Business & Executive Services
Specialized financial planning for business owners and executives. From stock option strategies to business succession planning, we provide sophisticated solutions for complex financial situations and high-value transactions.
Executive Client Results
Executive Financial Services
Specialized financial planning services designed for business owners, executives, and high-net-worth professionals.
Optimize executive compensation packages including salary, bonuses, equity, and deferred compensation strategies.
- Compensation analysis
- Tax optimization
- Timing strategies
- Risk management
Strategic planning for stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, and other equity compensation instruments.
- Exercise timing
- Tax strategies
- Diversification planning
- Risk hedging
Comprehensive succession strategies for business owners including valuation, transfer methods, and tax optimization.
- Business valuation
- Transfer strategies
- Tax planning
- Family coordination
Design and optimize non-qualified deferred compensation plans and executive benefit packages.
- NQDC design
- Benefit optimization
- Distribution planning
- Risk mitigation
Stock Option Exercise Strategies
Strategic approaches to stock option exercises that optimize tax efficiency and manage concentration risk.
Early Exercise
Exercise options early to start the capital gains holding period and minimize future tax liability.
Tax Treatment:
Ordinary income on spread
Best Timing:
Early in option term
Risk Level:
High
Key Considerations:
- 83(b) election
- AMT implications
- Cash flow needs
- Stock price risk
Cashless Exercise
Exercise and immediately sell options to fund the exercise price and tax obligations.
Tax Treatment:
Ordinary income on spread
Best Timing:
At any time
Risk Level:
Low
Key Considerations:
- Immediate taxation
- No ongoing exposure
- Transaction costs
- Timing flexibility
Exercise and Hold
Exercise options and hold shares for long-term capital gains treatment on future appreciation.
Tax Treatment:
Ordinary income + capital gains
Best Timing:
Before expiration
Risk Level:
Medium
Key Considerations:
- Capital gains treatment
- Concentration risk
- Holding period
- Stock volatility
Diversification Strategy
Systematic exercise and sale program to diversify concentrated equity positions over time.
Tax Treatment:
Mixed ordinary/capital gains
Best Timing:
Systematic approach
Risk Level:
Medium
Key Considerations:
- Risk reduction
- Tax smoothing
- Liquidity planning
- Market timing
Business Succession Strategies
Comprehensive succession planning options to maximize business value and achieve your transition goals.
High
Variable
High
Transfer business ownership to family members through gifting, sales, or estate planning strategies.
Common Strategies:
Medium
Low
Medium
Sell business to existing management team through structured buyout arrangements.
Common Strategies:
Medium
None
Medium
Strategic sale to external buyers including competitors, private equity, or strategic acquirers.
Common Strategies:
Very High
Medium
Very High
Sell business to employees through an ESOP structure providing tax benefits and employee ownership.
Common Strategies:
Executive Benefits Planning
Sophisticated benefit strategies to maximize executive compensation and provide additional security.
| Benefit Type | Tax Benefit | Risk Level | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Defer current compensation to future years for tax optimization and retirement planning. | Current deduction, future income | Medium |
|
Split-Dollar Life Insurance Employer-assisted life insurance arrangements providing death benefits and cash value growth. | Tax-advantaged wealth transfer | Low |
|
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Additional retirement benefits beyond qualified plan limits for key executives. | Deferred taxation on benefits | Medium |
|
Executive Disability Insurance Enhanced disability coverage for high-income executives beyond standard group coverage. | Tax-free benefits if personally paid | Low |
|
Business Valuation Approaches
Professional business valuation methods to determine fair market value for succession and transaction planning.
Value based on company's tangible and intangible assets minus liabilities.
Key Considerations:
Comparison to similar businesses that have been sold or publicly traded companies.
Key Considerations:
Present value of expected future cash flows or earnings of the business.
Key Considerations:
Combination of multiple valuation methods to arrive at a comprehensive business value.
Key Considerations:
Our Business Planning Process
Systematic approach to business and executive financial planning with comprehensive coordination.
Assessment & Goal Setting
2-4 weeks
Comprehensive analysis of business structure, executive compensation, and succession objectives.
Key Deliverables:
- Executive compensation analysis
- Business valuation
- Goal identification
- Risk assessment
Strategy Development
4-6 weeks
Design customized strategies for compensation optimization, equity planning, and succession planning.
Key Deliverables:
- Compensation strategy
- Equity exercise plan
- Succession roadmap
- Tax optimization plan
Implementation Coordination
6-12 weeks
Coordinate with legal, tax, and business advisors to implement recommended strategies.
Key Deliverables:
- Plan documentation
- Legal structure
- Tax filings
- Implementation timeline
Ongoing Management
Quarterly reviews
Regular monitoring and updates to ensure strategies remain optimal as circumstances change.
Key Deliverables:
- Performance monitoring
- Strategy adjustments
- Tax planning updates
- Succession progress
Client Success Stories
See how our business and executive services have created significant value for our clients.
"The stock option strategy saved me over $3M in taxes while systematically diversifying my concentrated position. The coordination with my company's equity team was seamless."
David Chen
CEO, Technology Company
"Business succession planning was crucial for our family transition. The tax-efficient sale structure and estate planning coordination ensured maximum value transfer to the next generation."
Sarah Martinez
Business Owner
"Executive compensation planning optimized my entire package including deferred comp, equity, and benefits. The tax strategies have enhanced my after-tax wealth accumulation significantly."
Michael Thompson
CFO, Fortune 500
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business and executive financial planning strategies.
When should I exercise my stock options?
Stock option timing depends on multiple factors including stock price, tax situation, diversification needs, and option expiration. Generally, consider exercising when you have high conviction in the stock, need diversification, or face option expiration.
How do I plan for Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) with ISOs?
ISO exercises can trigger AMT on the spread between exercise price and fair market value. We model AMT implications and may recommend timing strategies, early exercises, or disqualifying dispositions to manage the tax impact.
What's the best business succession strategy for my company?
The optimal succession strategy depends on your goals (family transfer vs. sale), tax situation, business value, and family dynamics. Options include family transfers, management buyouts, third-party sales, or ESOPs, each with different tax and control implications.
How do I optimize my executive compensation package?
Executive compensation optimization involves balancing current vs. deferred compensation, cash vs. equity, and understanding the tax implications of each component. We analyze your total package and recommend strategies to maximize after-tax value.
What are the risks of concentrated equity positions?
Concentrated positions create significant risk from individual stock volatility, company-specific events, and lack of diversification. We develop systematic diversification strategies that balance risk reduction with tax efficiency and growth potential.
How do I coordinate business and personal financial planning?
Business and personal planning are interconnected, especially for business owners. We coordinate cash flow timing, tax planning, estate planning, and investment strategies across both personal and business entities for optimal outcomes.
Optimize Your Executive Financial Strategy
Schedule a consultation to explore how our specialized business and executive services can optimize your compensation, manage your equity, and plan your business succession strategy.
Stock options planning • Business succession • Executive compensation • Tax optimization