InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[The Count]

Sophist, here's the distinction

They buy at 100% of the FMV at the date of the grant, but have 10 years to do so. Mild success (7% per year) would give the person ~100% profit over that time period with no risk. Also, if the shares end up at $20 10 years from now, but are volatile, then folks will exercise and sell on the upswings, again making money with no risk at the expense of the holders of the stock.

Options began as a way for start ups to pay folks when they did not have cash. Those employees were at risk - if the company failed, a large part of their compensation was worthless. They took risk and deserved the reward. Now they've become lottery tickets on top of their compensation. Options are a good idea that spun way out of control and I am going to do what I can (vote) to try to bring things back to some sort of balance.