A rather large number of Enron deals (where Enron purchased an asset) were denominated in Enron stock rather than in cash. Enron executives were compensated in

A rather large number of Enron deals (where Enron purchased an asset) were denominated in Enron stock rather than in cash. Enron executives were compensated in stock, with additional bonuses based on the stock value. Everyone was happy until the stock started to dive, then many of the underlying deals that were denominated in stock reverted to cash because the stock price dropped too low, etc. It's Enron-ish because it's a deal that creates additional demand for the stock, then when the price of the stock rises, it's used as proof that doing deals with company stock is profitable to all parties, which makes it more enticing in the future. When the stock falls (always unthinkable), the rank and file are holding the bag.