July 17, 2023

2023 Repurchase Obligation Survey Results Now Available

Research Director

The 2023 Repurchase Obligation Survey Report is now available. Our sincere gratitude goes to our survey respondents, who make these surveys possible.

The survey data was collected online from January to early April 2023 and received 248 valid responses. Respondents have been emailed a code to receive a 75% discount on purchasing the report.

The respondents described their distribution practices, diversification policies, confidence about their ability to meet their obligations, and other issues regarding repurchase obligations. This includes written responses from the respondents with insight and advice from their experiences.

The largest category of respondents is 100% ESOP-owned S corporations (89%). Sixty-one percent of respondent companies have ESOPs created in the last 20 years, and 39% are older. The bulk of responses came from manufacturing (29%), professional services (26%), construction (19%), and wholesale trade (9%). Contributions to the ESOP as a percentage of covered compensation averaged 11.7%.

Percentage of outstanding shares repurchased (most recent fiscal year) Percentage

Median

5%
Average 6%
0% 11%
Up to 5% 44%
6 to 10% 28%
More than 10% 17%
n 219

The 72-page report includes an extensive appendix with separate tables for each survey item. Each table in the appendix contains breakdowns by ESOP age, ESOP ownership percentage, loan status, and revenue.

For any questions about the survey or the report, contact me at [email protected].