NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

The Indian government has clarified that Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are exempt from GST, as they are part of employee compensation rather than a taxable service. The Circular confirms that Indian subsidiaries' reimbursement to foreign companies for stock options is not subject to GST, as it is not considered a purchase of goods or services. However, if there are additional administrative fees charged by the foreign company, these fees would be taxable, and GST would apply.

The Global Equity Organization's (GEO) 26th Annual Conference in Prague from 28-30 April 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity for professionals in global equity compensation to advance their knowledge, network with peers worldwide, and witness industry excellence firsthand.

Next year, the event promises to be a transformative experience in the picturesque city of Prague, offering numerous benefits that make it a crucial investment for anyone involved in global equity compensation.

Valuable educational opportunities

One of the standout features of GEO's conference is the ability to earn up to ten continuing education credits. By attending, you stay current with evolving practices and gain insights into future trends that can influence your organization's global equity strategies. Join the 92% of attendees whose learning objectives were met last year, ensuring your time is well spent and highly productive.

Financial incentives

Early birds catch the worm, and in this case, early registrants catch significant savings. GEO offers substantial discounts for those who register ahead of time, making it financially prudent to plan early. Moreover, issuers of global equity compensation plans that secure a speaking slot can attend for free, presenting an unbeatable opportunity for key decision-makers to gain invaluable knowledge and network with peers from around the world.

Robust program: Education and networking

The conference program is meticulously crafted to offer diverse learning opportunities. With over 50 education sessions covering topics from regulatory updates to innovative equity plan design, attendees can tailor their experience to meet their professional development goals.

Networking at GEO's conference is about more than exchanging business cards; it's about forging lasting connections in a conducive environment. Imagine having access to 10 structured networking events designed to facilitate meaningful interactions. These events ensure attendees meet peers from over 20 countries, creating a global network of contacts that can prove invaluable long after the conference concludes. Join the 88% of attendees who felt engaged throughout the event, ensuring a productive and enjoyable experience.

GEO Awards: Celebrating excellence

As an added bonus, attendees will have the opportunity to witness the prestigious GEO Awards ceremony. Each attendee seat at this exclusive event is valued at $350, providing a chance to celebrate and honor excellence and innovation in the field of global equity compensation. This ceremony not only recognizes outstanding achievements but also inspires attendees with new ideas and best practices.

MAKING THE CASE FOR APPROVAL

Convincing your organization to approve travel and registration costs for GEO's 26th Annual Conference in Prague boils down to highlighting the tangible benefits:

• Professional Development: Gain essential knowledge and certifications through accredited sessions.
• Financial Efficiency: Take advantage of early registration discounts and free attendance for issuers.
• Networking Opportunities: Foster global connections at structured events designed for meaningful interactions.
• Industry Recognition: Experience the prestige of the GEO Awards, celebrating excellence in global equity compensation.

Attending GEO's conference isn't just an expense; it's an investment in both personal and organizational growth. The knowledge gained, connections made, and strategies learned can directly impact your company's success in navigating the complex landscape of global equity compensation.

By demonstrating how your attendance will contribute to your professional development and benefit the organization through enhanced knowledge, networking, and exposure to industry excellence at the GEO Awards, you can effectively make the case for approval.

Investing in your professional growth at GEO's 26th Annual Conference is a decision that promises substantial returns, both in the short term and throughout your career.

A recent survey found that 60% of companies globally apply ESG targets to share-based employee compensation, with CO2 reduction, diversity, and corporate governance being the most common areas. Among those using ESG targets, 84% apply them to management board incentives, while 40% use them for short-term incentives and 30% for long-term incentives. The survey also indicated that institutional investors and proxy advisors significantly influence these targets, and a growing number of companies are focusing on ESG issues as part of their employee compensation strategies.

A phantom stock plan is an employee benefit that provides the financial benefits of stock ownership without actual stock, tracking the company's stock price and paying out any resulting profits. These plans can be structured as appreciation-only, which pays out based on stock price increases, or full-value, which includes the value of the stock and any appreciation. Although phantom stock plans offer flexibility and align employee incentives with company performance, they do not provide actual ownership or voting rights and are taxed as ordinary income, requiring careful legal and tax compliance.

Elon Musk is encouraging Tesla employees to excel by suggesting they could qualify for a new stock option grant program for high performers. An internal memo revealed that Tesla will conduct a comprehensive review to award stock options for exceptional performance, as well as offer ongoing spot option grants for outstanding contributions. Despite not awarding merit-based stock grants last year due to financial challenges, Tesla plans to reward employees with long-term financial incentives through this new program, aiming to boost productivity and recognize significant achievements.

Employees often underestimate the wealth-building potential of their equity compensation, viewing it as a minor benefit rather than a serious investment due to its lack of immediate cost. This perception, coupled with a lack of transparency and understanding about liquidity options, can lead to challenges in realizing the value of these holdings. Employers need to improve education and facilitate liquidity opportunities, potentially through secondary market platforms, to enhance the perceived value of equity compensation and support employees in maximizing their financial benefits.