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Host Hotels & Resorts Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Host Hotels & Resorts: Host Hotels & Resorts offers healthcare benefits through various providers, with options that typically include major insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and Kaiser Permanente. These plans often encompass a range of medical services, including telehealth, outpatient care, and pharmacy benefits. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As 2026 approaches, employees of Host Hotels & Resorts should brace for significant increases in healthcare costs. Experts predict that health insurance premiums for plans under the Affordable Care Act could soar, with some states facing hikes of over 60%. Factors driving these increases include the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and escalating medical expenses, which are projected to rise by as much as 7% to 10%. Amidst these looming changes, employees are encouraged to actively review their benefit options early to mitigate potential financial impacts. Click here to learn more

'Host Hotels & Resorts 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.

'Host Hotels & Resorts 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.' Host Hotels & Resorts 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. Host Hotels & Resorts 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 Host Hotels & Resorts 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 Host Hotels & Resorts 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 Host Hotels & Resorts 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 Host Hotels & Resorts 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 Host Hotels & Resorts 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 Host Hotels & Resorts 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.

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 Details: Name of Pension Plan: Locate the name of Host Hotels & Resorts’ pension plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Determine the required years of service and age for eligibility. Pension Formula: Find the formula used to calculate pension benefits. 401(k) Plan Details: Name of 401(k) Plan: Identify the 401(k) plan name used by Host Hotels & Resorts. Eligibility: Find out who qualifies for the 401(k) plan and any specific requirements.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Host Hotels & Resorts has announced a restructuring plan in 2023 aimed at optimizing its operational efficiency. This includes a reduction in workforce by 10% as part of their strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs amid the uncertain economic environment. The company indicated that this move is necessary to adapt to the evolving market conditions and to improve overall profitability. This news is significant because it reflects broader trends in the hospitality sector, where many companies are adjusting their strategies in response to fluctuating demand and economic pressures.

Host Hotels & Resorts (HST) has provided stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation and incentive programs. HST typically uses these compensation tools to attract and retain talent, aligning employee interests with company performance. Stock options allow employees to buy shares at a predetermined price, while RSUs represent a promise to deliver shares after a vesting period.

Health Benefits Overview: Host Hotels & Resorts offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They typically provide multiple plan options with varying levels of coverage to accommodate different needs. 2022-2024 Changes: For 2022, the company offered comprehensive plans with a focus on affordability and access. For 2023 and 2024, updates included enhancements to mental health support and expanded telehealth services. The company has also introduced new wellness programs focusing on preventive care and employee assistance programs