By Colleen Weber, CFP^®, CPA

Employers work to attract and retain top talent, and a competitive benefits package is a powerful tool in reaching this goal. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and even amenities like an on-site gym can be compelling factors that influence people to choose and stay with an employer. One option, called equity compensation, is gaining increasing popularity as a form of compensation, particularly among employees of publicly traded corporations. Let’s discuss the details of an ESPP to help determine if it’s a good fit for you.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan Basics

In a nutshell, an ESPP allows 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 may take a hit as well. When you need the money the most, it’s gone.

While they do offer some nice benefits, ESPPs also 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. 

A Partner to Guide Your Decisions

As you’re aware, financial choices should always align with your individual financial circumstances and goals. Even though an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) may seem like a great opportunity, determining whether or not to participate should be a decision that takes into account your unique situation. This is where the guidance of a knowledgeable professional can be an invaluable resource, as they can provide insights into your financial landscape and help you make well-informed choices.

At Colleen Weber CPA, CFP, we are here to offer our experience and support. If you’d like to get in touch with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us to book a free introductory meeting online or call (952) 470-0750. Your financial well-being is our priority, and we’re ready to help you make the decisions that get you closer to your goals.

About Colleen

Colleen Weber is a fee-only financial advisor, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and CPA with more than 20 years of financial planning experience. Providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management, she specializes in serving clients nearing retirement, retirees, busy professionals, and women. She is passionate about developing financial plans that save clients on taxes and investment strategies that help them pursue their goals. Learn more about Colleen by connecting with her on LinkedIn or booking a complimentary phone call meeting.