Guide for Navigating HPE’s Acquisition of Juniper Networks

If you're a Juniper Networks employee, the upcoming acquisition by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in early 2025 might leave you wondering how this change could affect your finances, career, and long-term goals.

This brief guide is designed to help you navigate the complexities of the acquisition with confidence. Whether you're managing equity grants, preparing for changes in compensation, or updating your financial plan, we’ll explore actionable steps to ensure you're ready for what’s next.

‍

What This Guide Covers 

• Key considerations for managing your RSUs and other compensation. 

• Understanding the acquisition’s potential impact on your finances. 

• How to align your financial plan with this career transition. 

‍

RSUs - Key Considerations in an Acquisition

• Vesting Impacts: Will your unvested RSUs accelerate, convert, or forfeit?

• Tax Implications: Be aware of how taxes could impact your financial situation.

• Action Steps: Check your award agreements, stay informed about HPE’s policies, and consider partnering with a financial planner who works with tech professionals.

‍

Financial Planning During a Transition

• Evaluate your cash flow: Bonuses, RSU conversions, or severance packages. 

• Update your goals: Revisit short- and long-term financial objectives. 

• Diversify: Review the impact of your company stock concentration. 

• Risk: Revisit your ability and tolerance.

‍

Tax Planning Opportunities and Strategies

• Use of income deferral strategies to manage tax brackets.

• Maximize retirement contributions: 401(k), Mega Backdoor Roth, other IRAs.

• Consider contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA), Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and Deferred Compensation Plan (if eligible).

• Accelerate tax deductions through the use of bunching and itemizing.

• Charitable giving: Reduce taxes with strategic, tax-deductible donations.

‍

‍Investment Considerations

• How well diversified are your investments? What is your stock concentration risk?

• Create and manage your investment plan according to an Investment Policy Statement.

• Investment account types are taxed differently. Consider which investments are allocated to each account type.

• What is your approach to rebalancing and tax harvesting?

‍

Preparing for the Transition: Questions to Ask

• What are your career goals post-acquisition? 

• How does this change impact your family’s financial priorities? 

• What is your plan for unexpected outcomes (e.g., relocation, severance)? 

• What comes next? What is your plan?

‍

How TwoTen Planning Can Help

• TwoTen Planning is a fee-only, wealth planning firm for tech professionals. We provide equity comp, financial, investment, and tax planning services – for a fixed fee. 

• Learn more about the Free Wealth Assessment, which includes:
  • Equity Comp Analysis 
  • Tax Return Diagnosis 
  • Financial Plan Blueprint 

• Ongoing support and partnership during your financial journey. 

• Based in Austin, TX, serving clients locally and across the USA virtually.

‍

The HPE acquisition of Juniper Networks represents a significant moment of change and opportunity. By proactively managing your equity comp, understanding the financial implications of the transition, and revisiting your overall financial plan, you can navigate this milestone with clarity and purpose.

At TwoTen Planning, we specialize in helping tech professionals like you to maximize equity comp, reduce taxes, and invest wisely. Take control of your financial future today. Contact us to schedule your Free Wealth Assessment and start building a plan that works for you – no matter where this transition takes you.

‍

‍

‍

The foregoing content reflects the opinions of TwoTen Planning and is subject to change at any time without notice. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that the statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. All investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee or assurance that diversification, strategies based on Nobel prize-winning research, or any investment plan or strategy will be successful. Consult an estate attorney or qualified tax professional for specific advice relating to those respective areas.

‍