It’s the dream of any freshly-hired startup employee: Start with stock options in your fledgling company, work hard to see that company become a success and reap the rewards of your equity with a ...

An option is a contract that allows the buyer to buy or sell shares of stock at an agreed-upon price. Investors can get outsized returns by using options instead of simply owning stocks. Be forewarned ...

Private companies issue stock options for a few reasons according to SmartAsset, such as providing competitive compensation and benefits packages that attract and retain top talent. While private ...

If options are part of your compensation package, it’s worth your while to get familiar with how they work generally, as well as how your company handles stock options specifically. Forms of ...

A stock option is a contract that gives you the right to buy or sell a stock at a certain price in the future. Stock options can be used to hedge against potential losses in your portfolio. Employee ...

Although typically associated with startup companies, equity compensation has become increasingly popular as part of an employee's overall compensation package. Financial advisors can help their ...

As technology stocks ascended in the second half of the 1990s, employee stock options were the dominant form of equity compensation, with companies distributing them to rank-and-file employees as well ...

Employee stock options can be lucrative, but knowing when to exercise your options isn't always straightforward. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners ...

While stocks appeal to beginners and long-term investors, options can work well for active traders who appreciate flexibility. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our ...

Lea Uradu, J.D., is a Maryland state registered tax preparer, state-certified notary public, certified VITA tax preparer, IRS annual filing season program participant, and tax writer. Vikki Velasquez ...

Stock options are contracts that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specific number of shares of a company's stock at a predetermined price within a set time period.

What Is a Stock Option? A stock option is a contract giving its holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a stock at a given price before a specific date. There are two main types of ...