The Georgia Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) of Emblem Corp. is a program designed to provide eligible employees with an opportunity to purchase company stock at a predetermined price. This plan aims to incentivize and reward employees for their contributions to the company's success, aligning their interests with those of the shareholders. Under the Georgia ESOP, employees are granted stock options, which give them the right to buy a specific number of company shares at a specified price, known as the exercise price or strike price. These options usually have a vesting period, during which the employee must remain with the company to exercise the options. The Emblem Corp. ESOP offers several types of stock options to its Georgia employees, including: 1. Non-Qualified Stock Options (SOS): SOS are the most common type of stock options offered to employees. These options do not comply with IRS regulations and are subject to ordinary income tax rates upon exercise. However, they offer greater flexibility in terms of exercise and can be granted to both employees and non-employees. 2. Incentive Stock Options (SOS): SOS, also known as qualified stock options, are subject to specific tax rules outlined by the IRS. They usually offer more favorable tax treatment to employees, as they may qualify for capital gains tax rates upon exercise if certain criteria are met. SOS are generally granted to employees only. 3. Restricted Stock Units (RSS): RSS represent a promise to deliver company shares to employees at a future date, subject to certain vesting conditions. Unlike stock options, RSS do not involve an exercise price, as the shares are typically granted to employees free of charge upon vesting. RSS provide employees with ownership and voting rights even before the actual delivery of the shares. 4. Performance Stock Units (Plus): Plus are granted to employees based on the achievement of specific performance goals, such as financial targets or stock price performance. These units serve as a performance-based incentive aiming to drive the accomplishment of predetermined objectives. Plus are typically subject to vesting conditions, similar to RSS. Emblem Corp. offers a comprehensive ESOP program that seeks to motivate and retain talented employees by providing them with the opportunity to become partial owners of the company. This aligns their interests with the long-term success of the organization, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and commitment among employees.