Coterra Energy Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Coterra Energy
Coterra Energy employees and retirees utilize the healthcare services offered through a variety of providers, primarily those associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. These can include major insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), and others depending on the specific plan selections available to them. It is advisable for employees to review their individual options based on their needs and potential costs.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, Coterra Energy employees may face substantial increases in healthcare costs, driven by impending changes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With state estimates pointing to premium hikes exceeding 60% in some regions, and a potential loss of federal premium subsidies, many employees could experience a drastic rise in out-of-pocket expenses-averaging an alarming 75%. This scenario is compounded by escalating medical costs across the board, placing additional financial strain on Coterra employees and retirees as they navigate their healthcare options. It is critical for individuals to proactively plan for these changes to avoid detrimental impacts on their financial stability.
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'Coterra Energy 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.
'Coterra Energy 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.' Coterra Energy 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. Coterra Energy 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 Coterra Energy 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 Coterra Energy 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 Coterra Energy 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 Coterra Energy 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 Coterra Energy 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 Coterra Energy 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 is the primary purpose of Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The primary purpose of Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest a portion of their salary.
How can employees of Coterra Energy enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees of Coterra Energy can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the online enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What types of contributions can employees make to Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and possibly catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older to Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan.
Does Coterra Energy offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Coterra Energy offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which enhances the overall retirement savings for employees.
What is the vesting schedule for Coterra Energy's company match in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
The vesting schedule for Coterra Energy's company match typically follows a graded vesting schedule, where employees become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.
Can employees of Coterra Energy change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What investment options are available within Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Is there a loan option available through Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Coterra Energy allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
How can employees access their account information for Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can access their account information for Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.
What happens to the 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves Coterra Energy?
If an employee leaves Coterra Energy, they have several options regarding their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Pension Plan:
Coterra Energy's pension plan is designed to provide financial security for its employees upon retirement. The specific name of the pension plan is the Coterra Energy Defined Benefit Plan. This plan uses a formula based on years of service and average final pay to determine the pension amount. Employees become eligible for the pension plan after completing five years of service and reaching the age of 55. The pension formula typically considers the highest consecutive three years of earnings within the last ten years of service. This information can be found in the 2023 Annual Report on page 45 (Coterra Energy) (CoTerra Energy).
401(k) Plan:
The 401(k) plan at Coterra Energy, referred to as the Coterra Energy 401(k) Savings Plan, includes a company match and an employer retirement contribution. Employees can contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) basis, with the company matching up to 6% of the employee's contributions. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan from the first day of employment. Detailed information about the 401(k) plan and its benefits can be found on page 22 of the Coterra Energy Employee Benefits Guide
Restructuring Layoffs: In May 2024, Coterra's subsidiary, GasSearch Drilling Services (GDS), laid off one-third of its workforce in Pennsylvania. This reduction affected 55 employees out of 170, which was part of the company's strategic cost-cutting measures amidst fluctuating market conditions. Benefit Changes: Coterra has maintained a consistent dividend payout, with a slight increase in 2024 to $0.21 per share, reflecting a 5% year-over-year growth. The company's total shareholder returns for 2023 amounted to $1.026 billion, combining dividends and share repurchases. Pension and 401(k) Changes: Coterra's financial reports from 2023 indicate a strong cash flow from operating activities, enabling continued contributions to employee retirement plans without major changes to existing pension or 401(k) structures. The company’s focus remains on sustaining financial health to support employee benefits despite industry challenges.
2022:
Coterra Energy offered stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of their compensation and retention strategy. The RSUs vested over a period of three to five years and were primarily aimed at senior executives and key personnel. Stock options were granted with a vesting schedule and an exercise price equal to the market value of the stock on the grant date (CoTerra Energy).
2023:
In 2023, Coterra Energy continued to offer RSUs and stock options, emphasizing long-term performance and shareholder value. The RSUs and stock options remained an integral part of the company’s incentive plans to retain top talent and align their interests with those of shareholders. The vesting schedules and performance criteria were designed to reward sustained performance and commitment (CoTerra Energy).
2024:
For 2024, Coterra Energy enhanced its equity compensation plans by introducing performance-based RSUs, which vested based on the achievement of specific operational and financial targets. Stock options granted in 2024 included similar vesting schedules and exercise prices set at the market value on the grant date. These plans were available to senior executives and other key employees, aiming to drive long-term growth and sustainability (CoTerra Energy).
Health Benefits Information for Coterra Energy (2022-2024)
Overview:
Coterra Energy offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health and well-being of its employees. The package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a range of additional benefits aimed at providing financial security and work-life balance.
Health Benefits:
Coterra provides a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) which includes excellent coverage for preventive care, comprehensive medical services, and prescription drugs.
The plan is complemented by a Health Savings Account (HSA), to which Coterra makes a generous employer contribution. This account allows employees to save pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses.
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