Matt Simon
Whether it is expected or not, job loss is an upheaval that gives you a lot to think about. However, as you clear off your desk, don't forget your stock compensation. Too many departing employees have lost valuable potential gains because they were unaware of the post-termination rules for their stock grants.
Alisa J. Baker
You may find a gap between what you expect from your equity compensation and what you receive. Often the problem stems from the complexity of the related documents and rules. Learn about them, and understand why you must focus on conflicting or inconsistent provisions.
Matt Simon
Amid the upheaval of job loss, don't forget your stock compensation. This article covers important aspects of job termination that apply to all stock grants.
Alisa J. Baker
Part 1 looked at the problems of conflicting or inconsistent provisions among different documents. Part 2 discusses which existing documents and rules nonfounder executives must consider when negotiating for equity compensation during the early (pre-public) stages of a company's development and growth.
Alisa J. Baker
Part 3 of this article series reviews the steps you must take to preserve your equity rights at or before the termination of your employment, and in any severance arrangement. The impact depends on your specific agreements, the company's overall plans and policies, and—in many cases—the reason for the termination.
Chris Murphy
A down market provides ideal circumstances for negotiating a larger stake of equity compensation as part of your pay package. With companies looking to conserve cash and find effective ways to recruit, retain, and motivate executives and key employees, your interest in this type of compensation may be well received. This article explores the possibilities you may want to consider if this opportunity arises.
Mark Miller
For employees and executives, international travel and relocation are increasingly common. The taxation of "mobile employees" is always complex, and never more than with equity compensation. Part 1 introduces the key concepts and rules, including the sourcing and apportioning of income.
Mark Miller
International assignments or relocations can present attractive opportunities for career advancement. However, the taxation of equity compensation for mobile employees raises complex issues. Part 2 looks at specific scenarios, withholding taxes, and tax equalization.
Bruce Brumberg
UPDATED! The days of exercising your stock options, pocketing the gains, and leaving the company for a direct competitor may be over. Your company may put noncompete forfeiture provisions in your stock grants.
Richard Friedman
UPDATED! Get a sense of what you should, and should not, expect in the terms of your stock option grant. This survey of 300 companies looks at trends in vesting schedules, post-termination exercise rules, and other plan features.
Return to top of page
Changes in executive compensation and equity pay practices stemming from the downturn of 2008 and 2009 were predicted to be extensive and vigorous. Experts at consulting and research firms have been busily analyzing corporate stock plan practices since then...
A clawback is triggered when you leave to work for a direct competitor or engage in...
Clawback provisions occur in company stock grant agreements, which tend to be not publicly available. However, a survey...
The exact tax impact is not always clear, especially when the repayment happens in the year after you recognized the income on your tax return, or if it occurs after taxes were withheld. You would...
The likelihood depends mainly on your position, its salary grade, and/or your company's industry. Surveys of common practices among companies show that...
If your option was granted with a graded vesting schedule, you are allowed to exercise the vested portion of the option grant, but most commonly you forfeit the remainder...
At some companies, international assignments are often accompanied by what is commonly called an equalization package. To give you an incentive to accept the international assignment, the company agrees to...
Yes. You forfeit whatever stock has not vested. Exceptions can occur, depending on...
First, you may be eligible to receive only NQSOs, so read the FAQs on the requirements of ISOs...
You will continue to own stock purchased during your employment, but your eligibility for participation in the plan ends. Any funds withheld from your salary will be...
Return to top of page