A North Carolina Stock Option Agreement is a legally binding contract that grants an individual or entity the opportunity to purchase or sell a specified number of shares of stock at a predetermined price within a set period of time. This agreement allows the option holder to buy or sell these shares at a future date, providing them with the potential for profit or protection against potential losses. In North Carolina, several types of stock option agreements exist, each serving different purposes and catering to various needs: 1. Employee Stock Option Agreement: This agreement is commonly used by employers as an incentive to attract and retain talented employees. Companies offer employees the opportunity to purchase shares of the company's stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price or strike price. The time frame for exercising these options is typically set by the employer. 2. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Agreement: This type of agreement is similar to the employee stock option agreement, but it is designed for non-employee board directors. It provides these individuals with the opportunity to purchase specified shares of the company's stock at a predetermined price. 3. Incentive Stock Option (ISO) Agreement: An ISO Agreement is an employee stock option agreement that meets specific requirements outlined by the United States Internal Revenue Code. These agreements often feature tax advantages for the option holder, as the profits from the sale of the acquired shares may be subject to more favorable capital gains tax rates. 4. Non-Qualified Stock Option (NO) Agreement: NO Agreements are also employee stock option agreements, but they typically do not meet the requirements set by the Internal Revenue Code for an ISO. SOS are subject to ordinary income tax rates on the acquired shares' profits and can be granted to both employees and non-employees. 5. Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Agreement: Although not exactly a stock option agreement, RSU agreements are a type of equity-based compensation plan commonly offered by companies. Instead of granting the right to buy shares at a predetermined price, RSS grant the recipient a specific number of shares upon meeting certain conditions, such as the passage of time or reaching performance goals. 6. Stock Appreciation Rights (SARS) Agreement: SARS agreements give individuals the right to receive the increase in the company's stock value over a specified period, or the difference between the current stock price and the exercise price. Individuals can choose to receive cash or the equivalent value in company stock. It is essential to consult legal and financial professionals when dealing with stock option agreements, as the specific terms and conditions can have significant implications for both the granter and the grantee.