The Houston Texas Stock Option Plan is a comprehensive program designed to incentivize and reward employees by granting them various types of stock options and stock appreciation rights. This plan offers three different categories of stock options, namely Incentive Stock Options (SOS), Nonqualified Stock Options (SOS), and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARS). 1. Incentive Stock Options: Incentive Stock Options are a type of stock option that provides favorable tax treatment to employees. These options are granted to eligible employees and allow them to purchase company stock at a discounted price in the future. To qualify for SOS, employees must meet certain criteria set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). SOS have specific holding requirements, typically requiring employees to hold the stock for a certain period of time before selling it. 2. Nonqualified Stock Options: Nonqualified Stock Options, also known as SOS or Non-Statutory Stock Options, are another type of stock option granted to employees. Unlike SOS, SOS do not have the same tax advantages. SOS can be granted to both employees and non-employees, such as consultants or directors. When employees exercise SOS, they are subject to ordinary income tax on the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the stock at the time of exercise. 3. Stock Appreciation Rights: Stock Appreciation Rights, or SARS, are a form of equity compensation that grants employees the right to receive an amount equal to the appreciation in the company's stock price over a specified period. Unlike stock options, SARS provide employees with cash or additional shares of stock based on the increase in the stock price. This type of award is typically granted to key employees as an alternative to stock options. The Houston Texas Stock Option Plan recognizes the importance of providing employees with different types of stock options and stock appreciation rights to cater to varying needs and preferences. By offering SOS, SOS, and SARS, the plan ensures flexibility in compensation and encourages employees to contribute to the long-term growth and success of the company.