Certent Releases Findings of 2016 Stock Plan Administration Survey

PLEASANTON, Calif., April 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Certent, Inc., a leading provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions for equity compensation and financial disclosure management, today announced the results of its 2016 Stock Plan Administration Operational Benchmark Study. With input from more than 200 stock plan professionals spanning diverse industries and the full range of company sizes, the survey explores today's realities of offering and managing a company's stock plan, from the administration team structure to service delivery models.

New to the survey this year is a section on Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP). 29% of respondents currently offer an ESPP, and an additional 27% are considering adding one. "Companies seem to be embracing ESPPs as economic conditions improve, giving employees another opportunity to benefit from their company's growth," said Leslie Leach, chief marketing officer at Certent. "What's critical is for companies to focus on participation as they introduce ESPPs. Half of companies offering ESPPs see fewer than 25% of eligible employees participating in the plan. There's a meaningful opportunity for companies to help employees understand and take advantage of these valuable programs. Our survey report advises how to make this happen."

Among other key findings of the survey is the observation that stock plan teams face increasing pressure. Team responsibilities typically extend beyond stock plan administration, yet the size of these teams has decreased since Certent's previous survey. At the same time, scrutiny of executive compensation has increased, along with the need for tracking state to state and international moves by employee. In fact, 60% of respondents have employees who move from state to state or internationally, requiring additional tracking and tax reporting. "The promising news in mobility is companies are formalizing their approach to managing it," said Leach. "In 2016, 48% more companies said they have procedures in place for managing domestic mobility than did in 2014."

The full survey results will be presented in two online presentations on April 14, 2016 and May 12, 2016. To register for part 1, visit http://go.certent.com/Raising-the-Bar-Best-Practices-in-Stock-Plan-Operations-part1-register, and to register for Part 2, visit http://go.certent.com/Raising-the-Bar-Best-Practices-in-Stock-Plan-Operations-part2-register.   

You can also download the full report by visiting: http://go.certent.com/wp-Raising-the-Bar-Best-Practices-in-Stock-Plan-Operations.

About Certent 

Certent, Inc. is a leading provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions for equity compensation and financial disclosure management. Our open ecosystem allows for comprehensive partner integrations enabling best-in-class stock plan administration, robust financial reporting for ASC 718, and high quality XBRL and HTML SEC disclosures. Founded in 2002, Certent has helped more than 1,400 public, private, and pre-IPO companies worldwide innovate their stock plan and financial reporting processes.

Contact:  Leslie Leach 
925-730-4300
www.certent.com

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SOURCE Certent, Inc.

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