Crocs Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
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'Crocs 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.
'Crocs 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.' Crocs 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. Crocs 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 Crocs 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 Crocs 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 Crocs 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 Crocs 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 Crocs 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 Crocs 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 401(k) plan at Crocs is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future with pre-tax contributions.
How can I enroll in the Crocs 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Crocs 401(k) plan by accessing the company’s benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.
Does Crocs match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Crocs offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the vesting schedule for Crocs' 401(k) matching contributions?
The vesting schedule for Crocs' matching contributions typically follows a standard timeline, which employees can review in the benefits documentation.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the Crocs 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Crocs can change their contribution percentage at any time through the benefits portal.
What investment options are available in the Crocs 401(k) plan?
The Crocs 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a minimum contribution requirement for the Crocs 401(k) plan?
Yes, Crocs may have a minimum contribution requirement, which employees should check in the plan details.
Can I take a loan from my Crocs 401(k) plan?
Yes, Crocs allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions as outlined in the plan documents.
What happens to my Crocs 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Crocs, you will have options regarding your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out.
How often can I review my Crocs 401(k) account statements?
Crocs provides regular account statements, typically quarterly, allowing employees to review their 401(k) account performance.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
As of early 2024, Crocs has made adjustments to its 401(k) plan to enhance employee benefits. The company increased its matching contributions, now offering up to 6% match on employee contributions. Additionally, Crocs introduced a new option for employees to allocate a portion of their 401(k) into a Roth 401(k) account, providing greater flexibility in retirement savings.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2023, Crocs announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations to focus on core markets and digital expansion. This restructuring included the reduction of certain positions within the company, impacting various departments globally. The move was part of Crocs' strategy to adapt to shifting market demands and enhance efficiency. Benefit Changes and Pension/401(k) Updates: There were no significant updates regarding company benefits, pension, or 401(k) changes reported for Crocs in 2023-2024. However, the restructuring may indirectly affect employee benefits due to potential changes in company policies or resources.
In 2022, Crocs offered stock options and RSUs to its executive team and key employees. These grants were designed to incentivize performance and align interests with shareholders. The RSUs generally vested over a three-year period, contingent on both continued employment and company performance targets.
Here’s the summary of Crocs' health benefits information and recent healthcare news:
Crocs Health Benefits Overview (2022-2024)
Benefits Information: Crocs offers a range of health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They typically provide multiple plan options to accommodate different needs.
Glassdoor:
Benefits Information: According to employee reviews, Crocs provides competitive health insurance, wellness programs, and flexible spending accounts. Coverage options often include preventative care, hospital care, and prescription drug plans.
Indeed:
Benefits Information: Crocs employees have reported comprehensive health benefits, including health insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, and access to wellness programs. There are also reports of employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
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