This is certainly not the first post that has introduced the topic of employee equity. There is a lot of talk about an IPO or even another company buying SAS. I am not a Finance expert, but isn't there a scenario where employees can own shares without the company going public and JG still maintaining majority interest? Seems that if employees had a stake in the company, focus would change from discussing blame to looking at how to do the right things and increase the value of your personal stake. This way SAS also avoids having to deal with investors making decisions without understanding the company and it's customers. I am certainly not an expert here.
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Ask Google and it will tell you it is possible. Many private companies offer equity compensation in the form of employee stock options. For employers, offering this benefit is one way to attract and retain talent.
However SAS is too cheap to do this and not willing to share the wealth.
- Do private companies have stock options for employees?
Many startups, private companies, and corporations will include them as part of a compensation plan for prospective employees. Companies often offer stock options as part of your compensation package so you can share in the company's success.
- Can a private company have an ESOP?
An ESOP is also a qualified employee benefit plan similar to a 401(k), but it's permitted to invest in private company stock and allowed to borrow money from it. Privately held companies with a strong financial history and a long-term management team are perfect candidates for an ESOP.
- Do private companies have employee stock purchase plans?
Private companies are required by law to purchase ESOP shares from departing employees, which can be a major expense. In addition, private companies with ESOPs must pay appraisers to determine their stock prices each year.
And I think this is the biggest reason why SAS doesn't want ESOP for employees because it does not want to open the books and be transparent much less wanting to have their stock prices be appraised each year.
It's already been said that the company is only interested in making 2 owners billionaires and not interested in making employees millionaires.
It's been 47 years...no stocks for employees...Too little too late now...all moot.
Earlier this year an announcement was made stating the reasons that the target for IPO readiness was pushed to 2025. It is not clear which 'silence' you are referencing.
The defeaning silence on this matter from the IPO office is screaming the answer already.
OP: If employee ownership was on the table, it stands to reason that communication to employees would have already happened.
The idea of having employee equity does not motivate me at all for two reasons.
One, my work ethic requires that I give 100% while earning a paycheck, so I am already doing all that I can. As long as I am employed I am going to do what I can to make SAS successful. Also, I buy mutual funds and ETFs, not individual stocks.
Two, I am in the very late stage of my career. I am more interested in a retirement package than an equity stake. I am content to keep working until I am offered a package.
No, too late.
https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2023/06/15/moog-music-in-asheville-sold-to-inmusic-ends-employee-ownership-model/70323283007/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAs%20part%20of%20the%20acquisition,as%20part%20of%20this%20transition.%22
It's a legitimate question. Sure, there is such a scenario, and equity would certainly help with employee retention.
That said, there still must be a plan going forward, and being on the outside, I don't know what that is. SAS can't continue to support both V9 and Viya.
Seriously. Maybe someone's trying to push one of the other topics down the front page.
You seem desperate for attention.