GEO Group Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for GEO Group
GEO Group, a prominent provider of correctional and community-based services, often relies on a variety of managed care organizations and healthcare service providers to address the healthcare needs of the populations they serve within correctional facilities and community programs. Specific partnerships may vary based on location and operational requirements, but they typically engage with well-established healthcare networks to deliver comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
Healthcare costs are anticipated to surge significantly in 2026, driven by a convergence of factors including rising medical expenses and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Many states are looking at premium hikes upwards of 60%, with over 22 million marketplace enrollees potentially facing more than a 75% increase in out-of-pocket premiums. This situation is exacerbated by ongoing trends of elevated hospital, physician, and drug costs, as well as systemic pressures from labor shortages within healthcare that collectively strain the financial landscape for both insurers and consumers alike. Understanding these impending changes is crucial for effective financial planning ahead of the 2026 healthcare landscape.
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'GEO Group 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.
'GEO Group 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.' GEO Group 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. GEO Group 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 GEO Group 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 GEO Group 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 GEO Group 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 GEO Group 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 GEO Group 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 GEO Group 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 GEO Group offer to its employees?
GEO Group offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does GEO Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, GEO Group provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What is the eligibility requirement for GEO Group employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of GEO Group are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, usually within the first year of employment.
How can GEO Group employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
GEO Group employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What types of investment options are available in GEO Group's 401(k) plan?
GEO Group's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Can GEO Group employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, GEO Group employees can adjust their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What is the maximum contribution limit for GEO Group's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for GEO Group's 401(k) plan aligns with the IRS guidelines, which may change annually.
Does GEO Group allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, GEO Group permits employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to GEO Group employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?
If GEO Group employees leave the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) account to another retirement plan, cash out, or leave the funds in the GEO Group plan, depending on eligibility.
Are there any fees associated with GEO Group's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related expenses associated with GEO Group's 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.
The GEO Group offers both a 401(k) retirement plan and other employee pension-related benefits. For its 401(k) plan, GEO Group allows employees to contribute a portion of their income either pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) into a retirement account. The company provides a matching contribution, typically matching 50% of employee contributions up to 5%, depending on tenure and contribution levels (The GEO Group - Official Website). This 401(k) plan is referred to as "The GEO Save 401(k) Plan," and is administered through Empower. Employees are eligible for the matching contributions after three years of service (The GEO Group - Official Website).
As for pensions, GEO Group does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, the focus is on the 401(k) plan as the primary retirement savings option (The GEO Group - Official Website). The company uses internal acronyms such as EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) when referring to their employee benefits package, which includes various health and life insurance options alongside the retirement plan
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, GEO Group announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at reducing operational costs due to declining demand for private prison services. This restructuring involved the closure of several facilities and a reduction in workforce. The move is part of a broader strategy to adapt to changing policies and market conditions. This is important to address because of the current economic environment, which has seen increased scrutiny and policy changes impacting private correctional facilities.
Example Structure for Stock Options and RSUs
GEO Group (2022)
Stock Options & RSUs: GEO Group provided stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation packages in 2022. Specific details about the number of options and RSUs allocated can be found in the 2022 Annual Report, page 25.
Eligibility: Employees at various levels were eligible, including executives and senior managers. Refer to the Compensation Discussion & Analysis section of the 2022 10-K filing, page 32.
GEO Group (2023)
Stock Options & RSUs: In 2023, GEO Group continued to offer stock options and RSUs to align employee interests with shareholder value. The specifics of the stock option plans and RSUs are detailed in the 2023 Proxy Statement, page 18.
Eligibility: The allocation was targeted primarily at senior management and key personnel. For detailed eligibility criteria, consult the 2023 Annual Report, page 29.
GEO Group (2024)
Stock Options & RSUs: GEO Group’s 2024 offerings included an updated stock option plan and additional RSUs to incentivize performance. Detailed information is available in the 2024 10-K filing, page 30.
Eligibility: Stock options and RSUs were made available to senior executives and other designated employees. Refer to the Compensation section in the 2024 Proxy Statement, page 35.
Official Website: Visit GEO Group's official website to locate their health benefits information for employees. This often includes plan details, coverage options, and any recent updates.
Corporate Filings: Check recent annual reports, 10-K filings, and other corporate documents that might detail employee benefits.
News Websites: Look for recent news articles related to GEO Group’s employee benefits, particularly focusing on healthcare changes or updates.
Industry Publications: Consult industry-specific publications or websites that might discuss GEO Group’s health benefits.
Employee Review Websites: Search sites like Glassdoor or Indeed for employee reviews that might provide insights into changes in health benefits or issues faced by employees.
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