The Puerto Rico Stock Option and Stock Award Plan introduced by American Stores Company is a comprehensive program that offers enticing incentives to employees to motivate and reward their exceptional performance. This plan aims to provide employees with the opportunity to invest in the company while aligning their interests with the long-term growth plan of American Stores Company. One type of stock option available under this plan is the Non-Qualified Stock Option (NO). This type of option allows employees to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, referred to as the exercise or strike price. Nests are typically granted to employees at a discounted price and can be exercised after a specified vesting period. The plan also offers Incentive Stock Options (SOS), which have certain tax advantages and eligibility criteria defined by the Internal Revenue Code. In addition to stock options, the Puerto Rico Stock Award Plan implemented by American Stores Company enables employees to receive stock awards as a performance-based incentive. Stock awards are grants of shares of company stock that may be subject to specific vesting requirements or performance conditions. Once vested, employees gain full ownership of the awarded shares and can choose to hold or sell the stock based on their investment strategy or financial goals. The Puerto Rico Stock Option and Stock Award Plan incentivize employees to contribute towards the company's sustainable growth by aligning their performance with shareholder value creation. This comprehensive plan encourages employees to take ownership of their work, fostering a sense of loyalty and commitment among the workforce. It serves as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent, recognizing their role in the company's achievements, and allowing them to directly benefit from the success of American Stores Company. Employees participating in this plan have the opportunity to gain financial security and prosperity by investing in the company they serve. The stock options and stock awards are intended to motivate employees to contribute their best efforts towards the realization of company goals, creating a win-win situation for both individual employees and American Stores Company as a whole. Overall, the Puerto Rico Stock Option and Stock Award Plan of American Stores Company demonstrate their commitment to fostering a positive work environment, recognizing employees' hard work, and sharing the company's success with its dedicated workforce.