Hasbro Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Hasbro provides health insurance benefits to its U.S. employees, including medical, dental, and prescription coverage. The company supports employee wellness through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), disability and life insurance, and an onsite fitness center. Additional benefits include paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and pet insurance 3.
Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average.
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'Hasbro 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.
'Hasbro 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.' Hasbro 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. Hasbro 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 Hasbro 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 Hasbro 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 Hasbro 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 Hasbro 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 Hasbro 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 Hasbro 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.
Hasbro's 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis for retirement.
How does Hasbro match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Hasbro offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.
When can employees at Hasbro start contributing to the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Hasbro can begin contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing their initial eligibility period, which is typically outlined in the employee handbook.
What investment options are available in Hasbro's 401(k) plan?
Hasbro's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees grow their retirement savings.
Can employees at Hasbro take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Hasbro allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan document.
What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave Hasbro?
If you leave Hasbro, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to an IRA, transferring it to a new employer's plan, or cashing it out.
Does Hasbro offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hasbro provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
Are there any fees associated with Hasbro's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hasbro's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.
How often can employees at Hasbro change their 401(k) contribution amount?
Employees at Hasbro can change their 401(k) contribution amount during designated enrollment periods or as specified in the plan guidelines.
What is the vesting schedule for Hasbro's 401(k) matching contributions?
Hasbro has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matching funds.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Company Pension Plan Information:
Name of Pension Plan: For Hasbro, this is typically called the "Hasbro Pension Plan."
Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees generally need a minimum number of years of service (often 5 years) and must meet a specific age requirement (often 65 years old) to qualify for full pension benefits. The exact details can vary, so I will verify these specifics.
401(k) Plan Information:
Name of 401(k) Plan: This is usually referred to as the "Hasbro 401(k) Plan."
Eligibility: Generally, employees are eligible for participation in the 401(k) plan after a specified period of employment, commonly after 30 days to 1 year
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2023, Hasbro announced a significant restructuring plan involving a workforce reduction of about 15% to streamline operations and reduce costs. This move was part of a broader strategy to optimize the company's portfolio and focus on its most profitable lines. The layoffs primarily affected roles in sales and marketing as Hasbro shifted towards digital and direct-to-consumer models. Given the current economic environment, where companies are adjusting to post-pandemic market conditions and inflationary pressures, it is essential to stay informed about such changes as they can impact job security and market stability.
In 2022, Hasbro provided stock options (SO) and restricted stock units (RSU) as part of its compensation package to key executives and high-performing employees. The stock options had a vesting schedule over several years, while RSUs were typically granted with a performance or time-based vesting period
Healthcare Benefits (2022-2024): Hasbro offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance plans (medical, dental, and vision), wellness programs, and mental health support. The company provides coverage through major providers and includes preventive care, prescription drug coverage, and access to a network of healthcare professionals.
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