The Missouri Phantom Stock Plan of Hercules, Inc. is a compensation program offered by the company to reward its employees for their contributions. Designed specifically for employees located in the state of Missouri, this plan provides a unique opportunity to benefit from the company's growth and success. The Missouri Phantom Stock Plan is a type of equity-based incentive plan that mimics the benefits of actual stock ownership without granting any real shares. Instead, eligible employees are granted "phantom" or "synthetic" stock units, which are essentially hypothetical units that track the value of the company's stock. These units provide a cash-based equivalent payout to the employee upon certain triggering events or upon reaching a predetermined vesting period. The plan aims to align the interests of employees with those of the company's shareholders, fostering a sense of ownership and dedication. By tying the value of the phantom stock units to the company's performance, employees are motivated to contribute to its growth, profitability, and overall success. The Missouri Phantom Stock Plan of Hercules, Inc. encompasses various types tailored to different employee groups and levels within the organization. These may include: 1. Executive Phantom Stock Plan: This type of plan is typically offered to high-level executives, top management, or key decision-makers within the company. It provides significant phantom stock rewards while incorporating additional performance-based metrics to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and executive performance. 2. Employee Phantom Stock Plan: This plan aims to engage and retain a broader group of employees within the organization. It may encompass employees at the managerial and professional levels, rewarding their contributions through the issuance of phantom stock units tied to the company's performance. 3. Team Phantom Stock Plan: This plan focuses on rewarding specific teams or departments within Hercules, Inc., creating a sense of collaboration and shared success. Phantom stock units are distributed based on the team's achievement of predetermined goals, encouraging teamwork and cooperation. 4. Long-Term Phantom Stock Plan: This type of plan acknowledges the long-term commitment of employees to Hercules, Inc. by providing phantom stock units with extended vesting periods. It reinforces loyalty and encourages employees to continue contributing to the company's growth and success over an extended period. 5. Discretionary Phantom Stock Plan: This plan allows for the flexibility to grant phantom stock units at the discretion of the company's management. It provides an opportunity to recognize exceptional performance or unique contributions that may not easily fit within the criteria of other plans. In summary, the Missouri Phantom Stock Plan of Hercules, Inc. is a customized compensation program designed to reward Missouri-based employees for their dedication and contributions to the company's success. With various types of plans offered to different employee groups, this program seeks to align interests, foster loyalty, and provide financial incentives in a manner that mirrors actual stock ownership.