The Tennessee Share Appreciation Rights Plan with amendment is a form of employee compensation program that aims to reward and motivate employees by offering them the opportunity to benefit from the increase in the value of the company's shares over a specified period. By granting employees share appreciation rights (SARS), employers provide an incentive for their workforce to contribute to the company's growth and success. Under this Plan, employees are given the right to receive a cash payment equivalent to the appreciation in the value of a specific number of company shares during a predetermined time frame. These appreciation rights are typically granted to employees as a bonus or as part of their overall compensation package. The amendment to the plan refers to any modifications or alterations made to the original terms, which could include changes in eligibility criteria, vesting periods, or the valuation method used to calculate the appreciation. The Tennessee Share Appreciation Rights Plan with amendment encompasses various types, each with its own distinguishing characteristics: 1. Performance-based SARS: This SARS is granted based on predefined performance targets or goals that employees must achieve. Once the employee attains the specified performance criteria, the SARS become exercisable, allowing them to receive the cash equivalent of the appreciation in share value. 2. Time-based SARS: With time-based SARS, the appreciation rights become exercisable upon the completion of a predetermined period, commonly referred to as the vesting period. Depending on the plan's terms, the vesting can occur gradually over multiple years or all at once. 3. Cash-settled SARS: This type of SARS does not involve the issuance of actual company shares to employees. Rather, the appreciation amount is simply paid out in cash, based on the increase in the share value over a specific period. Employees receive the cash equivalent of the appreciated amount without having direct ownership of the underlying shares. 4. Equity-settled SARS: In contrast to cash-settled SARS, equity-settled SARS grant employees the right to receive actual shares instead of cash. Upon exercise, employees are granted shares representing the appreciation in value over the specified period. Employers often implement the Tennessee Share Appreciation Rights Plan with the amendment as a cost-effective alternative to stock options or restricted stock grants. It allows companies to align the interests of their employees and shareholders by sharing the success and growth of the business. The specific terms and conditions of the plan, including the amendment, are tailored to the needs and objectives of the company, promoting a culture of performance, loyalty, and long-term commitment among employees.