Options or Shares - which should you choose?
When you’re setting up a share scheme for employees, one of
the first questions you’ll want to ask is whether you should offer direct
shares or share options.
What are the key differences between shares and options? A quick summary is set out below:
A Share gives employees a direct shareholding in the company with all the rights attaching to that share | An Option gives employees the right – but not the obligation - to buy a share in the future, but at a price fixed today |
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Whether or not an option or a share is appropriate will
depend on the objectives of the share scheme and, in many cases, the employees
themselves. It may not be particularly motivational
for lower paid or junior employees to pay “up front” to acquire a share, and
unless dividends are likely to be significant it may not be very attractive
even for more senior employees.
Nonetheless, paying something to acquire shares may demonstrate a real
commitment to the business, and some companies prefer senior managers to have
some “skin in the game”.
It is worth noting that whether your employees are awarded
shares or options, the company must make an annual share plan return via HMRC’s
employment related securities website.
For more guidance on the best share plan for you and your employees, contact us on 0208 949 5522 or email on enquiries@rm2.co.uk