Mercer Tool Simplifies Equity Exchange Programs

June 23, 2009 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Mercer has launched "equity choice," a new online decision-support tool for employers offering an equity exchange program.

According to a press release, the tool provides employees with a way to compare the choices in their stock option program, including restricted stock units (RSUs) or other alternative investments; model various scenarios based on the offerings; and enable the decision-making process.

Key features of the equity choice tool include personalized stock option and RSU data, calculators, and educational information, the press release said.   Individuals can also model various scenarios specific to their own portfolio to help them choose the most appropriate exchange option.

Employers can “capture” and implement employee decisions to allow for a completely automated conversion experience.

More information is at www.mercer.com .

A recent survey found that more than half of public companies have more than 75% of their outstanding stock options underwater. More than half of these companies have implemented or are considering a re-pricing or exchange program to address employees’ underwater options (see Survey Finds Companies Adjusting Executive Pay Programs ).

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