Carter's Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Carter's
Carter's, a well-known children's apparel company, primarily utilizes Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as its healthcare provider. This partnership allows employees to access a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As 2026 approaches, employees at Carter's should brace for significant rises in healthcare costs. A reported trend indicates that many large employers, including Carter's, are likely to increase deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums in response to soaring healthcare expenses, heavily influenced by anticipated double-digit premium hikes in the ACA marketplace. Without the renewal of enhanced federal subsidies, workers could see their premiums spike by over 75%, compounding the financial burden already tied to rising medical costs driven by inflation and escalating prescription drug prices. Preparing for these adjustments now by reviewing benefits and optimizing healthcare strategies will be crucial for mitigating these potential increases.
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'Carter's 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.
'Carter's 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.' Carter's 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. Carter's 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 Carter's 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 Carter's 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 Carter's 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 Carter's 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 Carter's 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 Carter's 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.
What type of retirement savings plan does Carter's offer to its employees?
Carter's offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Is participation in the 401(k) plan at Carter's mandatory?
Participation in Carter's 401(k) plan is voluntary for employees.
What is the eligibility requirement for Carter's 401(k) plan?
Employees at Carter's are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically outlined in the employee handbook.
Does Carter's match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Carter's offers a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.
How can employees at Carter's enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Carter's 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal.
What types of investment options are available in Carter's 401(k) plan?
Carter's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.
Can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Carter's?
Yes, employees at Carter's can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in Carter's 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for employer contributions in Carter's 401(k) plan is detailed in the plan documents and typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before fully owning the employer match.
When can employees at Carter's withdraw funds from their 401(k) accounts?
Employees can withdraw funds from their Carter's 401(k) accounts upon reaching retirement age, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship, as defined by the plan.
Does Carter's provide educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?
Yes, Carter's provides educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options and investment strategies.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
401(k) Plan Adjustments: Carter's has updated its 401(k) plan to increase the company match from 4% to 5% of employee contributions. This adjustment aims to enhance employee retention and attract new talent amidst a competitive labor market. With ongoing economic uncertainties, this change helps employees save more for retirement and provides a stronger financial cushion.
Layoffs and Restructuring: In early 2023, Carter's announced a reduction in workforce as part of its restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. The company indicated that the layoffs were necessary to improve operational efficiency and align with shifting market demands.
Stock Options: Stock options typically give employees the right to purchase company shares at a set price after a certain period. Carter's stock options are generally offered to senior executives and key employees as part of their compensation package.
RSUs: Restricted Stock Units are company shares given to employees as part of their compensation, but with restrictions that typically lapse over time. RSUs at Carter's are usually provided to a broader group of employees including managers and senior-level staff.
Specific Information by Year
Recent Employee Healthcare News: Summarize any recent news affecting employee healthcare at Carter's.
Research Sources
Official Website: Look for health benefits information in the company's careers section or employee resources area.
News Websites: Search for recent articles or press releases related to Carter's employee health benefits.
Industry Reports: Check industry-specific reports or news platforms for relevant updates.
HR and Benefits Sites: Explore HR or benefits management websites for detailed insights.
Financial and Business News: Look into financial news platforms for any relevant updates on employee benefits.
Steps to Perform the Search
Official Website: Visit Carter’s official website and navigate to the careers or employee benefits section.
Google Search: Perform a Google search with keywords such as "Carter's health benefits 2022 2023 2024" and review the top results.
Industry-Specific Sources: Check HR and benefits management websites such as SHRM.org or BenefitsPro.com.
Business News Sites: Explore business news sites like Bloomberg or Reuters for relevant updates.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Carter's at 3438 Peachtree Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30326; or by calling them at +1 404-745-2700.
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