The California Non-Qualified Option (NO) Agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions under which non-qualified stock options are granted to employees in the state of California. NOS are a type of stock option that do not meet the requirements for favorable tax treatment under federal laws and are hence subject to different regulations in California. The California NO Agreement typically includes essential information such as the names of the company and employee, the grant date, number of options granted, exercise price, vesting schedule, and expiration date. It also outlines the rights and restrictions associated with the options, including any conditions or performance goals that need to be met for the options to be exercised. There are different types of California NO Agreements, often categorized based on various aspects: 1. Employee Stock Options: This is the most common type of NO granted to employees, which allows them to purchase company shares at a predetermined exercise price within a specified time frame. 2. Performance-based NOS: These options are granted to employees based on specific performance criteria, such as achieving revenue targets or meeting profitability goals. The options may only be exercised if the defined performance goals are met. 3. Time-based NOS: In this type, the options become exercisable over a predefined vesting period. The employee must remain with the company for the specified duration to fully vest their options. 4. Restricted Stock Units (RSS): Although not technically options, RSS function similarly and are often included in discussions related to NOS. RSS grant employees the right to receive company shares after a specified vesting period or upon the achievement of specific performance criteria. It is vital for both employers and employees to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions of the California NO Agreement to ensure compliance with state regulations, as well as to properly manage the financial implications related to the exercise of the options. Consulting with legal and financial professionals is highly recommended for any questions or concerns regarding the California NO Agreement.