Understanding the Measurement Date of a Stock Option in Legal Terms
Definition & Meaning
The measurement date of a stock option refers to the first day when two key pieces of information are known: (1) the number of shares an employee will receive and (2) the option or purchase price, if applicable. This date is crucial for determining the fair value of stock options under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Legal Use & context
This term is primarily used in the context of corporate finance and accounting. It plays a significant role in the valuation of stock options for financial reporting purposes. Legal professionals, accountants, and corporate compliance officers often deal with measurement dates when preparing financial statements or assessing stock option grants. Users can manage related documents and procedures using templates available from US Legal Forms.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A company grants stock options to an employee on March 1, 2023. The employee is entitled to receive 1,000 shares at a purchase price of $10 per share. The measurement date is March 1, 2023, as both the number of shares and the purchase price are known.
Example 2: A startup offers stock options to a new employee. On the date of the offer, the company specifies that the employee will receive 500 shares at a price of $15 per share. This date is the measurement date as it meets the criteria set by GAAP. (hypothetical example)