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CommScope Holding Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for CommScope Holding CommScope Holding employs its workforce through an array of benefits, including health insurance offerings provided primarily by major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. These were selected due to their extensive national coverage and tailored plans that address various employee healthcare needs. Predictions on Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are poised for dramatic increases, reflecting a perfect storm of factors affecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Premiums for ACA plans are expected to rise sharply, with some states reporting hikes over 60%. This surge is driven by a combination of rising medical costs and the possible expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, which means that many enrollees could see their premiums skyrocket by over 75%. As a result, employees at CommScope Holding should strategically consider their healthcare options early to prepare for the financial implications ahead. Click here to learn more

'CommScope Holding 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.

'CommScope Holding 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.' CommScope Holding 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. CommScope Holding 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 CommScope Holding 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 CommScope Holding 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 CommScope Holding 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 CommScope Holding 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 CommScope Holding 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 CommScope Holding 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 CommScope Holding?

The 401(k) plan at CommScope Holding is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How does CommScope Holding match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

CommScope Holding offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of employee contributions, helping to boost retirement savings.

What are the eligibility requirements for the 401(k) plan at CommScope Holding?

Employees of CommScope Holding are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically within the first few months.

Can employees of CommScope Holding change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at CommScope Holding can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan’s rules.

Does CommScope Holding offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, CommScope Holding offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to contribute after-tax dollars and potentially enjoy tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

What investment options are available in the CommScope Holding 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at CommScope Holding typically includes a range of investment options, such as mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

How can employees at CommScope Holding access their 401(k) account information?

Employees of CommScope Holding can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan’s designated website or mobile app.

What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave CommScope Holding?

If you leave CommScope Holding, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the CommScope Holding plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with the CommScope Holding 401(k) plan?

Yes, the CommScope Holding 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at CommScope Holding?

Yes, employees at CommScope Holding may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

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

Restructuring Announcement: In early 2024, CommScope announced a major restructuring plan, resulting in significant layoffs across its global operations. The restructuring is part of an effort to streamline operations and reduce costs amid declining revenues.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for CommScope Holding at 1100 CommScope Place Hickory, NC 28602; or by calling them at (828) 324-2200.