Coca-Cola Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Coca-Cola's primary healthcare provider is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, offering coverage options for its employees that includes a variety of plan choices to address their diverse healthcare needs.
As we look ahead to 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated, particularly in the wake of potential changes to the Affordable Care Act. A perfect storm of factors is contributing to this forecast; namely, the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies may lead many consumers to face out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%. Coupled with anticipated medical cost inflation, which is projected to rise around 8% annually, employees of Coca-Cola and others could see their healthcare expenses surge dramatically, prompting companies to adapt their health benefits strategies.
Click here to learn more
'Coca-Cola 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.
'Coca-Cola 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.' Coca-Cola 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. Coca-Cola 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 Coca-Cola 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 Coca-Cola 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 Coca-Cola 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 Coca-Cola 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 Coca-Cola 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 Coca-Cola 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 Coca-Cola 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees to save a portion of their paycheck on a pre-tax basis, helping them prepare for retirement.
How can I enroll in the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.
What is the employer match for the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
Coca-Cola offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, which can significantly enhance your retirement savings.
When can I start contributing to the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
Eligible employees can start contributing to the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan after completing a specified waiting period, typically upon hire or after a designated time frame.
What types of investments are available in the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
The Coca-Cola 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their retirement savings.
How much can I contribute to the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan each year?
Employees can contribute up to the IRS annual limit for 401(k) plans, which is adjusted periodically. For 2023, the limit is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution for those aged 50 and over.
Does Coca-Cola offer a Roth 401(k) option?
Yes, Coca-Cola offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings, which can grow tax-free.
Can I take a loan from my Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan from their Coca-Cola 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What happens to my Coca-Cola 401(k) plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Coca-Cola, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out your balance (subject to taxes and penalties), or leave it in the Coca-Cola plan if eligible.
How often can I change my contributions to the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically change their contribution amounts to the Coca-Cola 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's specific guidelines and deadlines.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Coca-Cola offers both a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan calculates retirement benefits based on years of service and final average pay. The 401(k) plan includes company matching contributions, with various investment options available to employees, such as target-date funds and mutual funds. Coca-Cola provides financial education and planning resources to help employees manage their retirement savings.
Coca-Cola has announced a major global reorganization, which includes offering voluntary separation packages to 4,000 employees and implementing layoffs. The company continues to offer a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with company match and various health and wellness programs. Staying informed about these benefits is vital in the current political climate.
Coca-Cola offers RSUs as part of its equity compensation, vesting over time and converting into shares. They also provide stock options, enabling employees to buy shares at a set price.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Coca-Cola at One Coca-Cola Plaza Atlanta, GA 30313; or by calling them at (404) 676-2121.
/General/General%205.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%205.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)