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Encore Wire Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Encore Wire Encore Wire offers its employees health insurance benefits through a combination of providers, with major national insurers likely included given the industry standards. Specific details about the exact healthcare provider may vary, but typical healthcare networks for companies of this size include organizations like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, or Aetna. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 Encore Wire employees should brace for significant increases in healthcare costs in 2026, a trend largely driven by impending changes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. Premium hikes could exceed 60% in some states, as the expected expiration of enhanced federal subsidies complicates affordability for many workers. As large employers like Encore Wire adapt to these escalating costs-potentially raising deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums-the financial burden may shift more heavily onto employees. Proactive planning and understanding of upcoming benefit changes will be crucial for minimizing the impact of these rising expenses. Click here to learn more

'Encore Wire 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.

'Encore Wire 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.' Encore Wire 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. Encore Wire 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 Encore Wire 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 Encore Wire 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 Encore Wire 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 Encore Wire 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 Encore Wire 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 Encore Wire 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 Encore Wire?

The 401(k) plan at Encore Wire is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are deducted.

How does Encore Wire match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Encore Wire offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which means that the company contributes a certain percentage of what employees save, helping to boost their retirement savings.

When can employees at Encore Wire enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Encore Wire can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding process or during the annual open enrollment period.

What types of investment options are available in Encore Wire's 401(k) plan?

Encore Wire's 401(k) plan typically offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and possibly company stock.

Is there a vesting schedule for Encore Wire's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Encore Wire has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at Encore Wire?

Yes, Encore Wire allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) plan if they leave Encore Wire?

If an employee leaves Encore Wire, they have several options for their 401(k), including rolling it over to a new employer's plan, transferring it to an IRA, or cashing it out (though this may incur taxes and penalties).

How often can employees change their contribution levels to the Encore Wire 401(k) plan?

Employees at Encore Wire can typically change their contribution levels at any time, subject to the plan's rules and guidelines.

Does Encore Wire provide financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?

Yes, Encore Wire offers financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings and investments.

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

Yes, there may be administrative and investment fees associated with Encore Wire's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Encore Wire at 1329 Millwood Rd McKinney, TX 75069; or by calling them at (972) 562-9473.