The San Diego California Phantom Stock Plan of Hercules, Inc. is a unique compensation program offered by the company to its employees. This plan provides an opportunity for employees to receive benefits similar to those of stock ownership without actually owning any shares of the company. The program is designed to align employee interests with the company's success and promote loyalty and long-term commitment. Through the San Diego California Phantom Stock Plan, participating employees are granted phantom stock units based on predefined criteria. These units are essentially hypothetical shares that track the company's stock performance. The value of these units increases or decreases in correlation with the actual stock price. The San Diego California Phantom Stock Plan offers several types of units based on different vesting and payment schedules. The most common types include: 1. Vested Units: These are units that employees receive as part of their compensation package. Typically, employees must meet certain performance targets or tenure requirements to become eligible for these units. Vested units may be issued over a period of time or in a lump sum, depending on the terms of the plan. 2. Performance-based Units: These units are granted based on the achievement of specific performance goals, such as reaching revenue targets, increasing market share, or meeting profitability metrics. Performance-based units are an additional incentive for employees to contribute directly to the company's success. 3. Dividend Equivalent Units: In addition to the phantom stock units' value, employees may also receive dividends equivalent to those paid on actual shares of the company's stock. This further aligns the interests of employees with stockholders and provides additional financial benefits. 4. Retirement Units: Some plans offer retirement units that provide employees with additional compensation upon retirement or when they leave the company after a certain number of years of service. These units act as an additional reward for long-term commitment and incentivize employees to stay with the company. 5. Change of Control Units: In the event of a change of control, such as a merger or acquisition, employees may be granted change of control units. These units ensure that participating employees receive fair compensation if the company is sold or its ownership structure significantly changes. The San Diego California Phantom Stock Plan of Hercules, Inc. is a comprehensive compensation program that goes beyond traditional salary and benefits. By providing employees with phantom stock units, the company motivates them to work towards enhancing shareholder value and fosters a sense of ownership and commitment.