Global Payments Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Global Payments
Global Payments, a prominent payment technology and software solutions provider, collaborates with various insurance providers to offer healthcare benefits to its employees. While specific healthcare providers may vary by region and plan, large insurers like Anthem and UnitedHealthcare are commonly associated with companies of this size, offering employer-sponsored health coverage options.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we look toward 2026, employees of Global Payments may face significant increases in healthcare costs. A projected wave of premium hikes could see rates exceed 60% in some states, severely impacting out-of-pocket expenses. With many employers eyeing strategies to offset rising expenses, such as increasing deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, employees must prepare for a potential financial strain. A recent study indicates that over 51% of large companies plan to shift more healthcare costs onto their workforce, coupled with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, which might ultimately leave employees with thousands in additional costs for same or lesser coverage. Careful planning and early decision-making regarding benefits will be crucial for navigating these changes effectively.
Click here to learn more
'Global Payments 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.
'Global Payments 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.' Global Payments 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. Global Payments 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 Global Payments 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 Global Payments 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 Global Payments 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 Global Payments 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 Global Payments 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 Global Payments 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 Global Payments offer to its employees?
Global Payments offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Global Payments match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Global Payments provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to certain terms and conditions.
What is the eligibility requirement for Global Payments employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Global Payments are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.
Can Global Payments employees choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, Global Payments employees can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to align with their personal financial goals.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Global Payments 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Global Payments 401(k) plan is subject to IRS annual limits, which can change each year.
How often can Global Payments employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?
Global Payments employees can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, allowing for flexibility in their savings strategy.
Does Global Payments allow for loans against the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Global Payments may allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.
What happens to my Global Payments 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Global Payments, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it in the plan, or withdraw it, subject to tax implications.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Global Payments 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Global Payments has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means you earn rights to the employer match over time.
Can I access my Global Payments 401(k) funds before retirement?
While accessing your Global Payments 401(k) funds before retirement is generally discouraged, there are certain circumstances, such as financial hardship, that may allow for early withdrawals.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Pension Plan Information:
Name of Pension Plan: Global Payments does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan as of the latest information. Instead, their retirement benefits are provided through a defined contribution plan.
Years of Service and Age Qualification: Since there is no traditional pension plan, there are no specific years of service or age qualifications for a pension plan.
Pension Formula: Not applicable due to the absence of a defined benefit pension plan.
Source: Information about the absence of a traditional pension plan is available in the Global Payments 2023 Form 10-K, page 51.
401(k) Plan Information:
Name of 401(k) Plan: Global Payments 401(k) Plan
Qualification for 401(k) Plan: Employees are eligible to participate in the Global Payments 401(k) Plan after completing 30 days of service.
401(k) Plan Features:
Contribution Limits: Employees can contribute up to the IRS annual limit.
Company Match: Global Payments matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage, typically a percentage of the employee's salary.
Restructuring & Layoffs: In early 2024, Global Payments announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This move included the layoff of approximately 5% of its workforce, primarily affecting roles in administrative and support functions. The company cited the need to adapt to shifting market conditions and enhance operational efficiency as the primary reasons for this decision.
Benefit Changes: Alongside the restructuring, Global Payments updated its employee benefits package. Changes included adjustments to healthcare plans and a reduction in retirement benefits contributions. The company stated that these modifications were necessary to maintain competitive positioning and financial stability in the face of economic uncertainties and evolving market dynamics.
Search for stock option and RSU information on Global Payments for 2022, 2023, and 2024:
Look for annual reports, financial statements, and SEC filings.
Identify the acronyms used for stock options and RSUs.
Note who is eligible to receive stock options and RSUs at Global Payments.
Document the source and page number of the information:
Record the URL and specific page number from the documents where the information is located.
Summarize the findings:
Check Global Payments’ official website for the most accurate and detailed information on their health benefits.
Corporate Benefits Pages: Look for specific pages dedicated to employee benefits or healthcare plans on the company's site.
News Websites: Search for recent news articles related to Global Payments' healthcare benefits or changes to their employee health plans.
Industry Reports: Review industry reports or analysis for any insights into Global Payments' health benefits strategy.
Employee Reviews and Forums: Check sites like Glassdoor or Indeed for employee feedback on the company's health benefits.
/General/General%209.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%209.png)
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)