The Guam Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPN) is a benefit provided by companies operating on the island of Guam, in the western Pacific Ocean. It offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stocks at a discounted price, usually through payroll deductions. The plan aims to incentivize employees and align their interests with the long-term success of the company. The Guam ESPN is designed to promote employee ownership and financial growth. Participating employees contribute a portion of their pre-tax salary to purchase company stocks, typically at a price lower than the market value. By taking advantage of this discount, employees can accumulate shares, diversify their investment portfolios, and potentially benefit from any stock price appreciation. This provides an opportunity for employees to build personal wealth and actively participate in the company's growth. There are various types of ESPN offered by companies in Guam, each with its own unique features: 1. Qualified ESPN: A qualified ESPN is the most common type and provides certain tax advantages to employees. The contributions made by employees to purchase stocks are not subject to income tax until the stocks are sold, usually at a gain. 2. Non-Qualified ESPN: Non-qualified ESPN do not meet the specific requirements set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax advantages. Contributions made by employees to purchase stocks in a non-qualified ESPN are taxable as ordinary income in the year of purchase. 3. Offering Period: ESPN typically have offering periods during which employees can enroll and make contributions to purchase stocks. These periods can last for a set duration, such as six months or a year, and employees can decide whether to participate in each offering period. 4. Purchase Discount: A key feature of an ESPN is the purchase discount, which allows employees to buy company stocks at a lower price than the prevailing market value. This discount is usually a percentage, such as 10% or 15% off the market price. 5. Look back Provision: Some ESPN incorporate a look back provision, which allows employees to purchase stocks based on the price at either the beginning or the end of the offering period, whichever is lower. This provision ensures that employees can maximize their potential gains by buying stocks at a more favorable price. Overall, the Guam Employee Stock Purchase Plan is a valuable benefit that enables employees to become shareholders in their company, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment. It provides an avenue for employees to grow their personal wealth and benefit from the success of the organization they contribute to.