The South Carolina Stock Option and Stock Award Plan of American Stores Company is a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to provide employees with various forms of equity-based compensation in the state of South Carolina. This plan aims to reward employees for their hard work, incentivize high performance, and align their interests with the long-term success of the company. Under this plan, employees are granted stock options and stock awards as a form of recognition and motivation. Stock options give employees the right to purchase a specified number of company shares at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price, within a specified period. These options are typically granted to employees at a discounted price, allowing them to benefit from potential future stock price increases. On the other hand, stock awards, also known as restricted stock or performance shares, provide employees with actual shares of the company. Unlike stock options, stock awards are granted outright and do not require any purchase from employees. However, certain restrictions may apply, such as vesting periods or performance goals that must be met before the shares fully belong to the employees. The South Carolina Stock Option and Stock Award Plan of American Stores Company has different types of awards based on various criteria and objectives. Some of these types include: 1. Incentive Stock Options (SOS): These options are granted to key employees and provide certain tax advantages. SOS have specific requirements, such as a maximum exercise price and a holding period, to qualify for these tax benefits. 2. Non-Qualified Stock Options (Nests): These options are more flexible compared to SOS as they do not have the same stringent requirements. Nests are often granted to a broader range of employees as part of their compensation package. 3. Restricted Stock Units (RSS): These awards represent a promise to deliver company shares to employees at a future date. RSS are subject to vesting conditions and are usually granted based on an employee's position, performance, or tenure with the company. 4. Performance Shares: These stock awards are granted based on predefined performance goals or metrics that need to be achieved for the shares to fully vest. Performance shares align employee success with the company's overall performance and encourage them to contribute to its growth. 5. Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPN): While not technically options or awards, ESPN allow employees to purchase company stock at a discounted price using a percentage of their salary. These plans provide employees with an opportunity to become company shareholders directly. The South Carolina Stock Option and Stock Award Plan of American Stores Company aims to attract, retain, and motivate employees by providing them with an opportunity to benefit from the company's success. Through a combination of stock options and stock awards, this plan fosters an ownership mindset among employees, enhances job satisfaction, and contributes to the overall growth and prosperity of both individuals and the organization as a whole.