Hologic Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Hologic offers a comprehensive benefits program through its Better Rewards initiative. Employees can choose from medical plans administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, including PPO and Consumer Driven Health Plans with HSA options. The company also provides dental, vision, mental health support, and wellness resources. Additional benefits include financial security plans, career development, and family support services 6.
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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'Hologic 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.
'Hologic 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.' Hologic 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. Hologic 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 Hologic 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 Hologic 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 Hologic 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 Hologic 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 Hologic 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 Hologic 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 Hologic offer to its employees?
Hologic offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Does Hologic provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hologic provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan to help employees save for retirement.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Hologic's 401(k) plan?
Employees at Hologic are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.
How can Hologic employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Hologic employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in Hologic's 401(k) plan?
Hologic's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.
Can Hologic employees change their contribution percentage at any time?
Yes, Hologic employees can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
Is there a vesting schedule for Hologic's matching contributions in the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hologic has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Hologic's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Hologic's 401(k) plan is in line with IRS regulations, which may change annually.
Does Hologic offer any educational resources to help employees manage their 401(k) investments?
Yes, Hologic provides educational resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) investments.
Can Hologic employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Hologic allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Hologic Inc. offers its employees the Hologic, Inc. Savings and Investment Plan through Fidelity, covering approximately 6,291 employees. This plan allows participants to make contributions toward their retirement and benefit from company matches. The name of Hologic's 401(k) plan is the "Hologic, Inc. Savings and Investment Plan." Employees who participate in the plan can leave their account with Fidelity, roll it over into an IRA or a new 401(k) plan, or withdraw their funds, though tax penalties may apply for early withdrawal (Capitalize).
Hologic does not offer a defined pension plan; instead, they focus on their 401(k) offering. The company terminology for this plan refers to it as a savings and investment vehicle aimed at helping employees grow their retirement funds.
In 2023 and 2024, Hologic has undergone significant restructuring efforts, leading to workforce layoffs and changes in employee benefits, including their 401(k) and pension plans. The company has aligned its strategy with the ongoing SECURE 2.0 Act reforms, which include updates to 401(k) contributions and eligibility, particularly for part-time employees and those nearing retirement. Hologic has also increased its focus on health benefit plans, adapting to new laws that affect retirement savings and telehealth services (Mondaq) (CLA).
Hologic offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of their equity compensation program. These incentives are primarily aimed at retaining talent by providing long-term financial rewards. Hologic's stock options allow employees to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, typically vesting over a period of years. RSUs, on the other hand, grant employees shares of company stock once certain vesting conditions are met, which can also be tied to performance metrics.
For the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, Hologic has continued to offer these equity incentives as part of their compensation packages. RSUs are primarily available to senior-level employees and high performers, allowing them to benefit from the company's growth. Stock options are more broadly available, often included in compensation for managerial and higher-level employees.
In 2023, for instance, Hologic executed a significant share repurchase program, buying back millions of shares, which can positively impact the value of stock options and RSUs held by employees. This buyback program reflects the company's commitment to maximizing shareholder value, which directly benefits employees holding stock-based compensation
Lyra Health: Hologic partners with Lyra Health to offer a robust mental and emotional wellness program. This benefit includes access to in-person, virtual, digital, group, and individualized care aimed at supporting employees' mental health.
Healthy Living Wellness Program: Hologic collaborates with Virgin Pulse to provide a well-being platform offering motivational tools, tips, rewards, and support to help employees and their families maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Parental and Family Care Leave: U.S. employees have access to up to 16 weeks of job-protected parental leave, including 8 weeks of paid leave at 100% salary for both birth and non-birth parents. Birth parents also receive short-term disability coverage. Hologic's policy allows parents to return to work part-time at full pay during the first 4 weeks after leave. Family Care Leave offers 100% paid leave for caring for a family member with a serious health condition under FMLA.
Healthcare-Related Acronyms and Terms: Some of the healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by Hologic include FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), and short-term disability.
Employee Well-Being Focus: Hologic's recent employee initiatives emphasize mental health support, wellness engagement, and flexible leave options, reflecting the company’s commitment to employee well-being
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