LEVERAGED EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN - LESOP

An employee stock ownership, profit-sharing, or pension plan sponsored by the company using borrowed money. Usually, the company leverages its credit to purchase company shares, which comes from its treasury. The shares are being utilized for the stock ownership plan purposes; then the firm pays back the original loan through annual contributions over time. LESOP ties the employees’ benefits to the firm's performance and ensures the ownership and control remains with individuals who vested their interest in its long-term viability.