Energizer Holdings Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
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'Energizer Holdings 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.
'Energizer Holdings 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.' Energizer Holdings 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. Energizer Holdings 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 Energizer Holdings 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 Energizer Holdings 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 Energizer Holdings 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 Energizer Holdings 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 Energizer Holdings 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 Energizer Holdings 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 type of retirement savings plan does Energizer Holdings offer to its employees?
Energizer Holdings offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Does Energizer Holdings provide a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Energizer Holdings provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?
Employees of Energizer Holdings are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.
Can employees of Energizer Holdings choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees at Energizer Holdings can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.
How does Energizer Holdings ensure that employees are informed about their 401(k) plan options?
Energizer Holdings provides educational materials, workshops, and access to financial advisors to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options.
Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?
Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the company match in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan, which determines how much of the match employees are entitled to based on their years of service.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan is in line with IRS guidelines, which may change annually.
Can employees of Energizer Holdings take loans against their 401(k) accounts?
Yes, Energizer Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave Energizer Holdings?
If an employee leaves Energizer Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) account, including cashing out, rolling it over to another retirement account, or leaving it in the Energizer Holdings plan if allowed.
Does Energizer Holdings offer any resources for retirement planning?
Yes, Energizer Holdings provides resources and tools for retirement planning, including access to financial advisors and online calculators.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Energizer Holdings provides its employees with a retirement plan that includes both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan, designed to help employees secure their financial future. The company offers the Energizer Holdings, Inc. Retirement Plan, which has gone through notable changes in recent years. In 2023, Energizer Holdings completed a pension plan annuity buyout, resulting in a $50.2 million recognition of unamortized actuarial losses (Energizer Holdings - Investors).
For the 401(k) plan, Energizer Holdings offers a match of up to 6%, where the company matches 100% of employee contributions up to this limit. Employees can also make additional contributions beyond this match, and for employees over 50 years of age, catch-up contributions are available. The 401(k) plan is known to have typical features such as tax-deferral benefits and company contributions
Restructuring and Layoffs: Energizer Holdings has announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This plan includes a reduction in workforce across several departments. The company has stated that these layoffs are necessary to improve efficiency and profitability amidst a challenging economic environment. It is crucial to follow this development due to its potential impact on employees and the overall company strategy in response to current market pressures.
Energizer Holdings offers stock options and RSUs to its executive team and key employees. The company uses the acronym SO for Stock Options and RSU for Restricted Stock Units. Specifics about these benefits are outlined in their annual proxy statements and are updated annually.
Energizer Holdings: Healthcare Benefits Information
1. Company Official Website:
Website: Energizer Holdings Careers
Healthcare Benefits: Energizer Holdings offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also provide a wellness program that includes various health-related resources and preventive care initiatives.
2. Glassdoor:
Website: Glassdoor - Energizer Holdings Benefits
Healthcare Benefits: Employees have reported access to standard healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Glassdoor reviews suggest that the healthcare plan is competitive but varies by location and employee level.
3. Indeed:
Website: Indeed - Energizer Holdings Benefits
Healthcare Benefits: According to Indeed, Energizer Holdings provides a range of healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. The company also offers a health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
4. LinkedIn:
Website: LinkedIn - Energizer Holdings Benefits
Healthcare Benefits: LinkedIn mentions that Energizer Holdings offers healthcare benefits as part of their overall employee benefits package. Details on specific plans or coverage are not extensively detailed but include basic medical, dental, and vision options.
5. HR & Employee Benefits Websites:
Website: Payscale - Energizer Holdings Benefits
Healthcare Benefits: Payscale provides information on Energizer Holdings' benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also highlight employee feedback on the quality of these benefits.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Energizer Holdings at 533 Maryville University Dr, Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63141; or by calling them at (314) 985-2000.
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