Many variables go into deciding who to work for; location, salary, and responsibilities are just a few. A good benefits package can go a long way in helping an employer attract—and retain—talent. Certain perks, like healthcare insurance, retirement plans, and even an office gym, can certainly sway people to work for an employer. Some benefits work to attract talent as well as align the interests of the company’s employees with its shareholders. One way employers do this is by offering an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 101
In a nutshell, an ESPP is your employer allowing you to purchase company stock, usually at a discounted price. Your employer will make it easy for you by automatically and regularly withdrawing money from your paycheck to finance your purchases of company stock.
During the “offering period” of your ESPP, you accumulate payroll deductions; then during the “purchase period,” those deductions are used to effectively purchase company stock at a discount of 15% or less. During a given year, the maximum amount of capital an employee can invest in their company stock through their ESPP is capped at $25,000.
To preserve favorable tax treatment, an employee must refrain from selling the stock for at least 2 years from the start of the “offering period,” and 1 year from the date in which the shares were purchased. Both conditions must be met.
Why Should I Participate in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan?
Discounted Prices
The most obvious benefit of the ESPP is that you can get stock shares at a discounted price. The discount varies by plan and can be as high as 15%. Some plans even offer a look-back provision that makes it possible to get an even steeper discount if the stock price has gone up during the offering period. In addition to the price discount, you don’t have to pay commission fees on the purchase, which saves you even more.
Discounted prices can also help you earn money right away if you choose to sell your positions as soon as possible. If you purchase a stock at a discounted price and turn right around and sell it for market price, you will have earned the difference between the selling price and discounted price (although these earnings will be taxed at a higher rate than if you held your position long-term). Usually, about 15% of employees will participate in their company’s ESPP and sell as soon as they are eligible to create supplemental cash flow.
Easy Investing
An ESPP makes investing easy. All you have to do is tell your HR department how much you want to invest and they take care of the rest. You get automated, regular investments in a company with which you are already familiar.
Potential Tax Advantages
If your ESPP is a qualified plan, as most are, then you can receive preferential tax treatment. You realize these benefits upon the disposition of your company shares. As mentioned above, holding periods and certain other rules must be followed to receive these tax benefits, so you need to become familiar with your specific plan before taking action.
Why Should I Avoid an Employee Stock Purchase Plan?
The major risk associated with participating in ESPPs is the potential loss of the benefits of diversification. Over time, as an employee accumulates large amounts of stock in the company, they effectively create a concentrated investment position that can solely dictate how their financial future unfolds. When the company experiences hardships, so will you.
Taken to the extreme, should the company experience so much hardship that you lose your job, not only will you lose your source of income, but your investments are likely to evaporate along with it. When you need the money the most, it’s gone.
While they do offer some nice benefits, ESPPs do carry a high degree of concentration risk that can expose individuals to unforeseen risks of substantial proportions.
When purchasing an ESPP within a 401(k), your company might place restrictions on your ability to buy or sell the stock or transfer it to another type of investment within your retirement plan. Employer-matched stock, in particular, often comes with restrictions. Some companies require employees to hold the stock until they reach a certain age, or until a specified date. Lockdowns or blackouts (periods, usually short, in which account activity is frozen, generally to perform administrative tasks) can also occur. While prior notice is generally provided, the timing may coincide with market volatility, potentially resulting in a loss.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do I need this money now?
While saving money for the future is important, it may not be a practical reality for all. If you have prioritized paying down debts, or simply require the funds to provide for daily expenses, ESPP investing may not be a viable option.
Is my company really the best investment out there?
The capital markets offer a staggering amount of options for which to invest your money. What are the odds that the company you work for is the very best option out of them all? You are already working hard on a daily-basis for the betterment of the company; it’s important to remember you are under no obligation to invest your hard-earned money there as well.
We Can Help
Every financial decision depends on your unique financial situation and goals. So while an ESPP can be a great opportunity, participating in yours may or may not be the wisest move. Partnering with a certified professional can help you better understand your financial picture and arrive at a decision that is right for you.
We at 1on1 Financial would be more than happy to help. Our mission is to provide personalized service and guidance so you can feel confident in your financial future. To contact us, call our office today at 909-981-1720 or simply click here to schedule a free 15-minute introductory phone call!.
About 1on1 Financial
1on1 Financial is an independent financial advisory firm specializing in guiding working and retired professionals, executives, and business owners along the path to financial well-being. Founded in 1997, we use a team approach to help our clients accumulate wealth, generate income, preserve their life savings, and strategically plan for the distribution of their estate. With more than 50 years of combined experience in the financial services industry, we remain true to our fundamental mission: to provide personalized guidance, treatment, care, and service so our clients can gain control of their future and feel confident in their financial life.