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With Nvidia’s remarkable ascent and recent entry into the prestigious $1 trillion club, current and former employees have a unique chance to reap substantial benefits from the company’s accomplishments. However, along with this opportunity comes a set of challenges. This article aims to explore 4 diverse steps and strategies that can assist you in effectively managing your concentrated stock position, maximizing potential gains, and minimizing associated risks.
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What is a Concentrated Stock Position?
A concentrated stock position occurs when a significant portion of an individual’s investment portfolio is tied up in a single stock. In the case of Nvidia employees, this could be due to owning a large number of company shares, either through stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs). It’s important to note that during periods of exceptionally strong returns — Nvidia’s share price is up more than 150% so far this year — a portfolio’s stock concentration can increase even without making a conscious decision.
Why Concentrated Stock Positions Pose a Risk
While holding a large stock position in a high-performing company like Nvidia may seem like a lucrative opportunity, it can also increase risks. The primary risk is the lack of diversification, which can expose an individual to significant losses if the company’s stock value declines.
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Assessing the Portfolio Concentration
Before deciding on a strategy to manage your concentrated stock position, it’s essential to determine the extent of your portfolio concentration. This can be done by calculating the percentage of your total investments held in Nvidia shares. A general rule of thumb is that holding more than 10%–15% of your total investments in a single stock is considered a concentrated position.
Understanding the Tax Implications
As you’re determining your strategy, you need to be keenly aware of how taxes factor into the process. For instance, if you were granted stock options, you might be subject to taxes when you exercise them. Similarly, if you hold RSUs, taxes may be due upon vesting. Understanding the tax consequences of your choices can help you make more informed decisions.
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Diversifying Your Portfolio
One of the most effective ways to manage a concentrated stock position is by making sure your portfolio contains an appropriate mix of assets. For instance, by selling and then reallocating some of your Nvidia shares into other investments, you can mitigate the risk associated with holding a significant portion of your wealth in one single stock. Portfolio diversification can be achieved through various means, such as investing in other stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other assets.
Utilizing Stock Options
If you hold stock options as a part of your Nvidia compensation package, you can use them strategically to manage your concentrated stock position. For example, you could exercise your options and sell the shares immediately — known as a cashless exercise — to reduce your concentration in Nvidia stock. Alternatively, you could exercise your options and hold the shares for a more extended period, potentially benefiting from future growth while deferring taxes.
Implementing a 10b5-1 Trading Plan
You can also explore setting up a 10b5-1 trading plan, which allows company insiders, such as engineers at Nvidia, to sell their shares at predetermined intervals and prices. This can help you systematically reduce your concentrated stock position while mitigating the risk of insider trading allegations. We recommend that you consult with a financial advisor to determine if a 10b5-1 plan is suitable for your situation.
Hedging with Options
Another strategy to consider is hedging your Nvidia concentrated stock position through options. This could involve purchasing put options — which give you the right to sell your shares at a predetermined price — on Nvidia shares. If the stock price declines, the value of the put option will typically increase, offsetting any losses in the stock value. However, keep in mind that this strategy comes with additional costs and may not be suitable for every investor.
Donating Shares to Charity
Finally, another approach is to consider giving some of your Nvidia shares to a charitable organization. This strategy allows you to reduce your concentrated stock position while potentially receiving a tax deduction for the fair market value of the donated shares — all while benefiting a worthy organization.
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While it’s a good problem to have a windfall from a large stock gain, it still presents a challenge. That’s why we suggest working with a wealth management firm to help you navigate your concentrated stock position. An experienced financial advisor should have the expertise to help you devise a personalized strategy that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Additionally, they can provide guidance on tax-efficient approaches and provide long-term guidance.
Selecting the Right Wealth Management Firm
When choosing a wealth management firm, you should consider factors such as their experience in handling concentrated stock positions, familiarity with the technology sector and their overall approach to wealth management. It’s essential to select a firm that understands your unique needs as an engineer at Nvidia so you can receive tailored solutions that fit you.
Establishing a Long-Term Relationship
Developing a lasting relationship with a wealth management firm can be advantageous, as they can continuously monitor your concentrated stock position and make adjustments as needed. This can help ensure that your investment strategy remains aligned with your financial goals over time.
As Nvidia share prices keep soaring higher, you need to pay close attention to how much of your wealth is in only one holding. By employing strategies such as diversification, utilizing stock options, implementing a 10b5-1 trading plan, hedging with options or donating shares to charity, you can effectively manage your stock positions while maximizing potential gains and minimizing risks. Partnering with Cerity Partners can further ensure that you make well-informed decisions designed for your specific circumstances.
Myles is a Partner based in the San Francisco office. He provides investment and financial planning advice to help clients achieve their short- and...Read more
Emily is a Principal based in the San Francisco office. She assists clients with tax planning, intergenerational wealth transfers, and the practical...Read more
Dustin Ribergaard is a Principal based in the San Francisco office. He is a member of the Digital Marketing Team, serving as the company’s Advisory...Read more
Cerity Partners is not contracted with, endorsed by or affiliated with Nvidia.
Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss.
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