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Blackstone Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

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'Blackstone 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.

'Blackstone 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.' Blackstone 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. Blackstone 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 Blackstone 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 Blackstone 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 Blackstone 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 Blackstone 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 Blackstone 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 Blackstone 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 Blackstone?

The 401(k) plan at Blackstone is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary before taxes are deducted.

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

Blackstone offers a matching contribution for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of the employee's contributions up to a certain limit.

What are the eligibility requirements for Blackstone's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Blackstone are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, often within the first year of employment.

Can employees at Blackstone change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Blackstone can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year.

What investment options are available in Blackstone's 401(k) plan?

Blackstone's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, index funds, and target-date funds tailored to different risk levels.

Does Blackstone provide educational resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Blackstone offers educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

What is the vesting schedule for Blackstone's 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Blackstone's 401(k) matching contributions typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matched funds.

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

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

How can employees at Blackstone access their 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through Blackstone's designated online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to a Blackstone employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?

If a Blackstone employee leaves the company, they can roll over their 401(k) balance into an IRA or a new employer's retirement plan, or they may choose to cash out, subject to taxes and penalties.

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