Alternative Investments – Going Mainstream

Recent years have witnessed the mainstreaming of alternative investments for certain accredited investors. In fact, alternative investments are expected to grow $8 trillion between 2022 and 2028.1,2

The impetus behind this projected growth is the belief that alternative investments offer the potential to enhance the risk/reward characteristics of a traditionally diversified portfolio.3

“Alternative investments” is an umbrella term for a disparate range of investment strategies and assets that might be best defined as investments that use a different approach from traditional instruments.

While today’s portfolios may benefit from some diversification to alternative investments, it should be emphasized that the risk, return, and market correlations will vary widely among them. Consequently, individuals need to consider what their objective is for adding alternative investments and select the appropriate strategy to pursue their needs.3

Types of Alternative Investments

Private Equity — Seeks to participate in the growth of private companies. Private equity is an illiquid asset class that seeks long-term appreciation away from public markets.

Hedge Funds — Investments that have broad flexibility in the types of strategies they can employ to follow their stated investment objectives.

Commodity Pools — Enterprises that attract funds from people who are looking for pool managers to engage in commodity-related trades.

Alternative investments are geared to “accredited” or “qualified” investors who are considered high-net-worth individuals with investment experience, and these investments usually have high minimum investment requirements. Some investment companies have structured mutual funds after alternative investments, providing individuals with access to the investment strategy while offering daily liquidity at lower minimum investment requirements.

Mutual funds are sold by prospectus. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information about the investment company can be obtained from your financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

1. InvestmentNews.com, October 19, 2023
2. Alternative investments include direct participation program securities (partnerships, liability companies, and real estate investment trusts which are not listed on any exchange), commodity pools, private equity, private debt, and hedge funds. These programs may offer high-net-worth accredited investors tax benefits, but they have significant risks associated with them. Typically, alternative investments are illiquid investments and their current values may fluctuate from the purchase price. Statements for such investments represent their estimate of the value of the investor’s participation in the program. The estimated values may not necessarily reflect actual market values or be realized upon liquidation.
3. Diversification is an approach to help manage investment risk. It does not eliminate the risk of loss if security prices decline.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.

Earnings for All Seasons

While nature offers four seasons, Wall Street offers only one – four times a year. It’s called “earnings season,” and it can move the markets. So, what is earnings season and why is it important?

Earnings season is the month of the year that follows each calendar quarter-end month (i.e., January, April, July, and October). It is the time during which many public companies release quarterly earnings reports. Some public companies report earnings at other times during the year, but many are reported on the calendar year that ends December 31.

Reported Earnings

To understand the importance of earnings, we need to remember that the value of a company can be tied to the amount of money it earns. Some companies don’t have earnings, and they are valued based on their potential rather than their current earnings.1

Wall Street analysts maintain a close pulse on a company’s quarterly report to help estimate future earnings. For example, these estimates may guide investors in determining an appropriate price for a company’s stock. Remember, though, a company is not permitted to discuss interim earnings with select individuals; earnings reports must be disseminated publicly to level the playing field for all investors.2

An Inside Look

When an earnings report is released, it tells the market two things.

First, it offers an insight into how the company is performing and what its prospects may look like over the near term.2

And second, the report can serve as a bellwether for similar companies that still have not reported. For instance, if the earnings of a leading retailer are strong, it may offer an insight into the earnings of other retailers as well as other companies that similarly benefit from higher consumer spending.

What Time?

Earnings reports are generally released when the market is closed in order to provide market participants adequate time to digest the results. Earnings reports may move markets. If earnings diverge from the expectations of professional investors and traders, then price swings – up or down – may be significant. Such a divergence is referred to as an “earnings surprise.”

If you are a “buy-and-hold” investor and feel confident in a company’s long-term prospects, earnings season may mean little to you, since short-term results may not impact your long-term outlook. However, earnings reports can be meaningful if an earnings shortfall reflects a structural problem within a business or represents the continuation of a downward trend in earnings.

1. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Keep in mind that the return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
2. This is a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. It is not representative of any specific investment or combination of investments.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.

What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor

For the average investor, the financial landscape can sometimes feel like a complex maze with limited access to certain investment opportunities. However, within this realm exists a distinct category known as accredited investors. If you’ve ever wondered what sets accredited investors apart, this article provides an overview.

Most investors don’t qualify for accredited investor status due to high income level requirements. However, if you can qualify as an accredited investor, you can access additional investment opportunities, which may have more complicated risk/reward characteristics. Join us as we demystify the world of accredited investors, unraveling the meaning, requirements, and potential benefits associated with this designation. Whether you’re new to investing or seeking to expand your financial horizons, we’ll shed light on what it means to be an accredited investor.

What Is an Accredited Investor?

While businesses and banks can qualify for accredited investments, for the purposes of this article, we’ll be discussing what it means to be an accredited investor as an individual.

Despite the formal-sounding title, there is no regulatory board that will certify you as an accredited investor. Regulatory organizations, like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), rely on the due diligence processes of those offering unsecured investments to do the legwork and confirm that their investors qualify as accredited.

For an individual investor to be considered accredited, they must meet the following financial criteria:

  • Net worth over $1 million, excluding their primary residence (individually or with spouse or partner).
  • Income over $200,000 (individually) or $300,000 (with spouse or partner) in each of the prior two years and reasonably expecting the same for the current year.1

Investment vehicles looking to determine if someone is an accredited investor will ask for proof. This may come in the form of any available W-2s, other statements of income, credit reports, tax returns, bank accounts and other asset statements, or regulatory credentials (such as a Series 7).2

Pros of Being an Accredited Investor

Meeting the financial requirements to be considered an accredited investor opens up various investment opportunities. Being an accredited investor can allow you to get in on the ground floor of certain investments, but such opportunities also create additional risks.2

Types of investments available to accredited investors include:

  • Private Equity: Private equity seeks to participate in the growth of private companies. Private equity is also an illiquid asset class that seeks long-term appreciation away from public markets.3
  • Private Placements: Private placements are sales of equity or debt positions to qualified investors and institutions. This type of investment often serves as an alternative to other approaches that may be taken to raise capital.4
  • Hedge Funds: Hedge funds are investments with broad flexibility in terms of the types of strategies they can employ to follow their stated investment objectives.5
  • Venture Capital: Venture capital represents a form of private equity financing provided by investors to companies looking for capital. This form of financing is primarily directed toward small firms with growth prospects or those that appear to be pursuing rapid expansion.6
  • Equity Crowdfunding: Equity crowdfunding is a business funding model that involves collecting small sums of money from a large number of private investors. However, equity crowdfunding is regulated by the SEC, so businesses soliciting investments in this manner must follow strict guidelines.7,8

Downsides of Being an Accredited Investor

There are several drawbacks when considering an investment as an accredited investor.

  • High Risk: For example, start-up businesses have high failure rates. While they may appear to offer tremendous potential, you may not recoup your initial investment if you participate.2
  • High Minimum Investment Amounts: The investment vehicles offered to accredited investors often have high investment requirements. Minimum investments can range as high as several million dollars.2
  • Fees: Hedge funds, in particular, may have associated fees, such as performance and management fees. A performance fee is paid based on returns on an investment and can range as high as 15% to 20%. This is on top of management fees.9
  • Illiquidity Of The Investments: Many accredited investment vehicles aren’t easily made liquid should the need arise. Not only do you risk not recouping your investment, but once you commit to investing, you may not be able to easily access your money.2

Ultimately, accredited investing is for individuals with investment experience who understand the risk/reward profiles of the various associated opportunities.

1. SEC.gov, April 6, 2023
2. Investopedia.com, December 30, 2022
3. Investopedia.com, March 31, 2023
4. Investopedia.com, March 29, 2022
5. Investopedia.com, August 11, 2022
6. Investopedia.com, April 22, 2023
7. Investopedia.com, April 22, 2023
8. Forbes.com, March 31, 2022
9. Investopedia.com, September 29, 2022

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.

Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

Interest in making an impact with one’s investments has grown in recent years, which means many investors may have an increased interest in environmentally or socially focused investments as well. In fact, impact investments account for $1.164 trillion of managed investments worldwide, with 37% held in North America. Curious to learn more about impact investing? Read on.1

What Are Impact Investments?

Impact investments are made with a measurable or tangible goal for social change in mind. From there, the criteria may differ depending on your own values and focuses. For example, you may choose to invest in a company that commits to planting a certain amount of trees per year or another organization that provides resources to school districts in low-income communities.

You may hear other phrases used in conjunction with impact investing, such as socially responsible investing (SRI) or environmental, social, and governance investing (ESG). These investment models follow more specific criteria and guidelines such as ethical business practices, environmental conservation, and local community impact.2

Impact Investments, SRI and ESG investments have certain risks based on the fact that the criteria excludes securities of certain issuers for non-financial reasons and, therefore, investors may forgo some market opportunities and the universe of investments available will be smaller.

Setting Expectations

Making a difference in the world is only one consideration with impact investing. In a recent survey of impact investors, 88% indicated that the financial performance of their investments were either in line with or outperformed their expectations.3

Tips For Impact Investing

Here are a few concepts to keep in mind with Impact Investing:

  • Your values: What specific areas of impact are you hoping to make with your investments? Are you focused on sustainability, social justice, your religion, or another area? Deciding what you’re looking to accomplish can help narrow your focus.
  • Types of investments: There are a variety of investments that are structured to help pursue your goals when it comes to Impact Investing. As you define your values, the types of investments may become more clear.
  • Impact reports: Impact reports are designed to provide information that breaks down how the company is making a difference and what measurable goals they’re following. Impact reports are one factor to consider as you evaluate opportunities.

Impact investing can help keep your investment aligned with your personal beliefs. As you consider whether this choice may be appropriate for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. We may be able to provide some information or identify some resources that you may find insightful.

1. TheGIIN.org, 2023
2. Investopedia.com, March 23, 2023
3. TheGIIN.org, June 27, 2023

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

Employer-issued stocks can be one attractive benefit an employer can offer. But while it has its benefits, it’s natural to wonder what happens if you leave that job.

That’s where net unrealized appreciation (NUA) strategies can sometimes be helpful. An understanding of NUA strategies can help you determine what to do with those company stocks to potentially manage your tax bill.

Remember, this article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice. Make sure to consult your tax professional before modifying your approach with any unrealized appreciation issues.

Once your tax professional has provided guidance, your financial professional can offer insights regarding your overall asset allocation if you decide to realize any gains. Asset allocation is an approach to help manage investment risk. Asset allocation does not guarantee against investment loss.

What is Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA)?

NUA is the difference between how much you paid or contributed to your company stock and its current market value. For example, if you were issued employer stock at $20 per share and it is now worth $50 per share, you would have an NUA of $30 per share ($50 – $20 = $30).

What are the NUA Rules?

Your NUA may be taxed differently than other payments. If the lump-sum distribution includes employer securities, the NUA may not be subject to tax until you sell the securities.1

With this in mind, a participant may be able to transfer company stock from their previous plan into a taxable investment account without treating the entire amount as ordinary income. But before exploring any choice in detail, seek the guidance of a tax professional while keeping your financial professional apprised of your decisions.

1.IRS.gov, January 23, 2023

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.

Understanding Equity Compensation

Employers do what they can to foster a sense of ownership in their employees. After all, if you stand to benefit from a company’s success, you’re more likely to do a great job for them, or so the logic goes.

So, when you are hired for a job or promoted within your existing company, you might be offered some sort of ownership benefit. You might even get to decide whether to take all of your pay in cash or to use some of your pay to purchase equity in the company.

At first glance, the answer might seem simple: Show me the money! However, there are situations in which an equity position may make more financial sense. Finding that line is key to getting the most compensation from your career.

What do you need to know, then, to ask the right questions?

In some cases, employees have the choice to buy company stock in a tax-deferred retirement plan sponsored by their employer, the most common of which is the 401(k). In other instances, there may be other ways to buy into ownership.

Why is a retirement plan choice important? Well, the point of these retirement accounts is that you’re not paying tax on money today but rather at some point in the future when you take a distribution. If you are taking a distribution from the sale of stocks in your 401(k), you may have the choice of treating the appreciated securities as ordinary income or using the net unrealized appreciation (NUA) tax treatment.

It’s critical to point out that the NUA choice only works when you buy stocks that are kept in your workplace retirement account. The NUA election isn’t available for other types of accounts.

With an NUA, when you take this type of in-kind distribution (payment in the form of securities rather than cash), the rules are complex. So keep in mind that this article is providing a high-level overview and is not a replacement for real-life advice regarding assets held in your retirement account. You should consult a tax professional with an understanding of distribution rules before modifying or adjusting a distribution strategy.

There are several benefits to using an NUA with a distribution. For example, when securities are sold, any NUA is taxed at a long-term capital gains rate, which may be lower than an ordinary income tax rate. So, an NUA approach may help you manage your tax bill.1

However, there are limitations, too. The NUA decision must be weighed against the potential market risk of holding a single stock upon distribution.1

Once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMD s) from your 401(k) or any other defined contribution plans in most circumstances. Withdrawals from your 401(k) or any other defined contribution plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty.

Each of these scenarios might feel complicated, or even confusing, but there’s good news. You have a financial professional in your corner who may be able to offer insights into your overall compensation strategy. Their assistance may be key in helping you make decisions about whether to add equity to your retirement assets.

1. Ameriprise.com, 2023.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

Whether it’s sports, music, or politics, life holds any number of “great debates”– debates that never seem to reach a conclusion. In investments, that great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which is Better?”

The fascinating aspect of this debate is that equally intelligent people can argue polar opposite positions, leaving the rest of us to wonder what the answer is, if one even exists.

Passive Pointers

The case for passive management is anchored in the evidence that the preponderance of money managers have failed consistently to beat their comparative index. This is true for two primary reasons:

  1. Markets are efficient and all known information is already reflected in the price of the stock, making it difficult for managers to find companies that are expected to outperform.1
  2. The hurdle of an elevated expense ratio typical of actively managed mutual funds makes it hard to match or exceed a low-expense index fund.

Active Arguments

Active managers counter that while the markets may be generally efficient, there are windows of inefficiency created by the time it takes for information to properly reflect in a stock’s price.

Active managers further argue that performance is not just about relative return, but also about managing risk. For instance, if an active manager can deliver a hypothetical 90 percent of the index return at 70 percent of its risk, then that constitutes a measure of outperformance.2

Unlock the Combination

Ultimately, it’s a decision based on what you want to pursue. Do you prefer the approach taken by index funds or the strategy behind active management? For some, the combination of both funds represents an approach that takes no sides but seeks to tap into the distinctive benefits each offers.

Mutual funds are sold only by prospectus. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information about the investment company can be obtained from your financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risk unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.

1. Keep in mind that the return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
2. This is a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. It is not representative of any specific investment or combination of investments.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.

Global vs. International: What’s the Difference?

With international stock markets comprising about 41.6 percent of the world’s capitalization as of 2022, a broad range of investment opportunities exist outside the borders of the U.S.1

For investors who are looking to diversify their mutual fund portfolio with exposure to companies located outside the U.S., there exist two basic choices: A global mutual fund or an international mutual fund.2,3

By definition, international funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.

Make a Choice

The definition may seem clear, but what may seem less clear is why an investor might select one over the other.

The reason that an investor may select a global fund is to provide the portfolio manager with the latitude to move the fund’s investments among non-U.S. markets and the U.S. market in order to take advantage of the shifts in relative opportunities these markets may present at any given moment.

By investing in a global fund, the challenge for the investor is that he or she may not know at any point in time their total exposure to the U.S. market within the context of their overall portfolio.

An Inside Look

As a consequence, some investors want to manage their allocation risk by setting the broad asset allocation for their portfolio and then identifying funds that are within those asset classes. For these investors, an international fund may make more sense since it allows them to maintain a greater adherence to their desired domestic/international stock allocation.

Keep in mind that asset allocation is an approach to help manage investment risk. Asset allocation does not guarantee against investment loss.

As you consider a global or an international fund, you should also be aware of the fund’s approach to the inherent currency risks. Some funds choose to engage in strategies that may mitigate the effects of currency fluctuations, while others consider currency movements – up and down – to be an element of portfolio performance.

Mutual funds are sold only by prospectus. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information about the investment company can be obtained from your financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

1. Statista.com, 2023
2. Diversification is an approach to help manage investment risk. It does not eliminate the risk of loss if security prices decline.
3. International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risk unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.”

This investment inaction is played out in many ways, often silently, invisibly, and with potential consequences to an individual’s future financial security.

Let’s review some of the forms this takes.

Your 401(k) Plan

One of the worst decisions may be the failure to enroll. Not only do non-participants miss out on one way to save for their retirement, but they also forfeit any potential employer-matching contributions. Not participating can be a costly decision. But under the SECURE 2.0 Act, employers will be required to automatically enroll employees in retirement plans starting in 2025.1

The other way individuals let indecision get the best of them is by not selecting the investments for the contributions they make to the 401(k) plan. When a participant fails to make an investment selection, the plan may have provisions for automatically investing that money. And that investment selection may not be consistent with the individual’s time horizon, risk tolerance, and goals.

In most circumstances, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plan in the year you turn 73. Withdrawals from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plans are taxed as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty.

Non-Retirement Plan Investments

For homeowners, “stuff” just seems to accumulate over time. The same may be true for investors. Some buy investments based on articles they have read or based on the recommendations of a family member. Others may have investments held in a previous employer’s 401(k) plan.

Over time, we can end up with a collection of investments that may have no connection to our investment objectives. Because of the dynamics of the markets, an investment that may have once made good sense at one time may no longer be advantageous today.

By not periodically reviewing what we own, which would allow us to cull inappropriate investments – or even determine if the portfolio reflects our current investment objectives – we are making a default decision to own investments that may be inappropriate.

Whatever your situation, your retirement investments require careful attention and may benefit from deliberate, thoughtful decision-making. Your retired self will be grateful that you invested the time … today.

1. Investopedia.com, January 6, 2023. The auto-enroll feature does not apply to companies with 10 or fewer employees. Also, new companies in business for less than three years are exempt from the rule.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.