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Graphic Packaging Holding Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Graphic Packaging Holding Graphic Packaging Holding offers a 401(k) retirement plan, and while specific health insurance providers for the company are not explicitly detailed in public sources, employees often have access to various plans compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Employees should consult with their HR department or benefits administrator for precise details regarding their healthcare provider options. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, Graphic Packaging Holding employees face potential healthcare cost increases due to significant projected hikes in ACA marketplace premiums. Reports indicate that many insurers are raising rates significantly, with some states anticipating increases exceeding 60%. Compounding the challenge are the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, which could result in over 75% of enrollees experiencing sharp out-of-pocket premium increases. As a result, employees must proactively strategize their healthcare choices to mitigate the impact of these escalating costs and explore their benefits early to ensure affordability. Click here to learn more

'Graphic Packaging Holding 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.

'Graphic Packaging Holding 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.' Graphic Packaging Holding 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. Graphic Packaging Holding 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 Graphic Packaging Holding 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 Graphic Packaging Holding 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 Graphic Packaging Holding 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 Graphic Packaging Holding 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 Graphic Packaging Holding 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 Graphic Packaging Holding employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.

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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.

Sources:

1. BlackRock Advisor Center. ' Investing for After-Tax Returns ,' 2025.

2. Kiplinger. ' Four Clever and Tax-Efficient Ways to Ditch Concentrated Stock Holdings ,' by Robert Waskiewicz. Sep. 11, 2025.

3. Financial Planning Association. ' Tax-Efficient Ways to Diversify Concentrated Stock Positions ,' by Peter Lazaroff. Oct. 2024.

What type of retirement savings plan does Graphic Packaging Holding offer to its employees?

Graphic Packaging Holding offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Graphic Packaging Holding provide a company match for contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Graphic Packaging Holding offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

At what age can employees of Graphic Packaging Holding start participating in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Graphic Packaging Holding can typically start participating in the 401(k) plan after they reach the age of 21.

How can employees of Graphic Packaging Holding enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Graphic Packaging Holding can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the companys HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the maximum employee contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Graphic Packaging Holding?

The maximum employee contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Graphic Packaging Holding is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the latest guidelines.

Does Graphic Packaging Holding allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Graphic Packaging Holding allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific plan rules.

Can employees of Graphic Packaging Holding change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees of Graphic Packaging Holding can change their contribution percentage at any time, following the plans guidelines.

What investment options are available in the Graphic Packaging Holding 401(k) plan?

The Graphic Packaging Holding 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, among others.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the 401(k) plan at Graphic Packaging Holding?

Yes, Graphic Packaging Holding has a vesting schedule for the company match, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.

How can employees of Graphic Packaging Holding access their 401(k) account information?

Employees of Graphic Packaging Holding can access their 401(k) account information online through the plans designated website or mobile app.

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 Name: Graphic Packaging Holding Pension Plan Pension Formula: The pension benefit is calculated based on a formula that includes years of service and the average of the highest five consecutive years of salary. Eligibility: Employees must have at least 5 years of service and be 55 years old to qualify for retirement benefits. 401(k) Plan Name: Graphic Packaging Holding 401(k) Plan 401(k) Eligibility: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after 90 days of employment.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Graphic Packaging Holding announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at optimizing its manufacturing operations. This included the closure of certain facilities and a reduction in workforce by approximately 10%. This move was part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce costs in response to shifting market demands and increased competition. Company Benefits Changes: The company has also revised its benefits package in light of the restructuring. Changes include adjustments to health insurance plans and alterations in retirement plan contributions. These modifications are intended to align the benefits structure with the new organizational framework and economic conditions.

Graphic Packaging Holding Stock Options (GPK Options): 2022: GPK offered stock options primarily to senior executives and key employees as part of their compensation package. The options were usually granted with a vesting period of 3-4 years. 2023: GPK revised their stock option grants to include more mid-level management positions in addition to senior executives. The options were granted with performance-based vesting criteria. 2024: GPK continued to offer stock options, now including a broader range of employees in key operational roles. Vesting periods remained consistent with prior years.

1. Company's Official Website Website: Graphic Packaging Holding - Careers & Benefits Navigate to: The careers section or benefits page on the official website. Search for: Health benefits, healthcare terms, acronyms, and any relevant updates. 2. General Search Engines Sources: Google, Bing, Yahoo Search for: “Graphic Packaging Holding health benefits 2022 2023 2024” Keywords to look for: Health insurance, wellness programs, employee assistance programs, health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and any specific healthcare terms or acronyms used by the company. 3. Employee Review Sites Websites: Glassdoor (Glassdoor) Indeed (Indeed) Comparably (Comparably) Search for: Reviews or employee feedback on health benefits. Look for: Insights on benefits from current or past employees, including satisfaction levels and specifics about health plans. 4. News Websites Websites: Bloomberg (Bloomberg) Reuters (Reuters) CNBC (CNBC) Search for: Recent news articles or press releases related to Graphic Packaging Holding's employee benefits and healthcare. Keywords to use: Employee healthcare changes, benefits adjustments, healthcare coverage updates. 5. Industry Reports and Publications Sources: Business Insider (Business Insider) HR Dive (HR Dive) SHRM (SHRM) Search for: Industry-specific reports on employee benefits that may include information on Graphic Packaging Holding. Keywords to use: Employee benefits trends, healthcare benefits in manufacturing, company-specific benefit analyses.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Graphic Packaging Holding at , ; or by calling them at .

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