Fortive Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Fortive Corporation partners with various healthcare providers through its Advanced Healthcare Solutions segment, focusing on delivering mission-critical technologies for medical instruments and healthcare facilities. As of 2025, Fortive is well-positioned to navigate the anticipated shifts in healthcare costs and innovations related to connected workflows.
Looking ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly, potentially impacting many American families. Record premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are projected, with some state premiums soaring by over 60%. This surge in costs is largely driven by higher medical expenses, the potential cessation of federal premium subsidies, and increased rates from major insurers. Without congressional action to extend these subsidies, many policyholders could see their premiums spike by up to 75%, highlighting the urgent need for consumers to prepare for these financial changes.
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'Fortive 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.
'Fortive 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.' Fortive 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. Fortive 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 Fortive 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 Fortive 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 Fortive 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 Fortive 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 Fortive 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 Fortive 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 Fortive offer to its employees?
Fortive offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Fortive provide a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Fortive provides a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, enhancing the overall savings potential.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Fortive's 401(k) plan?
Employees are eligible to participate in Fortive's 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically 30 days.
Can employees at Fortive choose their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Fortive can choose their contribution percentage, allowing for flexibility in saving according to their financial goals.
What investment options are available in Fortive's 401(k) plan?
Fortive's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts to Fortive's 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution amounts to Fortive's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules and limits.
Does Fortive allow for loans against the 401(k) balance?
Yes, Fortive's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Fortive?
If you leave Fortive, you can choose to leave your funds in the plan, roll them over to another qualified plan, or withdraw them, subject to tax implications.
Is there a vesting schedule for Fortive's company match in the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Fortive has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched contributions.
Can I access my Fortive 401(k) funds in case of financial hardship?
Yes, Fortive allows for hardship withdrawals under certain conditions, following IRS guidelines and plan rules.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Fortive offers a defined benefit pension plan, specifically a cash balance plan, which provides a guaranteed retirement benefit based on a formula that combines elements of both traditional defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. In a cash balance plan, Fortive credits a participant's account with a set percentage of their annual salary, plus interest, which grows over time. Eligibility typically includes full-time employees who meet certain service or age requirements, although specifics can vary based on employment status and tenure.
In recent years, Fortive has adapted its cash balance plan to reflect changes in tax laws and interest rate strategies. For instance, in 2022, the company adjusted its plan interest crediting rates to align with prevailing market conditions and IRS regulations. By 2023 and 2024, Fortive continued to refine these rates to ensure compliance with updated tax laws and to optimize the financial performance of the plan.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Fortive announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining its operations and reducing operational redundancies. This move resulted in layoffs affecting approximately 5% of its workforce across various divisions. The restructuring is part of Fortive's broader strategy to optimize its portfolio and focus on core growth areas. This is critical to follow given the ongoing economic volatility and investment uncertainties, which may impact both job security and company performance.
In 2022, Fortive granted stock options and RSUs to key employees and executives. Stock options were performance-based, and RSUs were part of long-term incentives. (Source: Fortive 2022 Annual Report, p. 49)
Health Insurance: Fortive offers a range of health insurance options including medical, dental, and vision coverage. The company provides comprehensive coverage plans with options for employees to choose from based on their needs.
Wellness Programs: Fortive emphasizes wellness through programs that may include health screenings, fitness reimbursements, and mental health resources.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Employees can use FSAs for eligible medical expenses.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Access to confidential counseling services for personal and work-related issues.
Company Annual Reports or SEC Filings
Benefit Details: Recent reports confirm that Fortive provides competitive health benefits in line with industry standards. They continue to offer robust health insurance packages and wellness programs to support employee well-being.
Benefit Trends: There has been a focus on enhancing mental health resources and expanding access to telehealth services.
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