Which employer stock purchase plan may be integrated into a qualified 401 (k) plan?

The correct choice, which identifies the employer stock purchase plan that can be integrated into a qualified 401(k) plan, is indeed the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). An ESOP is a specific type of retirement plan designed to provide employees with an ownership interest in the company through stock acquisition, creating a mechanism for both employee benefit and corporate finance.

One of the distinguishing features of an ESOP is its ability to be incorporated into a 401(k) plan. This integration allows employees to invest in the company's stock alongside other retirement savings options, helping to align their interests with those of the company, as they benefit directly from the company's performance as shareholders. This makes ESOPs a popular tool for promoting employee engagement and loyalty, directly linking employee benefits to company success.

In contrast, the other plans mentioned do not have the same ability to integrate with a 401(k) in the same manner. For example, ERISA establishes standards for private sector pension and health plans but does not directly refer to a stock purchase plan. IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) and SEPs (Simplified Employee Pensions) are designed for different purposes and do not typically allow for the same type of company stock integration that ESOPs do. Thus, an