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Icahn Enterprises Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Icahn Enterprises: Icahn Enterprises typically collaborates with various insurance providers to facilitate healthcare coverage for its employees. While the specific provider may vary based on employee location and plan selections, large U.S. employers like Icahn Enterprises often work with major health insurance companies including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna. It's advisable for employees to check with their HR department for the most current provider details and plan options. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we look ahead to 2026, Icahn Enterprises employees must prepare for significant healthcare cost increases, which could impose a heavier financial burden on many households. A combination of surging healthcare premiums-potentially exceeding 60% in some areas-and the expiration of federal premium subsidies will likely push out-of-pocket costs much higher. Employers, facing their own rising expenses, may also shift more healthcare costs onto employees through increased deductibles and reduced coverage options. Consequently, it is essential for employees to carefully evaluate their benefits and explore strategies to mitigate the financial impact of these changes. Click here to learn more

'Icahn Enterprises 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.

'Icahn Enterprises 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.' Icahn Enterprises 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. Icahn Enterprises 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 Icahn Enterprises 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 Icahn Enterprises 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 Icahn Enterprises 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 Icahn Enterprises 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 Icahn Enterprises 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 Icahn Enterprises 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 Icahn Enterprises offer to its employees?

Icahn Enterprises offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Icahn Enterprises enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Icahn Enterprises can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form provided by the HR department or through the company’s benefits portal.

Does Icahn Enterprises match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Icahn Enterprises provides a matching contribution to employee contributions up to a certain percentage, as outlined in the plan details.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Icahn Enterprises?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Icahn Enterprises aligns with the IRS limits, which can change annually.

Can employees of Icahn Enterprises take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Icahn Enterprises allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Icahn Enterprises 401(k) plan?

The Icahn Enterprises 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

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

Yes, Icahn Enterprises has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in the Icahn Enterprises 401(k) plan?

Employees of Icahn Enterprises can change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Icahn Enterprises?

If an employee leaves Icahn Enterprises, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Icahn Enterprises plan, depending on the plan rules.

Are there any fees associated with the Icahn Enterprises 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with the Icahn Enterprises 401(k) plan, which can include administrative fees and investment-related expenses.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Plan Name: Icahn Enterprises Pension Plan Years of Service Qualification: Employees must have at least 5 years of service. Age Qualification: Employees must be at least 55 years old to qualify for full pension benefits. Pension Formula: Defined benefit plan based on years of service and average salary. Plan Name: Icahn Enterprises 401(k) Plan Eligibility: All full-time employees are eligible after 1 year of service. Contribution Details: Company matches up to 6% of employee contributions.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Icahn Enterprises undertook a significant restructuring effort due to ongoing financial challenges and shifts in market conditions. The company announced a series of layoffs aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency amidst a fluctuating economic environment. The restructuring is a critical development as it reflects broader trends in the corporate sector facing economic pressures, investment uncertainties, and evolving political and regulatory landscapes. Monitoring such changes is essential for understanding the potential impacts on employees and stakeholders, especially in a dynamic economic and investment climate.

Icahn Enterprises granted stock options and RSUs primarily to executive officers and key employees. The specific details include performance-based RSUs linked to company performance metrics.

Health Benefits: The official site provides a general overview of their benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They often include options for health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Specifics for 2022, 2023, and 2024 are not always detailed, so it's best to check their careers or HR sections for the most accurate and updated information.