Carlisle Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Carlisle: Aetna
Carlisle's medical plans are administered by Aetna, offering a variety of coverage options to suit the needs of employees and their families. These plans provide comprehensive benefits, including preventive care and prescription drug coverage, with options such as high-deductible plans paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to help manage costs effectively.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to surge significantly due to a combination of factors, including the likely expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing inflation in medical expenses. Many states face premium hikes soaring upwards of 60%, pushing average out-of-pocket costs for consumers potentially over 75%. With insurers forecasting a medical trend increase of around 7-10%, and the top insurers posting substantial profits, consumers could be left grappling with higher premiums and reduced access to affordable healthcare options. Consequently, strategic planning for medical expenses has never been more critical for individuals and families navigating this challenging landscape.
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'Carlisle 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.
'Carlisle 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.
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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.' Carlisle 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. Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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.
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This could create a challenge for investors who require liquidity. Additionally, these funds are often exclusively accessible to wealthy, accredited investors—something Carlisle 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.
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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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.
How does Carlisle match contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Carlisle offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of the employee's contributions, up to a certain limit.
When can I enroll in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan during their initial onboarding period or during the annual open enrollment period.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
To be eligible for the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan, employees must meet certain criteria, including age and length of service, as specified in the plan documents.
Can I take a loan from my Carlisle 401(k) account?
Yes, Carlisle allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions, as outlined in the plan's loan policy.
What investment options are available in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
How can I change my contribution percentage to the Carlisle 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution percentage to the Carlisle 401(k) plan by accessing the plan's online portal or contacting the HR department.
What happens to my Carlisle 401(k) account if I leave the company?
If you leave Carlisle, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to an IRA, transferring it to a new employer's plan, or cashing it out.
Does Carlisle offer any educational resources for 401(k) participants?
Yes, Carlisle provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
How often can I change my investment allocations in the Carlisle 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their investment allocations in the Carlisle 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's trading policies.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Carlisle Companies offers its employees the Carlisle, LLC Employee Incentive Savings Plan (CEISP), a comprehensive retirement savings plan. The CEISP allows employees to contribute between 1% and 50% of their eligible pay on a pretax, Roth, or after-tax basis, with annual contribution limits of $23,000 for those under 50 and $30,000 for those 50 and older in 2024. Employees are automatically enrolled at a 3% deferral election if they don't opt out.
The plan offers immediate 100% vesting on both employee and employer contributions, making all funds fully owned by the participant from the start. Carlisle’s 401(k) plan includes a company match of 100% on the first 3% contributed and 50% on the next 2%, making it a beneficial program for long-term financial planning.
Restructuring Layoffs: Carlisle Companies have been navigating various financial adjustments and structural changes in 2023 and 2024. They have announced strategic acquisitions and share repurchases, alongside continuous dividend increases to stabilize their financial standing and enhance shareholder value.
Carlisle Companies' Stock Options and RSUs
2022
In 2022, Carlisle Companies (NYSE: CSL) issued a broad-based stock option grant to employees, which marked the third such grant in the last 12 years. The goal of these grants was to provide significant incentives for employees to achieve long-term company objectives. The stock options are available to a wide range of employees, promoting a sense of ownership and alignment with the company’s success (source: Carlisle Companies’ 2022 Employee Stock Option Grant Announcement, page 1).
2023
In 2023, Carlisle continued its practice of offering stock options and RSUs to its employees. The RSUs are part of the company’s long-term incentive plan, designed to retain key employees and align their interests with shareholders. RSUs vest over a specified period, typically requiring continued employment with the company (source: Carlisle Companies’ Third Quarter Results Report, page 3).
2024
For 2024, Carlisle has maintained its commitment to employee equity compensation by offering both stock options and RSUs. The latest offerings include performance-based RSUs that vest based on the company achieving specific financial targets. These are available to managerial and executive-level employees, ensuring that key decision-makers have a vested interest in the company’s long-term performance (source: Carlisle Companies’ Fourth Quarter Results Report, page 4).
Carlisle Companies provides a comprehensive and industry-leading health benefits package to its employees, focusing on holistic wellness and financial security. The benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to help manage healthcare costs. Additionally, Carlisle offers wellness programs that promote physical and mental health, including fitness incentives, stress management resources, and preventive care initiatives (Carlisle ESG Data Center) (Carlisle).
In 2023, Carlisle emphasized sustainability in its operations, which includes the health and safety of its employees. The company's initiatives are detailed in their Corporate Sustainability Report, highlighting their commitment to reducing emissions and waste, and improving energy efficiency, which indirectly supports a healthier work environment (Carlisle).
Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by Carlisle include:
HSA (Health Savings Account): A tax-advantaged account used to pay for eligible medical expenses.
FSA (Flexible Spending Account): Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): A certification for environmentally friendly buildings, which aligns with Carlisle's focus on creating healthier workspaces (Carlisle ESG Data Center) (Carlisle).
Recent news affecting Carlisle includes their progress towards sustainability goals, such as reducing Scope 1 & 2 emissions by over 21% and Scope 3 emissions by over 12% from their 2021 base year. These efforts reflect Carlisle's broader commitment to employee well-being through a healthier and more sustainable work environment
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Carlisle at 16430 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254; or by calling them at +1 480-781-5000.
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