The Wake North Carolina Stock Option Plan of National Penn Ranchers, Inc. is an employee compensation program that offers stock options to eligible employees within the Wake, North Carolina region. This incentive plan aims to align the interests of employees with the long-term success and growth of the company. By giving employees the opportunity to purchase company stock at a predetermined price within a specified timeframe, the plan provides a financial incentive for employees to contribute to the bank's overall performance. The Wake North Carolina Stock Option Plan is designed to reward eligible employees with the ability to acquire the company's stock at a discounted price, often referred to as the exercise price or strike price. These stock options typically have a predetermined vesting schedule, meaning employees must wait for a specific period before they can exercise their options and purchase the stock. Vesting schedules can vary depending on the terms set by National Penn Ranchers, Inc. There can be different types of Wake North Carolina Stock Option Plans within National Penn Ranchers, Inc. Each plan may have specific criteria for eligibility, exercise price, vesting schedule, and expiration period. Some possible variations may include: 1. Incentive Stock Option Plan: This type of stock option plan is designed to meet the criteria set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for favorable tax treatment. Eligible employees can exercise their stock options and potentially qualify for long-term capital gain treatment upon the sale of the stock. 2. Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan: This type of stock option plan does not meet the IRS requirements for favorable tax treatment. While it offers employees the ability to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, the gains may be subject to ordinary income tax rates upon exercise. 3. Restricted Stock Option Plan: Under this type of plan, employees are granted restricted stock units (RSS) rather than traditional stock options. RSS represents the right to receive shares of company stock once specified vesting conditions are met. 4. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPN): Although not strictly a stock option plan, an ESPN allows eligible employees to purchase company stock at a discounted price through regular payroll deductions. This type of plan offers employees a convenient and accessible way to become shareholders of National Penn Ranchers, Inc. The Wake North Carolina Stock Option Plan of National Penn Ranchers, Inc. serves as a valuable tool for attracting and retaining talented employees by providing them with a stake in the organization's success. By participating in this program, eligible employees have the opportunity to share in the company's growth while contributing to its long-term goals.