What is an equity award?

Introduction

Equity awards are a form of compensation that companies use to incentivize and reward their employees. These awards are typically granted in the form of stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares. In this article, we will dive deeper into the concept of equity awards, exploring their different types, how they work, and their benefits for both employees and employers.

Types of Equity Awards

Stock Options: Stock options give employees the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price or strike price. The employee can exercise these options after a specified period, known as the vesting period. If the stock price increases above the exercise price, the employee can purchase the stock at a lower price and potentially earn a profit.

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): RSUs are a promise to grant company stock to employees at a future date. Unlike stock options, RSUs do not require the employee to purchase the stock. Instead, the shares are granted to the employee outright after the vesting period. RSUs provide employees with an ownership stake in the company and allow them to benefit from any increase in the stock price.

Performance Shares: Performance shares are similar to RSUs but are tied to specific performance goals or targets. These goals can be based on the company’s financial performance, stock price, or other predetermined metrics. If the performance targets are met, the employee receives the shares as part of their compensation.

How Equity Awards Work

Equity awards are typically granted as part of an employee’s overall compensation package. When an employee receives an equity award, they are granted a specific number of options, RSUs, or performance shares. The terms of the award, including the vesting period and any performance targets, are outlined in an agreement between the employee and the company.

During the vesting period, the employee must meet certain conditions, such as remaining employed with the company or achieving specific performance goals. Once the vesting period is complete, the employee can exercise their stock options, receive the granted shares, or convert their performance shares into company stock, depending on the type of equity award.

Employees can choose to hold onto the stock they receive or sell it on the open market. If the stock price has increased since the grant date, employees can sell their shares and potentially realize a profit. However, if the stock price has decreased, employees may choose to hold onto their shares in the hopes of future price appreciation.

Benefits of Equity Awards

Equity awards offer several benefits for both employees and employers. For employees, equity awards provide an opportunity to share in the company’s success and directly benefit from its growth. They can also serve as a long-term incentive, encouraging employees to remain with the company and contribute to its success.

From an employer’s perspective, equity awards can help attract and retain top talent. By offering employees a stake in the company, employers can align their interests with those of the employees, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation. Equity awards can also be a cost-effective form of compensation, as the value of the awards is tied to the company’s performance.

Additionally, equity awards can have tax advantages for both employees and employers. The specific tax treatment of equity awards varies depending on the country and jurisdiction, so it is important for employees to understand the tax implications of their awards.

Conclusion

Equity awards are a valuable tool for companies to incentivize and reward their employees. Whether in the form of stock options, RSUs, or performance shares, these awards provide employees with an opportunity to share in the company’s success and benefit from its growth. They offer benefits for both employees and employers, fostering a sense of ownership, motivation, and alignment of interests. Understanding the different types of equity awards and how they work is essential for employees to make informed decisions about their compensation packages.