The Cook Illinois Employee Stock Option Plan of Texas American Ranchers, Inc. is a unique investment opportunity offered by the bank to its valued employees. This plan allows eligible employees to acquire company stock at a predetermined price within a specified time frame. Texas American Ranchers, Inc. established the Cook Illinois Employee Stock Option Plan as a long-term incentive program to reward employees for their dedication and commitment to the success of the company. By offering stock options, the plan aims to align the interests of employees with those of shareholders, fostering a shared vision and driving the overall growth of the organization. Key Features: 1. Eligibility: The Cook Illinois Employee Stock Option Plan is typically available to full-time employees who meet the specified criteria set by Texas American Ranchers, Inc. These criteria may include years of service, job position, and performance evaluations. 2. Stock Acquisition: Under this plan, eligible employees have the opportunity to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, often known as the grant price or exercise price. The exercise price is usually set at a discount to the fair market value of the stock on the date the option is granted. 3. Vesting Period: Once awarded, stock options may have a vesting period, which is the duration an employee must wait before exercising their options. For example, a plan may have a three-year vesting period, meaning that an employee can exercise their options only after three years of continuous service. 4. Exercise Window: The Cook Illinois Employee Stock Option Plan may allow employees to exercise their options within a specific time frame, known as the exercise window or exercise period. This period is determined by the company and typically ranges from a few weeks to several years after the options become vested. 5. Tax Implications: It is important for employees to be aware of the tax implications associated with exercising stock options. While the specifics may vary, employees are generally required to report the gain received from exercising options as taxable income. Different types of Cook Illinois Employee Stock Option Plans offered by Texas American Ranchers, Inc. may include: 1. Incentive Stock Options (SOS): These options provide potentially favorable tax treatment to employees, as the gains are taxed as a capital gain when the stock is sold. However, certain requirements set by the Internal Revenue Code must be met to qualify for this treatment. 2. Non-Qualified Stock Options (Nests): These options do not adhere to the specific requirements set for SOS and are generally more flexible in terms of eligibility and exercising options. The gains from exercising Nests are typically taxed as ordinary income. In summary, the Cook Illinois Employee Stock Option Plan of Texas American Ranchers, Inc. is a valuable benefit offered to eligible employees, enabling them to acquire company stock at a predetermined price. It serves as a tool to incentivize and reward employees while aligning their interests with the overall success of the organization.