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Google Option Exchange: Employees Come First! (GOOG)

Eric Schmidt 1.jpgGoogle's new option exchange is just repricing by another name.  It's not "evil," per se, but it certainly shows where Google's priorities lie (employees first, shareholders second).  It makes a mockery of the "align employee interests with shareholders" argument used to justify piggish option allocations in the good times. And it also seems unwarranted at this point.

Google's stock is down about 50% from the peak. Big deal: So is the S&P 500. Eric Schmidt says 85% of employees have options that are underwater.  Big deal: Most Google employees who deserve to keep their jobs will get new options every year (the news ones won't be underwater).  Google employees have "suffered" for a whole year since the peak. Big deal: The whole point of awarding options is to reward employees for building shareholder value over the long-term.  And, unlike other companies, Google already has a transferable option program that allows employees to cash in on underwater options.

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The option exchange is only "good for shareholders" insofar as it keeps the company's talent from leaving.  There are other ways to keep this talent, however: Pay top-performers more and fire weaker ones. Award new options at lower prices. Emphasize that, even without guaranteed stock-option riches, Google is amazing place to work. Inspire employees to stick together and power the company through this period.

Evil?  No. But it's the easy way out.

See Also: Google Employees Get A Bailout

On February 28, Axel Springer, Business Insider's parent company, joined 31 other media groups and filed a $2.3 billion suit against Google in Dutch court, alleging losses suffered due to the company's advertising practices.

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