone offer to its employees?

AutoZone offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does AutoZone match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, AutoZone provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan.

What is the maximum contribution limit for AutoZone's 401(k) plan?

The contribution limit for AutoZone's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS limits, which can change annually.

Can AutoZone employees choose between traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions?

Yes, AutoZone employees have the option to contribute to either a traditional 401(k) or a Roth 401(k).

How often can AutoZone employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

AutoZone employees can change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available within AutoZone's 401(k) plan?

AutoZone's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

Is there a vesting schedule for AutoZone's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, AutoZone has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those funds.

Can AutoZone employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, AutoZone allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to AutoZone employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?

If AutoZone employees leave the company, they can roll over their 401(k) account balance to another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to taxes and penalties.

Does AutoZone provide financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, AutoZone offers financial education resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

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

In 2024, AutoZone announced a restructuring plan involving a reduction in workforce and significant changes to employee benefits, including a freeze on pension accruals and modifications to their 401(k) matching program.