Delaware Share Appreciation Rights Plan (SHARP) is a type of equity compensation plan that allows employees of a Delaware corporation to receive appreciation rights tied to the company's stock value. This plan, with its amendment, offers employees the opportunity to profit from any increase in the stock price over a specified period. The primary objective of an SHARP is to incentivize and retain talented employees by aligning their interests with that of the company's shareholders. The plan's amendment provides for modifications to the original terms and conditions to suit evolving market conditions, changes in tax laws, or adjust to the company's performance. The Delaware SHARP typically grants participants the right to receive a cash payment equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise and a predetermined base price set at the grant date. This payout is known as the appreciation right. There are various types of Delaware Share Appreciation Rights Plan with amendments, each designed to meet specific objectives and circumstances. These different variants may include: 1. Performance-Based SHARP: In this type, the grant and exercise of appreciation rights are contingent upon meeting predetermined performance goals, such as achieving a certain revenue growth rate or increase in profitability. This aligns employee compensation with the company's overall performance. 2. Time-Based SHARP: This variant grants appreciation rights to employees based on a specific vesting schedule. As time progresses, a certain percentage of the rights become exercisable. This encourages employees to stay with the company for a predetermined period, fostering loyalty and longevity. 3. Phantom SHARP: Also known as Shadow SARS, this type does not involve the actual issuance of company shares, but participants receive cash payouts equivalent to the appreciation value upon exercise. This enables companies to bypass potential dilution of existing shareholders and offers flexibility in structuring the plan. 4. Cash-Settled SARS: Unlike stock options, this type of Delaware SHARP settles in cash rather than company shares. Participants receive a cash payment equal to the appreciation value, eliminating the need for employees to purchase the underlying stock. 5. Reload SARS: With this variant, employees who exercise their SARS receive additional grant equivalents based on the number of surrendered rights. The reloading feature ensures that participants can continue benefiting from potential future stock price increases. Overall, Delaware Share Appreciation Rights Plans with amendments empower companies to reward and motivate their employees by tying their compensation to the company's success. These plans are tailored to individual circumstances, and the specific type chosen depends on the company's objectives and desired employee incentives. It is crucial for businesses to consult legal and tax advisors to ensure compliance with Delaware state laws and regulations.