Phantom Stock Plan
An employee benefit plan that gives selected employees (senior management) many of the benefits of stock ownership without actually giving them any company stock. Sometimes referred to as "shadow stock."
Investopedia Commentary
Rather than getting physical stock, the employee receives "pretend" stock. Even though it's not real, the phantom stock follows the price movement of the company's actual stock, paying out any resulting profits.
Related Links
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See also: Employee Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Option, Golden Handcuffs, Stock, Stock Option
phantom stock plan