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Stock Options and Related Plans

INCLUDING RESTRICTED STOCK, EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLANS (ESPPS), PHANTOM STOCK, AND SARS

A stock option gives the recipient (the "optionee") the right to buy a certain number of shares in the granting company at a fixed price for a certain number of years. Stock options are used both in private companies (mainly where there will be a market for the shares) and public companies. A related type of plan is the employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), which is used mainly in public companies. Note: stock options and ESPPs have nothing to do with ESOPs; we have a page on the differences between the plans and how to choose between them.

Many company administrators and others enroll in the industry-standard Certified Equity Professional Institute (CEPI) training program. If you are a CEPI student, see our CEPI study guide. Also see our Equity Update, which provides continuing education credit for CEP designees.

		Articles Online Learn the basics of stock options and related plans, how they work, and what some of the main rules are.
		Books For years, we have been the main publisher in this area. Our books cover various aspects of stock options, ESPPs, etc.
		Seminars Our highly acclaimed seminars and conferences offer introductory and advanced coverage of a variety of topics.
		Consulting We offer free general advice to members, paid consulting, speaking, advice on choosing service providers, and access to our database of service providers.
		Survey Data Our ESPP survey focuses on employee stock purchase plans.
		NCEO Survey Resources Our surveys for companies with employee stock plans allow you to measure employee attitudes, perceptions, and levels of understanding about stock plans so that you can assess progress, set goals, and focus your energy where you'll get the greatest payoff.

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