The Fulton Georgia Stock Option Plan of Stewart Information Services Corp. is a comprehensive compensation program tailored specifically for the Region Managers of the company. It offers attractive stock options to these key individuals, providing them with the opportunity to own a stake in the company's success and align their interests with those of the shareholders. This incentivizes the Region Managers to drive exceptional performance and contribute directly to the company's growth. Under the Fulton Georgia Stock Option Plan, Region Managers are granted stock options based on predetermined criteria and eligibility requirements. These options entitle the managers to purchase a specific number of company stocks at a predetermined price, referred to as the exercise price or strike price. The strike price is often set at the current market value of the stocks at the time of grant, ensuring fairness and alignment with market trends. The plan is designed to motivate Region Managers to remain committed to the long-term success of the company, as the stock options generally have a vesting period, during which the options cannot be exercised. This duration is typically spread over a number of years to encourage retention and dedication to achieving sustained growth. The Fulton Georgia Stock Option Plan may also offer different types of stock options, such as incentive stock options (SOS) or non-qualified stock options (SOS). SOS provide certain tax advantages to the holder, while SOS do not have the same tax benefits but offer more flexibility in terms of exercise and sale. Upon reaching the vesting period, Region Managers can exercise their stock options by purchasing the company's shares at the predetermined exercise price. This allows them to benefit from any rise in the stock price since the grant. Subsequently, the managers can choose to either hold their shares as investments or sell them on the open market. Selling the shares at a higher market price would enable them to realize a profit. The Fulton Georgia Stock Option Plan is carefully crafted to attract and retain top talent in the region management roles at Stewart Information Services Corp. It serves as a powerful tool to incentivize exceptional performance, encourage loyalty, and align the interests of the Region Managers with those of the company and its shareholders.