Ball Corporation Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation's healthcare coverage is primarily provided through Aetna, a well-established insurer known for a range of healthcare plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of employees.
Brief Overview of Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, Ball Corporation employees should prepare for significant healthcare cost increases, with many anticipating premium hikes of over 60% in some states. This alarming trend is largely attributed to rising medical expenses, the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and aggressive actions from major insurers. Without congressional intervention to extend these vital subsidies, more than 22 million individuals could face an average increase of 75% in out-of-pocket costs, straining budgets and limiting access to essential healthcare services. It's crucial for employees to proactively plan for these developments to mitigate financial impacts in the coming year.
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'Ball Corporation 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.
'Ball Corporation 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.' Ball Corporation 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. Ball Corporation 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 Ball Corporation 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 Ball Corporation 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 Ball Corporation 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 Ball Corporation 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 Ball Corporation 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 Ball Corporation 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 plan does Ball Corporation offer to its employees?
Ball Corporation offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to its employees to help them save for retirement.
How does Ball Corporation match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Ball Corporation provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, typically matching a percentage of what employees contribute up to a certain limit.
Can employees at Ball Corporation choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees at Ball Corporation can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions, allowing them to tailor their investment strategy.
What is the eligibility requirement for Ball Corporation employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Most employees at Ball Corporation are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within their first year of employment.
Does Ball Corporation offer any educational resources for employees to learn about the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Ball Corporation provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
What is the maximum contribution limit for employees participating in Ball Corporation’s 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for employees in Ball Corporation’s 401(k) plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the latest limits for the current year.
Are there any fees associated with Ball Corporation's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Ball Corporation's 401(k) plan may have certain administrative fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at Ball Corporation?
Yes, Ball Corporation allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to employees' 401(k) savings if they leave Ball Corporation?
If employees leave Ball Corporation, they can roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Ball Corporation plan, depending on the plan’s rules.
Does Ball Corporation allow for after-tax contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Ball Corporation may allow for after-tax contributions to the 401(k) plan, enabling employees to save additional funds for retirement.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Ball Corporation offers a defined benefit pension plan called the Ball Corporation Pension Plan. Employees become eligible after one year and vested after five years of service. The plan calculates benefits based on final average salary and years of service. Ball’s 401(k) plan, known as the Ball Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan, matches employee contributions up to 4% when contributing 5% or more. Immediate 100% vesting is provided for all contributions. [Source: Ball Benefits Overview, 2022, p. 12]
Ball Corporation transferred its pension liabilities to Prudential Annuity to manage costs and streamline administration. The company reported strong financial results for Q1 2024 and continues to offer competitive benefits including a 401(k) plan with company match and additional contributions. Understanding these benefits is vital given the current tax and political landscape.
Ball Corporation provides stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation packages. Stock options allow employees to purchase shares at a set price post-vesting, while RSUs are awarded with vesting conditions such as tenure or performance. In 2022, Ball Corporation enhanced its equity programs with performance-based RSUs. This continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU programs and performance metrics for stock options. Executives and middle management are the main recipients, ensuring alignment with long-term company goals. [Source: Ball Corporation Financial Results 2022-2024, p. 58]
Ball Corporation’s 2022 healthcare updates included improved mental health support and expanded telehealth services. The company introduced additional wellness programs and preventive care options by 2023. For 2024, Ball Corporation focused on maintaining comprehensive health coverage and integrating innovative solutions. The strategy aimed to support overall employee well-being with digital health tools and comprehensive care options. Ball Corporation’s approach reflected a commitment to addressing evolving employee needs and enhancing benefits. The updates were designed to improve employee satisfaction and health management.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Ball Corporation at 100 north riverside Chicago, IL 60606; or by calling them at 1-312-544-2000.
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