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Huntington Bancshares Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

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'Huntington Bancshares 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.

'Huntington Bancshares 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.' Huntington Bancshares 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. Huntington Bancshares 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 Huntington Bancshares 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 Huntington Bancshares 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 Huntington Bancshares 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 Huntington Bancshares 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 Huntington Bancshares 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 Huntington Bancshares 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 Huntington Bancshares offer to its employees?

Huntington Bancshares offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Huntington Bancshares match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Huntington Bancshares provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees save for retirement.

What is the maximum employee contribution limit for the Huntington Bancshares 401(k) plan?

The maximum employee contribution limit for the Huntington Bancshares 401(k) plan is subject to IRS limits, which can change annually.

Can employees at Huntington Bancshares take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Huntington Bancshares allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings under certain conditions.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Huntington Bancshares 401(k) plan?

Yes, Huntington Bancshares has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which determines when employees fully own the matched funds.

How can employees at Huntington Bancshares enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Huntington Bancshares can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting their HR representative.

What investment options are available in the Huntington Bancshares 401(k) plan?

The Huntington Bancshares 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

Can employees at Huntington Bancshares change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Huntington Bancshares can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to plan rules.

Does Huntington Bancshares provide educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Huntington Bancshares offers educational resources and tools to help employees understand and manage their 401(k) plan effectively.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Huntington Bancshares?

If you leave Huntington Bancshares, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

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 Details: Pension Plan Name: Identify the official name of Huntington Bancshares' pension plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Determine the requirements for eligibility in the pension plan. Pension Formula: Find the formula used to calculate pension benefits. 401(k) Plan Details: 401(k) Plan Name: Identify the name of Huntington Bancshares' 401(k) plan. Eligibility: Determine who qualifies for the 401(k) plan.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Huntington Bancshares has been undergoing a restructuring process aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. In 2023, the company announced plans to cut several positions across various departments. These layoffs are part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and adjust to changing market conditions. The restructuring efforts are crucial to address current economic uncertainties and ensure long-term stability.

Huntington Bancshares Stock Options and RSUs: 2022: In 2022, Huntington Bancshares offered stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of their compensation packages. These stock options typically include grant dates, vesting schedules, and exercise prices, while RSUs are granted with vesting conditions that are tied to performance or time-based criteria. 2023: In 2023, Huntington Bancshares continued to provide stock options and RSUs, focusing on aligning employee incentives with company performance. Specific terms and the total number of shares available for grants are outlined in their annual proxy statements. 2024: For 2024, Huntington Bancshares updated their stock options and RSU offerings to reflect changes in market conditions and company performance. The company provides details about the types of stock options and RSUs available, including the grant amounts and vesting schedules.

Health Insurance Plans: Huntington Bancshares offers a variety of health insurance plans, including PPO and HMO options. They provide coverage for medical, dental, and vision care. Health Savings Account (HSA): Employees can contribute to an HSA with company contributions available depending on the plan selected. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): FSAs are available for medical and dependent care expenses. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provides confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.