Elanco Animal Health Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
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'Elanco Animal Health 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.
'Elanco Animal Health 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.' Elanco Animal Health 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. Elanco Animal Health 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 Elanco Animal Health 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 Elanco Animal Health 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 Elanco Animal Health 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 Elanco Animal Health 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 Elanco Animal Health 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 Elanco Animal Health 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 401(k) plan offered by Elanco Animal Health?
The 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
Does Elanco Animal Health offer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Elanco Animal Health offers matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health?
Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health through the company’s benefits portal during the enrollment period or after a qualifying event.
What are the eligibility requirements for the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health?
To be eligible for the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health, employees typically need to meet certain criteria, such as age and length of service.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at Elanco Animal Health?
Yes, Elanco Animal Health allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions.
What investment options are available in the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan?
The 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to customize their investment strategy.
How often can employees change their contribution percentage to the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan?
Employees at Elanco Animal Health can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to company policies.
Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions at Elanco Animal Health?
Yes, Elanco Animal Health has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matching funds.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave Elanco Animal Health?
If an employee leaves Elanco Animal Health, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Elanco plan if eligible.
Are there any fees associated with the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
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: Elanco's pension plan is structured as a defined benefit plan, meaning that employees receive a guaranteed payout upon retirement. The exact benefits are calculated based on years of service, age at retirement, and the average of the highest earnings during a specific period. Employees need to meet certain years of service and age qualifications to be eligible for this pension plan. The plan is aimed at long-term employees, ensuring that those who dedicate a significant portion of their career to Elanco are rewarded with secure retirement income.
401(k) Plan: Elanco offers a 401(k) plan to its employees, which is part of their broader retirement savings offerings. The plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, which Elanco matches up to a certain percentage, though the exact match percentage may vary each year. The plan is designed to provide flexibility and financial security, enabling employees to manage their retirement savings effectively. The company’s 401(k) plan is part of their commitment to employee well-being, emphasizing financial benefits as a key component of their compensation package.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In August 2023, Elanco Animal Health announced a restructuring plan aimed at improving operational efficiency. The company planned to lay off approximately 200 employees globally as part of this restructuring. This move is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and focus on core business areas. It's crucial to stay updated on this news due to the current economic environment, which impacts job security and corporate strategies. Understanding these changes helps employees and investors navigate the shifting landscape effectively.
Elanco Animal Health offers stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation and incentive programs. In 2022, the company provided stock options and RSUs to its senior executives and key employees. For 2023 and 2024, Elanco Animal Health has continued this practice, with a focus on aligning incentives with the company's performance.
Review Elanco Animal Health's official website for their health benefits information, including any recent updates or changes for 2022, 2023, or 2024.
Reliable Sources:
Look for specific terms and acronyms used by Elanco in their health benefits information, such as types of health plans, coverage details, and any new initiatives.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Elanco Animal Health at 2500 Innovation Way Greenfield, IN 46140; or by calling them at (877) 352-6261.
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