The Franklin Ohio Stock Option Plan is a comprehensive program designed to incentivize and reward employees by offering them a variety of stock options and stock appreciation rights. This plan allows eligible individuals to receive grants for Incentive Stock Options (SOS), Nonqualified Stock Options (SOS), and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARS). Each type of stock option has its own set of rules and regulations, allowing employees to choose the option that best suits their financial goals and tax implications. Incentive Stock Options (SOS) are a type of stock option that can only be granted to employees and not to non-employee directors or consultants. These options provide certain tax advantages by allowing employees to delay paying taxes on the exercise of the options until they sell the underlying stock. ISO grants are subject to specific limitations, such as a maximum grant value and a required option exercise period. Nonqualified Stock Options (SOS), on the other hand, can be granted to both employees and non-employee directors or consultants. SOS do not offer the same tax advantages as SOS since employees are required to pay income tax on the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the stock at the time of exercise. However, SOS provide more flexibility in terms of grant amounts and exercise periods since they are not subject to the same limitations as SOS. Lastly, the Franklin Ohio Stock Option Plan also includes Stock Appreciation Rights (SARS). SARS is a form of cash or stock bonus that allows employees to receive the appreciation in value of a specified number of shares of company stock over a predetermined period. Unlike stock options, SARS do not require employees to purchase the underlying stock at a specific exercise price. Instead, employees receive the equivalent value in cash or stock. Overall, the Franklin Ohio Stock Option Plan aims to provide employees with a means of participating in the company's success and growth. By offering different types of stock options and stock appreciation rights, employees have the flexibility to choose the option that aligns with their financial goals and tax preferences.