What should you know about negotiating a job offer with stock options?

Negotiating a job offer with stock options can be tricky, especially if you are not familiar with the terms and conditions of this type of compensation. Stock options give you the right to buy a certain number of shares of the company's stock at a fixed price in the future. They can be a valuable incentive for joining and staying with a company, but they also come with risks and trade-offs. Here are some things you should know before you accept or negotiate a job offer with stock options.

1 Know the basics

Before you start negotiating, you should understand the basics of stock options, such as the vesting schedule, the exercise price, the expiration date, and the tax implications. The vesting schedule determines when you can exercise your options, or buy the shares. The exercise price is the price you pay to buy the shares. The expiration date is the deadline by which you have to exercise your options or lose them. The tax implications depend on the type of options you have, either non-qualified or incentive stock options, and when you exercise and sell them.

Add your perspective

Antonio Cevallos, FRM

CEO en BBVA Asset Management | FRM
Report contribution
En mi experiencia, es muy relevante entender los detalles , restricciones y características de una opción sobre acciones. Las más relevantes, a mi parecer, son el precio de ejercicio, la fecha de vencimiento y las implicancias tributarias. Tomemos en cuenta que, a diferencia de otro tipo de compensación, las opciones o acciones pueden tener un tratamiento tributario diferenciado y esto debe tenerse en cuenta cuando se elija aceptar una oferta cuya compensación incluya este tipo de incentivos.

Translated

Like

2 Know the value

The value of your stock options depends on several factors, such as the current and future market value of the company's stock, the volatility of the stock, and the dilution of the shares. The current market value is the price at which the stock is trading on the public market, or the valuation of the company if it is private. The future market value is the projected price of the stock in the future, based on the company's growth potential and profitability. The volatility of the stock is the degree of variation in the price over time, which affects the probability of your options being in the money, or worth more than the exercise price. The dilution of the shares is the reduction in the percentage of ownership that your options represent, due to the issuance of new shares to other employees or investors.

Add your perspective

Alla Adam

Investor | 3X Founder | Startup & VC Mentor | Author | Speaker | Pilot | Harvard Trained and Certified Crisis Negotiator
Report contribution
When negotiating a job offer with stock options, understand the vesting schedule and potential for growth like you're planning a space mission - know the trajectory and aim for the stars. Just remember, negotiating stock options is a bit like trading cards - you want the rare ones that will make you the superhero.

Like

3 Know the alternatives

If you are not satisfied with the stock options offered by the company, you can try to negotiate for alternatives, such as more cash, a higher salary, a signing bonus, a performance bonus, or more benefits. You can also ask for different terms for your stock options, such as a lower exercise price, a shorter vesting period, a longer expiration date, or a cashless exercise option. However, you should be realistic about what you can ask for and what the company can offer, based on your skills, experience, and market value, as well as the company's stage, size, and financial situation.

Add your perspective

4 Know the risks

Stock options can be a lucrative form of compensation, but they come with risks that you should consider. For example, the stock price may decline or stagnate, making your options worthless or less valuable. Additionally, the company may go bankrupt or be acquired, resulting in the cancellation or modification of your options. Moreover, the company may impose restrictions or conditions on your options, such as a lock-up period, a clawback clause, or a right of first refusal. You should also be aware of potential tax liabilities or penalties when you exercise or sell your options. Lastly, you may lose your options if you leave the company before they vest or expire, or if you violate the terms of your option agreement.

Add your perspective

Antonio Cevallos, FRM

CEO en BBVA Asset Management | FRM
Report contribution
Si bien es cierto las opciones sobre acciones presentan diferentes tipos de riesgos, la estadística demuestra que en el largo plazo las acciones (sobre todo de empresas grandes y consolidadas) tienden a apreciarse. En mi experiencia, si dejamos estas opciones como inversiones de largo plazo dentro de un portafolio personal diversificado, lograremos buenos retornos a la inversión.

Translated

Like

Load more contributions

5 Know the strategy

Negotiating a job offer with stock options requires a clear strategy that reflects your goals, preferences, and priorities. To develop and execute your strategy, you should research the company, industry, and market to estimate the value of your options. Additionally, compare your options with other forms of compensation to evaluate your opportunity cost and trade-offs. When communicating your value and expectations to the company, ask questions to clarify details and implications of your options. You may need to make a counteroffer or request changes to your options, while being flexible and willing to compromise. However, it is important to know your bottom line and walk away point. Negotiating job offers with stock options can be challenging but also rewarding if done right. By understanding the basics of stock options, you can make informed decisions that suit your career and financial goals.

Add your perspective

Antonio Cevallos, FRM

CEO en BBVA Asset Management | FRM
Report contribution
Recomiendo que cuando se acepte una oferta de trabajo con opciones como parte de la compensación, se tenga en cuenta una serie de factores: A) Solidez del balance y financiera de la empresa. B) Perspectivas de la industria donde opera la empresa C) Qué tanto la persona se ve trabajando en dicha empresa en el largo plazo. Teniendo en cuenta que las opciones normalmente se pueden ejercer solo si uno se queda periodos largos. Finalmente, recomendaría que dado el riesgo que conlleva cualquier opción sobre acciones, no represente un porcentaje tan alto de la compensación total de manera tal que los ingresos minimos esperados estén cubiertos enteramente por el salario fijo y/o otro tipo de compensación con menos riesgo

Translated

Like

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What should you know about negotiating a job offer with stock options?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know the basics

2 Know the value

3 Know the alternatives

4 Know the risks

5 Know the strategy

6 Here’s what else to consider

Negotiation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Negotiation

More relevant reading

What should you know about negotiating a job offer with stock options?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know the basics

2 Know the value

3 Know the alternatives

4 Know the risks

5 Know the strategy

6 Here’s what else to consider

Negotiation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills