EOG Resources Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
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'EOG Resources 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.
'EOG Resources 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.' EOG Resources 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. EOG Resources 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 EOG Resources 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 EOG Resources 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 EOG Resources 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 EOG Resources 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 EOG Resources 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 EOG Resources 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 plan does EOG Resources offer to its employees?
EOG Resources offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.
Is participation in the EOG Resources 401(k) plan mandatory for all employees?
Participation in the EOG Resources 401(k) plan is voluntary; employees can choose whether or not to enroll.
What is the employer match for contributions made to the EOG Resources 401(k) plan?
EOG Resources provides a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, which is detailed in the plan documents.
How can employees at EOG Resources enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees at EOG Resources can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in the EOG Resources 401(k) plan?
The EOG Resources 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
Can EOG Resources employees change their contribution percentage at any time?
Yes, employees at EOG Resources can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to plan rules.
What is the vesting schedule for EOG Resources' employer contributions to the 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for employer contributions at EOG Resources typically follows a set timeline, which is outlined in the plan documents.
Are loans available from the EOG Resources 401(k) plan?
Yes, EOG Resources allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions.
What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves EOG Resources?
If an employee leaves EOG Resources, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave the savings in the EOG Resources plan, subject to plan rules.
Does EOG Resources offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?
Yes, EOG Resources provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
EOG Resources provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan to its employees as the primary retirement option. The EOG Resources 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary, which is often matched by the company. For 2024, the IRS limit for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan is $23,000, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 available to those aged 50 or older (Empower) (Investopedia). EOG Resources contributes to the 401(k) plan by matching up to 6% of the employee's salary (Empower).
EOG Resources does not provide a traditional pension plan (defined benefit plan) for its employees, following the trend where many private companies offer defined contribution plans such as 401(k) over pensions (EOG Resources, Inc. ). Instead, the company's focus is on its 401(k) plan, which provides investment options like mutual funds, stocks, and bonds (Investopedia). Employees bear the risk for investment outcomes under this plan, as it does not guarantee specific payouts, unlike traditional pension plans
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, EOG Resources announced a strategic restructuring plan to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This restructuring included a reduction of 5% in the workforce, impacting approximately 200 employees. The move was aimed at optimizing operational performance and adapting to fluctuating oil prices. This restructuring is significant due to the current economic environment, where companies are adjusting their workforce to cope with market uncertainties and inflation. The investment and tax implications of such layoffs can affect individual retirement accounts and savings.
Company Benefits and Retirement Plans: EOG Resources has also made changes to its benefits program, including adjustments to its pension and 401(k) plans. The company introduced a new matching policy for its 401(k) plan, which now includes a 4% match compared to the previous 3%. Additionally, the pension plan has been modified to provide more flexibility for early retirement. These changes are crucial in light of the current political climate, which influences retirement policy and tax regulations. Understanding these adjustments can help employees make informed decisions about their retirement planning.
Stock Options & RSUs:
2022: EOG Resources provided stock options and RSUs as part of their employee compensation package. The company used the acronym SO for stock options and RSU for restricted stock units. Eligible employees included executives and senior managers.
2023: EOG Resources continued to offer stock options (SO) and RSUs (RSU) as a significant component of their compensation strategy. These were available to senior leadership and key employees.
2024: For 2024, EOG Resources maintained their practice of issuing stock options (SO) and RSUs (RSU) to eligible employees, including top executives and high-performing staff. The company emphasized these as tools for retention and performance alignment.
URL: EOG Resources Careers
Details: The official website will provide the most accurate and updated information about employee health benefits, including details on plans offered, eligibility, and any recent updates or changes.
LinkedIn (Company Profile)
URL: EOG Resources LinkedIn
Details: The company’s LinkedIn profile often shares updates and posts about employee benefits and company news that may include information on health benefits.
Glassdoor
URL: EOG Resources Glassdoor
Details: Glassdoor provides employee reviews and ratings that often include information about health benefits and employee experiences.
Indeed
URL: EOG Resources Indeed
Details: Indeed also offers insights into employee benefits based on reviews and company profiles.
Payscale
URL: EOG Resources Payscale
Details: Payscale provides salary information and sometimes details about employee benefits, including health-related benefits.
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