Using Direct Indexing to Diversify P&G Stock in Retirement

Using Direct Indexing to Diversify P&G Stock in Retirement

By
Brad Morgan & Nate Kunkel
|
December 6, 2024

For P&G retirees, managing a concentrated stock position can pose unique challenges. Many employees accumulate significant holdings in P&G stock through STAR, PST, LTIP, and other programs. While this stock has historically performed well, relying heavily on a single company for retirement savings can expose retirees to unnecessary risks. Direct indexing offers a tax-efficient, customizable solution to diversify and protect your portfolio while maintaining control over your financial goals.

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What is Direct Indexing?

Direct indexing is an advanced investment strategy where you replicate the performance of a stock market index, such as the S&P 500, by owning individual stocks instead of purchasing an index fund[1]. This approach provides greater flexibility, tax benefits, and customization, making it an ideal choice for retirees managing concentrated stock positions [2].

Key Advantages of Direct Indexing for Retirees

Tax Efficiency Through Loss Harvesting

Direct indexing allows you to sell underperforming stocks within the index to offset gains from selling P&G stock, reducing overall tax liability [3].

Enhanced Customization and Control

Unlike ETFs or mutual funds, direct indexing lets you tailor your portfolio by excluding specific stocks (e.g., competitors) or prioritizing sectors and industries that align with your values [2].

Flexibility in Managing Capital Gains

You can decide how much P&G stock to sell each year, strategically controlling the tax impact while diversifying gradually [3].

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The Diversification Challenge for P&G Employees

Risks of Over-Concentration in P&G Stock

Volatility and Company-Specific Risks:

Holding too much P&G stock exposes your retirement savings to company-specific events, such as market downturns or industry shifts [4].

Missing Broader Market Opportunities:

Over-concentration prevents exposure to other industries, sectors, and markets, limiting your portfolio's growth potential [5].

The Importance of Diversification in Retirement

Diversification reduces risk, balances your portfolio, and aligns your investments with long-term financial goals. It's a crucial step for retirees seeking stability and growth [5].

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How Direct Indexing Helps P&G Retirees Diversify

Direct indexing provides a structured, tax-efficient path to transition away from a concentrated stock position [2].

Gradual Diversification to Minimize Tax Impact

Instead of selling all P&G shares at once, direct indexing enables incremental sales, allowing retirees to manage tax consequences over time [3].

Utilizing Tax-Loss Harvesting to Offset Gains

By selling underperforming stocks within the index, you can offset the gains from selling P&G stock, keeping your overall tax liability lower [3].

Customization Based on Individual Preferences

Excluding Competitor Stocks or Specific Sectors:

You can avoid investing in companies that compete directly with P&G [2].

Prioritizing ESG Goals or Financial Preferences:

Align your portfolio with your values, such as environmental or social priorities, for a more personalized investment approach [2].

Maintaining Control Over Asset Sales

Direct indexing ensures you decide how and when to sell assets, providing greater flexibility and minimizing tax impacts [2].

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Why Direct Indexing is a Smart Option for P&G Retirees

Tailored Transition from Concentrated Holdings

Direct indexing provides a gradual, structured path to reduce reliance on P&G stock, creating a more balanced portfolio aligned with retirement goals [2] [3].

Long-Term Risk Mitigation and Growth Potential

By diversifying, retirees reduce risks and open their portfolios to broader market opportunities, improving long-term growth potential [5].

Enhanced Control Over Tax Outcomes

With direct indexing, you gain control over capital gains, ensuring a tax-efficient transition from concentrated stock positions [3].

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Key Considerations for P&G Retirees Utilizing Direct Indexing

Strategic Tax Planning for Stock Sales

Collaborate with financial advisors to determine the optimal timing and strategy for selling P&G stock while minimizing taxes. Charitable donations and qualified dividends can further offset gains [6].

Timing the Market for Optimal Reinvestment

Selling P&G stock after a market upswing allows you to reinvest in undervalued areas of the index, maximizing growth opportunities [7].

Managing Costs and Complexity with Advisors

Direct indexing requires careful management of individual stock transactions, tax strategies, and portfolio alignment. Partnering with experienced advisors simplifies this process [7].

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How Savvy Wealth Supports P&G Retirees with Direct Indexing

At Savvy Wealth, we specialize in helping P&G retirees transition from concentrated stock holdings to diversified portfolios.

Customized Diversification Strategies

We create tailored plans to strategically reduce your P&G stock exposure while optimizing tax outcomes [9].

Tax-Efficient Portfolio Management

By implementing direct indexing with tax-loss harvesting, we help you retain more after-tax income to reinvest and grow your portfolio [9].

Personalized Guidance for Retirement Goals

Our experts work closely with you to align your portfolio with your financial objectives, ensuring long-term success [9].

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FAQs About Direct Indexing for P&G Employees

What Makes Direct Indexing Different from ETFs or Mutual Funds?

Direct indexing allows you to own individual stocks within an index, offering greater customization and tax efficiency compared to ETFs or mutual funds [1] [2].

Can Direct Indexing Help Lower My Tax Liability?

Yes, tax-loss harvesting within direct indexing can offset capital gains, reducing your overall tax burden [3].

Is Direct Indexing Only for Large Portfolios?

While direct indexing is particularly effective for larger portfolios, it can be adapted to smaller portfolios with the right strategy [7].

How Do I Transition Away from P&G Stock Gradually?

Direct indexing enables you to sell P&G stock incrementally, minimizing immediate tax impacts while diversifying your portfolio over time [3].

Are There Risks Associated with Direct Indexing?

The main risks include increased management complexity and potential underperformance of individual stocks. Working with advisors mitigates these risks [7].

How Much Control Do I Have Over the Portfolio?

With direct indexing, you maintain full control over stock selection, tax strategies, and timing of asset sales [2].

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Conclusion: Diversifying with Confidence Using Direct Indexing

Direct indexing offers a robust, tax-efficient solution for P&G retirees looking to diversify their portfolios. By gradually reducing concentrated stock positions and customizing your investments, you can secure long-term financial growth and stability. With Savvy Wealth's guidance, the path to a diversified, balanced portfolio is clear and achievable [9].

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Brad Morgan

Hi there! 👋🏼 I'm Brad, a former Procter & Gamble employee turned financial advisor. With a focus on tax planning, I've been a trusted advisor for the P&G community for over ten years.

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Brad Morgan is an investment adviser representative with Savvy Advisors, Inc. (“Savvy Advisors”). Savvy Advisors is an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the speakers and authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Savvy Advisors. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but are not assured as to accuracy.