
What are Phantom Options?
Phantom options are cash-based incentives that mirror the value of real share options, giving financial rewards without issuing actual shares.
Phantom Оptions Мeaning
The phantom options' meaning centres on offering equity-like upside without changing the cap table. To define phantom options in practice, the company grants participants a right to receive a cash payment that reflects the increase in share value over time, often triggered by an exit or liquidity event. A clear phantom options definition is important because it avoids the legal, tax and administrative complexities of issuing real equity, making them ideal for international employees, contractors or senior executives. Phantom options stand for flexible, non-dilutive incentive alignment tied to company growth.
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