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CBRE Group Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for CBRE Group CBRE Group does not operate its own healthcare facility but partners with various healthcare providers to offer employee health benefits. This typically includes a variety of insurance options that may involve working with national insurers, enabling employees to access a diverse range of healthcare services. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare woes are poised to intensify for CBRE Group employees as they may face substantial increases in out-of-pocket costs. The expiration of enhanced federal subsidies from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could lead to premium hikes that exceed 60% in some states, significantly impacting the affordability of healthcare. Additionally, economic pressures and rising medical expenses are compelling employers, including CBRE, to adjust benefits structures, potentially transferring more healthcare costs to employees. Consequently, employees should proactively review their health plans and consider strategies to mitigate rising expenses in the coming year. Click here to learn more

'CBRE Group 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.

'CBRE Group 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.' CBRE Group 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. CBRE Group 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 CBRE Group 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 CBRE Group 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 CBRE Group 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 CBRE Group 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 CBRE Group 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 CBRE Group 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 CBRE Group?

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

How can employees of CBRE Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of CBRE Group can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does CBRE Group offer a matching contribution for the 401(k) plan?

Yes, CBRE Group offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

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

The vesting schedule for CBRE Group's matching contributions typically follows a standard schedule, which can be reviewed in the employee handbook or benefits portal.

Can employees of CBRE Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?

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

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

CBRE Group offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a minimum contribution requirement for the 401(k) plan at CBRE Group?

Yes, CBRE Group may have a minimum contribution requirement for employees wishing to participate in the 401(k) plan, which can be found in the plan documents.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in CBRE Group's 401(k) plan?

Employees of CBRE Group can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave CBRE Group?

If you leave CBRE Group, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the CBRE Group plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with CBRE Group's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative or investment fees associated with CBRE Group's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

CBRE Group announced a reduction of its workforce by approximately 5% as part of a restructuring plan aimed at optimizing operations and reducing costs. The company also implemented changes to its benefits package, including adjustments to retirement contributions and healthcare benefits.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for CBRE Group at 400 S. Hope St. Los Angeles, CA 90071; or by calling them at +1 213-613-3333.