Phantom stock is a type of equity-based incentive plan designed to mimic the value of actual company shares without the transfer of ownership. It offers employees an opportunity to share in the company's success and align their interests with company performance. One example of phantom stock is the "Appreciation Rights" plan. Under this structure, employees are granted units or rights representing the potential increase in the company's stock value over a certain period. When the phantom stock vests, the employee receives a cash payment equal to the appreciation in the company's stock price. Another type of phantom stock is the "Stock Appreciation Rights" plan. In this case, employees are granted units or rights that increase in value based on the stock price appreciation. When the phantom stock is exercised, employees receive a cash payment equivalent to the increase in stock value. There is also the "Restricted Stock Unit" as a type of phantom stock example. With this plan, employees are awarded units that represent the hypothetical value of actual company shares. The units vest over time, and upon vesting, employees receive a cash payment equal to the value of the units. Furthermore, the "Phantom Stock Option" is another type of phantom stock example. In this plan, employees are granted phantom options that entitle them to receive a cash payment based on the increase in the company's stock price. These options are usually subject to vesting criteria and can only be exercised at a predetermined point in time. In summary, phantom stock is an equity-based incentive plan that provides employees with the opportunity to share in a company's success without actual ownership of company shares. Its various forms like Appreciation Rights, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Units, and Phantom Stock Options offer different ways to mirror the value of company shares and align employee interests with company performance.