The Alabama Stock Option Plan of Sunrise Assisted Living, Inc. is a comprehensive program designed to provide incentives to employees, consultants, and advisers through the grant of Incentive Stock Options (SOS) and Nonqualified Stock Options (Nests). SOS offer certain tax advantages to employees, as they are granted at a predetermined exercise price and can be taxed at the long-term capital gains rate when exercised and held for a specific period. These options are typically reserved for employees and are subject to specific eligibility criteria. On the other hand, Nests offer flexibility to grant options to a broader range of individuals, including consultants and advisers. Unlike SOS, these options do not qualify for special tax treatment and are subject to ordinary income tax rates upon exercise. The Alabama Stock Option Plan has a few notable variations in terms of granting stock options: 1. Employee Incentive Stock Options: These options are exclusively granted to employees of Sunrise Assisted Living, Inc. who meet specified criteria, such as minimum service requirements or employment status. These options come with certain tax benefits and are used as a retention and motivation tool to attract and retain talented employees. 2. Consultant and Adviser Nonqualified Stock Options: These options are granted to consultants and advisers who contribute their expertise and services to the company. These options serve as an incentive for driving the company's growth and success, offering flexibility in terms of eligibility and terms. 3. Performance-based Stock Options: This variant of the Alabama Stock Option Plan may be utilized to grant options based on specific performance milestones or achievements. It can be an effective tool for aligning the interests of individuals with the company's goals and incentivizing exceptional performance. 4. Vesting and Exercise Periods: The Alabama Stock Option Plan specifies the vesting period, which is the timeframe over which the granted options become fully exercisable. This period is often used to retain employees or incentivize long-term commitment. In addition, the plan outlines the exercise period, which determines the timeframe during which options can be exercised. Overall, the Alabama Stock Option Plan of Sunrise Assisted Living, Inc. offers a range of options to reward and incentivize employees, consultants, and advisers. It provides a platform for alignment of interests and fosters the company's growth and success by attracting and retaining key individuals who contribute to the organization's achievements.