New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Danaher Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Danaher Corporation Danaher Corporation, a leading global life sciences and diagnostics innovator, offers healthcare coverage primarily through employer-sponsored health insurance plans. Danaher employees typically have access to comprehensive medical benefits which may include various insurance options like HMOs, PPOs, or high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), depending on individual preferences and locality. Details on Danaher's specific healthcare providers and coverage options can be accessed through the company's human resources department or employee benefits resources. Upcoming Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look towards 2026, significant hikes in healthcare costs appear unavoidable, especially for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. Some states are projected to see premiums rise by more than 60%, driven by factors such as the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and relentless medical trend inflation. Insurers are seeking aggressive rate hikes in response to increased medical expenses and substantial profits, gearing up for a scenario where enrollees could face out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%. This culminates in a challenging landscape for healthcare consumers, necessitating strategic planning and proactive measures for cost management. Click here to learn more

'Danaher 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.

'Danaher 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.' Danaher 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. Danaher 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 Danaher 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 Danaher 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 Danaher 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 Danaher 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 Danaher 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 Danaher employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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 Danaher offer to its employees?

Danaher offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can Danaher employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Danaher employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Danaher provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Danaher provides matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for Danaher's 401(k) matching contributions?

Danaher has a specific vesting schedule for matching contributions, which typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the employer match.

Can Danaher employees contribute to their 401(k) plan on a pre-tax basis?

Yes, Danaher employees can make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) plan, reducing their taxable income.

Is there a Roth option available for Danaher's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Danaher offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to contribute after-tax dollars for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Danaher employees participating in the 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Danaher employees is determined by IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.

Can Danaher employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time?

Yes, Danaher employees can change their contribution percentage at any time, typically through the HR portal.

What investment options are available in Danaher's 401(k) plan?

Danaher provides a variety of investment options within its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Are there any fees associated with Danaher's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with Danaher’s 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.

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

Danaher provides RSUs and stock options to eligible employees.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Danaher employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Danaher at 2200 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20037; or by calling them at (202) 828-0850.