Henry Schein Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Henry Schein
Henry Schein, Inc. is recognized as the world's largest provider of healthcare solutions for office-based dental and medical practitioners. The company distributes a wide range of products, including dental and medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals, making it a key player in the healthcare market.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As 2026 approaches, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, particularly for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. Record premium hikes are expected, with some states eyeing increases exceeding 60%. This steep rise is primarily driven by escalating medical costs, the looming expiration of federal premium subsidies, and aggressive rate increases from major insurers. Without action from Congress to extend these enhanced subsidies, many enrollees may face out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75%, transforming healthcare affordability into a critical issue for millions.
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'Henry Schein 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.
'Henry Schein 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.' Henry Schein 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. Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 is the purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Henry Schein?
The purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Henry Schein is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.
How can employees enroll in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What types of contributions can employees make to the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?
Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and potentially catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan.
Does Henry Schein offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Henry Schein offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.
What is the vesting schedule for the Henry Schein 401(k) matching contributions?
The vesting schedule for Henry Schein’s matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the contributions over a specified period.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at Henry Schein?
Yes, employees may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) balance at Henry Schein, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.
What investment options are available in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?
The Henry Schein 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically change their contribution amounts in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified by the plan’s rules.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Henry Schein?
If an employee leaves Henry Schein, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties), or leaving it in the Henry Schein plan if allowed.
Are there any fees associated with the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the Henry Schein 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.
Pension Plan: Henry Schein Pension Plan
Years of Service/Age Qualification: 10 years of service or age 55 with 5 years of service
Pension Formula: Final average pay multiplied by years of service
401(k) Plan: Henry Schein 401(k) Plan
Eligibility: Employees over 21 years of age and have completed 1 year of service
Company Match: 50% match on the first 6% of contributions
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Henry Schein announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining its global operations. This decision led to a reduction in workforce by approximately 5% to align with the company's new focus on digital transformation and expanded healthcare services. This restructuring is part of a broader effort to optimize performance and adapt to evolving market conditions.
Importance: Addressing this news is crucial given the current economic climate and investment environment. Companies are continuously adapting to market changes, which impacts their workforce and operational strategies. Keeping informed about such developments helps stakeholders understand the broader implications for investment and economic stability.
Henry Schein offers stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation packages. In 2022, Henry Schein provided stock options under the acronym "SO" and RSUs under "RSU" to eligible employees, including executives and key personnel. These options and units are intended to align employee interests with company performance and long-term goals. [Source: Henry Schein Annual Report 2022, Page 47]
Healthcare Benefits (2023/2024): Henry Schein offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They provide health insurance through major providers, and the plans often include wellness programs, preventative care, and employee assistance programs (EAP). They also offer flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs).
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