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Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

AND SECTION 401(K) PLANS

An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is a type of defined contribution benefit plan in the U.S. that buys and holds company stock. ESOPs are often used in closely held companies to buy part or all of the shares of existing owners, but they also are used in public companies. Related to ESOPs are Section 401(k) plans, which may be used alone or in conjunction with ESOPs to hold company stock. Note: ESOPs have nothing to do with stock options; we have a page on the differences between the plans and how to choose between them.

		ESOP Articles Online Learn the basics of ESOPs, how they work, and what some of the main rules are.
		ESOP Books For years, we have been the main publisher in this area. Our books cover various aspects of ESOPs.
		ESOP Seminars Our highly acclaimed seminars and conferences offer introductory and advanced coverage of all ESOP topics. Also see our Web-based ESOP Fundamentals course.
		ESOP Consulting We offer free general advice to members, paid consulting, speaking, advice on choosing service providers, and access to our database of service providers.
		NCEO Survey Resources Our surveys for companies with employee stock plans allow you to measure employee attitudes, perceptions, and levels of understanding about stock plans so that you can assess progress, set goals, and focus your energy where you'll get the greatest payoff.
		ESOP Q&A The NCEO ESOP Q&A is a knowledge base with hundreds of questions and answers about ESOPs.

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