Ohio Stock Option Agreement between Corporation and Officer or Key Employee is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions under which an officer or key employee of a corporation in Ohio is granted stock options by the corporation. These stock options grant the employee the right to purchase a certain number of company shares at a specified price (known as the exercise price) within a particular timeframe. The Ohio Stock Option Agreement is designed to incentivize and retain talented individuals by offering them the opportunity to become partial owners of the corporation. This compensation practice aligns the interests of the employee with that of the corporation, as the employee stands to benefit financially from the company's success. There are several types of Ohio Stock Option Agreements that can be established between a corporation and an officer or key employee: 1. Non-Qualified Stock Option (NO): This type of option agreement is the most common and is not subject to specific tax benefits. SOS provide employees with flexibility as they can be granted to both officers and key employees. The exercise price is typically set at the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant. 2. Incentive Stock Option (ISO): SOS are stock options that qualify for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code. They are available exclusively to officers and key employees. The exercise price must be at least equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. SOS come with certain restrictions, such as holding the shares for at least one year after exercise to obtain favorable tax treatment. 3. Restricted Stock Unit (RSU): Although not technically an option agreement, RSS are often considered a form of stock option agreement. RSS grants the employee the right to receive a specific number of company shares upon meeting certain vesting conditions. Upon vesting, RSS are generally converted into actual shares of stock. 4. Performance Stock Option (PSO): SOS are similar to SOS or SOS but come with additional performance-based conditions that determine whether the option can be exercised. These conditions may include reaching specific financial targets or meeting predetermined performance goals. Ohio Stock Option Agreements typically cover key details such as the number of shares subject to the option, the exercise price, the vesting schedule, and the duration of the option period. The agreement may also include provisions regarding the treatment of options in the event of a merger, acquisition, or termination of employment. It is important for both the corporation and the officer or key employee to carefully review and understand all the terms and conditions outlined in the Ohio Stock Option Agreement. This agreement serves as a crucial tool for motivating, rewarding, and retaining talented individuals within the corporation while offering them the opportunity to share in the success of the company.