The North Carolina Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPN) offered by American Annuity Group, Inc. is a program designed to provide eligible employees with an opportunity to purchase company stock at a discounted price. With this plan, employees are encouraged to become shareholders of the company, fostering a sense of ownership and incentivizing their commitment and dedication to the organization. The North Carolina ESPN allows employees to set aside a portion of their paycheck, typically on a pre-tax basis, to be used for the purchase of company stock. This helps in cultivating a culture of long-term dedication and alignment of interests between the company and its employees. Participating in the ESPN not only presents the opportunity for employees to accumulate wealth but also grants them a voice in the decision-making process through voting rights associated with the shares they purchase. This ESPN program offers various types of employee stock purchase plans. These options may include: 1. Standard ESPN: Under this plan, eligible employees can typically contribute a percentage of their pre-tax salary, up to a predefined limit, towards the purchase of company stock. The purchase price is usually set at a discounted rate compared to the market price, creating an immediate paper gain for employees. 2. Look back ESPN: In this type of plan, the purchase price is determined based on the lower value between the stock price at the beginning of the offering period and the stock price at the end of the offering period. This allows employees to purchase shares at the more advantageous price, further enhancing their potential gains. 3. Qualified ESPN: This plan meets specific requirements under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, offering potential tax advantages to participants. Employees who opt for the qualified ESPN may be eligible for favorable tax treatment on their share purchase gains, resulting in potential tax savings. It is important for employees to carefully review the details and terms of the North Carolina ESPN to fully understand their rights, obligations, and potential benefits. By participating in the ESPN, employees can actively contribute to the financial success of both themselves and American Annuity Group, Inc., sharing in the growth and prosperity of the company.