The Maryland Stock Option and Stock Award Plan of American Stores Company is a comprehensive employee compensation program designed to attract, motivate, and retain highly qualified personnel. This plan offers employees of American Stores Company, based in Maryland, the opportunity to earn stock options and stock awards as a part of their overall compensation package. Under this plan, employees are granted stock options, which give them the right to purchase a specified number of company stocks at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price. These options have a specific expiration date, after which they can no longer be exercised. Stock options are typically awarded to key employees, executives, and high-performing individuals as a way to provide them with an additional incentive to help grow the company's value. In addition to stock options, the Maryland Stock Option and Stock Award Plan also offers stock awards. These awards provide eligible employees with actual shares of company stock, free of cost. Unlike stock options, stock awards do not require any purchases or exercise prices. Instead, they are granted outright to employees and may vest over a specified period of time or upon achieving certain performance goals. Furthermore, the Maryland Stock Option and Stock Award Plan of American Stores Company may include various types of stock options and stock awards to cater to different employee needs and positions. Some commonly known types are: 1. Non-Qualified Stock Options: These stock options do not qualify for special tax treatment and are typically offered to a broader employee base. 2. Incentive Stock Options: These options receive favorable tax treatment, but are subject to specific rules and limitations set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 3. Restricted Stock Awards: These awards are granted to employees, subject to certain restrictions on transferability and vesting. The stock typically becomes fully owned by the employee after the vesting period ends. 4. Performance Stock Awards: These awards are granted based on specified performance metrics, such as achieving revenue targets or increasing market share. The number of awarded stocks is dependent on the level of performance achieved. Overall, the Maryland Stock Option and Stock Award Plan of American Stores Company aim to align employee interests with the company's financial success, encourage long-term commitment, and reward individuals for their valuable contributions to the organization's growth.