The Wake North Carolina Stock Option and Stock Award Plan is a comprehensive program introduced by American Stores Company, a prominent entity in the corporate world. This plan is specifically designed to attract and retain talented employees by offering them stock options and stock awards as part of their compensation package. By providing this innovative program, American Stores Company aims to align the interests of its employees with the company's overall success. The Wake North Carolina Stock Option and Stock Award Plan encompasses various types of stock-based compensation, each with its own set of features and benefits. These include: 1. Stock Options: Under this plan, eligible employees are granted the right to purchase a specific number of company stocks at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price. The stock options usually have a vesting period, which means they become accessible to employees gradually over time. This incentivizes employees to stay with the company and contribute to its growth, as the stock's value increases, and they can potentially profit from it in the future. 2. Restricted Stock Units (RSS): The Wake North Carolina Stock Option and Stock Award Plan also offers RSS as a method of stock-based compensation. RSS represents an agreement for employees to receive a certain number of shares of company stock after a predetermined vesting period. Unlike stock options, RSS do not require employees to make any upfront payments. Once the vesting conditions are met, the RSS automatically convert into actual shares of company stock, providing employees with an ownership interest. 3. Performance-Based Stock Awards: This type of stock award is contingent upon achieving specific performance goals or milestones. The performance criteria may include financial targets, individual achievements, or other predetermined objectives. If the outlined goals are met, eligible employees receive additional shares of company stock as a reward. Performance-based stock awards motivate employees to strive for excellence and contribute significantly to the organization's overall success. The Wake North Carolina Stock Option and Stock Award Plan of American Stores Company aims to foster a culture of employee ownership and engagement. By offering various types of stock-based compensation, the plan incentivizes employees to prioritize the company's growth and profitability. This not only benefits the employees themselves but also enhances shareholder value and ensures the long-term success of American Stores Company.