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Colgate-Palmolive Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Colgate-Palmolive Healthcare Provider Overview Colgate-Palmolive offers its employees access to healthcare services through various providers, primarily utilizing national insurance carriers such as UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. These partnerships ensure comprehensive coverage for employees across their diverse health needs, including medical, dental, and vision care. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Colgate-Palmolive in 2026 In 2026, Colgate-Palmolive employees may face significant healthcare cost increases due to sharp rises in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. As a result of factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and accelerated medical inflation, many marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket premiums rise by over 75%. These developments create a financial pressure point for employees, particularly for those considering early retirement, as they will need to account for escalating healthcare expenses in their financial planning. With states like New York expecting premium hikes of up to 66%, careful evaluation of healthcare options will be essential for maintaining financial stability. Click here to learn more

'Colgate-Palmolive 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.

'Colgate-Palmolive 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.' Colgate-Palmolive 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. Colgate-Palmolive 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 Colgate-Palmolive 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 Colgate-Palmolive 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 Colgate-Palmolive 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 Colgate-Palmolive 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 Colgate-Palmolive 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 Colgate-Palmolive 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 type of retirement savings plan does Colgate-Palmolive offer to its employees?

Colgate-Palmolive offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Colgate-Palmolive provide matching contributions for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Colgate-Palmolive provides matching contributions to help employees maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal during the enrollment period.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Colgate-Palmolive's 401(k) plan?

Most employees are eligible to participate in Colgate-Palmolive's 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can employees make changes to their contributions in the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can make changes to their contribution amounts at any time throughout the year in the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan.

What investment options are available in the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan?

The Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

Does Colgate-Palmolive offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Colgate-Palmolive provides financial education resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

At what age can employees start withdrawing from their Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan without penalties?

Employees can typically start withdrawing from their Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan without penalties at age 59½.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) plan if they leave Colgate-Palmolive?

If an employee leaves Colgate-Palmolive, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or leave it in the Colgate-Palmolive plan, subject to certain conditions.

Are there loan options available through the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan?

Yes, Colgate-Palmolive allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings under specific circumstances.

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

Colgate-Palmolive announced a restructuring plan that includes layoffs and a realignment of its global operations to streamline its business.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Colgate-Palmolive at 300 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022; or by calling them at (212) 310-2000.