The Colorado Stock Option and Stock Award Plan of American Stores Company is a corporate program designed to provide incentives for employees and key executives by granting them stock options and stock awards. These plans are specifically implemented by American Stores Company, a prominent retail corporation headquartered in Colorado. The Colorado Stock Option and Stock Award Plan offer employees the opportunity to purchase a specified number of company stocks at a predetermined price within a designated time frame. This allows employees to acquire stocks in the future at a set price, even if the market value of the stock has increased. By offering stock options, American Stores Company aims to motivate and retain employees by aligning their interests with the success of the organization. There are various types of Colorado Stock Option and Stock Award Plans available within American Stores Company, including: 1. Employee Stock Option Plans (Sops): Sops are designed for all employees of American Stores Company and provide them the opportunity to buy company stocks at a discounted price or at the market price during a specific exercise period. 2. Executive Stock Option Plans: These plans are specifically tailored for key executives and senior management within American Stores Company. Executives are granted stock options as part of their compensation package, which can usually be exercised over a specified period. 3. Restricted Stock Units (RSS): RSS are another type of stock award plan where employees are given units of company stocks without any upfront cost. These units convert into actual stocks over a particular vesting period, usually tied to the employee's tenure and performance. 4. Performance Share Units (Plus): Plus are stock awards granted based on predetermined performance goals set by American Stores Company. These goals may include financial metrics or specific milestones. Once achieved, Plus convert into company stocks and are awarded to eligible employees. Overall, the Colorado Stock Option and Stock Award Plan of American Stores Company serve as a key component of their employee compensation and retention strategy. By providing employees with the opportunity to purchase or earn company stocks, these plans incentivize and reward performance, fostering a sense of ownership and aligning employees' interests with the long-term success of the organization.