Nebraska Stock Option Agreement between Northern Bank of Commerce and Cowling Ban corporation The Nebraska Stock Option Agreement between Northern Bank of Commerce and Cowling Ban corporation is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of stock options granted by Cowling Ban corporation to employees or key individuals of Northern Bank of Commerce. This agreement enables Northern Bank of Commerce employees to purchase a specific number of shares of Cowling Ban corporation stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price, within a specified time frame. These stock options serve as an incentive to retain and motivate talented individuals who contribute significantly to the success of Northern Bank of Commerce. The Nebraska Stock Option Agreement provides a detailed framework for the administration and exercise of stock options. It includes key clauses related to the vesting period, exercise price, exercise period, and termination provisions. The vesting period refers to the time an employee must wait before acquiring the right to exercise their stock options. Under this agreement, the exercise price is typically set at the fair market value of Cowling Ban corporation stock on the date of the grant. The exercise period signifies the duration during which an employee can exercise their stock options. The Nebraska Stock Option Agreement may also contain provisions that allow for the early exercise of options, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. It is essential to mention that there can be different types of Nebraska Stock Option Agreements between Northern Bank of Commerce and Cowling Ban corporation. These may include: 1. Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement: This type of agreement grants employees the right to purchase Cowling Ban corporation stock at a predetermined price, but the options do not qualify for preferential tax treatment. 2. Incentive Stock Option Agreement: This agreement grants certain employees special tax advantages when they exercise their stock options. To qualify for these tax benefits, certain conditions set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) must be met. 3. Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Agreement: While not strictly a stock option agreement, an RSU agreement may also exist between Northern Bank of Commerce and Cowling Ban corporation. RSS represents a promise to deliver stock units to employees upon the satisfaction of specific vesting conditions. These variations of the Nebraska Stock Option Agreement cater to different employee categories and can provide different benefits and tax implications. In conclusion, the Nebraska Stock Option Agreement between Northern Bank of Commerce and Cowling Ban corporation outlines the terms and conditions of stock options granted to employees. It ensures clarity and transparency in the administration and exercise of these stock options, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between the two institutions.