Avantor Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Avantor
Avantor, Inc. is a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services primarily serving the biopharma and healthcare sectors, among others. While Avantor operates extensively within these fields, specific details regarding partnership with a healthcare provider are typically not publicly disclosed in standard documents. However, Avantor's contributions to healthcare are primarily through the supply of high-purity materials, advanced technologies, and crucial solutions for bioprocessing and scientific research, indicating that they do engage closely with healthcare providers as part of their operations.
Expected Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we look toward 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise dramatically, with projections indicating an average increase of 75% in out-of-pocket premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace enrollees. This surge is due to a convergence of factors, including the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and significant rate hikes from major insurers, with some states seeing requested increases over 60%. The Kaiser Family Foundation has warned that more than 22 million individuals could be affected, facing steep premiums amidst a backdrop of escalating medical costs, requiring consumers to prepare strategically now to mitigate the financial impact in the coming year.
Click here to learn more
'Avantor 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.
'Avantor 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.' Avantor 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. Avantor 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 Avantor 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 Avantor 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 Avantor 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 Avantor 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 Avantor 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 Avantor employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.
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.
The 401(k) plan at Avantor is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.
How does Avantor match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Avantor offers a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of the employee's contribution up to a certain limit.
When can employees at Avantor enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Avantor can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding period or during the annual open enrollment period.
What investment options are available in Avantor's 401(k) plan?
Avantor's 401(k) plan provides a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.
Is there a vesting schedule for Avantor's 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Avantor has a vesting schedule for company contributions to the 401(k) plan, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the employer contributions.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at Avantor?
Yes, Avantor allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Avantor?
If you leave Avantor, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance into another retirement account, leave it in the Avantor plan (if eligible), or cash it out, subject to taxes and penalties.
How can employees at Avantor access their 401(k) account information?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the online portal provided by Avantor's plan administrator.
Does Avantor provide financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Avantor offers resources and financial education sessions to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
What is the minimum contribution percentage for the 401(k) plan at Avantor?
The minimum contribution percentage for the 401(k) plan at Avantor is typically set at 1%, but employees are encouraged to contribute more to maximize their retirement savings.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Avantor announced a significant restructuring plan that involves layoffs affecting 5% of its workforce. The company is also changing its pension plan, moving from a defined benefit to a defined contribution model. Additionally, they are modifying their 401(k) matching contributions to align with industry standards.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Avantor at 3477 Corporate Pkwy Center Valley, PA 18034; or by calling them at +1 610-573-2600.
/General/General%201.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%201.png)
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)