Common use of Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Clause in Contracts

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange of options pursuant to the offer. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code, its legislative history, Treasury Regulations thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof as of the date of the offer, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of option holders. Option holders who exchange outstanding options for new options should not be required to recognize income for federal income tax purposes at the time of the exchange. We believe that the exchange will be treated as a non-taxable exchange. WE ADVISE ALL OPTION HOLDERS CONSIDERING EXCHANGING THEIR OPTIONS TO MEET WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFER. Incentive Stock Options. Under current law, an option holder will not realize taxable income upon the grant of an incentive stock option under our 1999 Stock Plan. In addition, an option holder generally will not realize taxable income upon the exercise of an incentive stock option. However, an option holder's alternative minimum taxable income will be increased by the amount that the aggregate fair market value of the shares underlying the option, which is generally determined as of the date of exercise, exceeds the aggregate exercise price of the option. Except in the case of an option holder's death or disability, if an option is exercised more than three months after the option holder's termination of employment, the option ceases to be treated as an incentive stock option and is subject to taxation under the rules that apply to non-qualified stock options. If an option holder sells the option shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option, the tax consequences of the disposition depend upon whether the disposition is qualifying or disqualifying. The disposition of the option shares is qualifying if it is made: - at least two years after the date the incentive stock option was granted, and - at least one year after the date the incentive stock option was exercised. If the disposition of the option shares is qualifying, any excess of the sale price of the option shares, over the exercise price of the option will be treated as long-term capital gain taxable to the option holder at the time of the sale. Any such capital gain will be taxed at the long-term capital gain rate in effect at the time of sale. If the disposition is not qualifying, which we refer to as a "disqualifying disposition," the excess of the fair market value of the option shares on the date the option was exercised, over the exercise price will be taxable income to the option holder at the time of the disposition. Of that income, the amount up to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time the option was exercised over the exercise price will be ordinary income for income tax purposes and the balance, if any, will be long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon whether or not the shares were sold more than one year after the option was exercised. Unless an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we will not be entitled to a deduction with respect to an incentive stock option. If an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of compensation income taxable to the option holder. If you tender incentive stock options and those options are accepted for exchange, the new options will be granted as incentive stock options to the maximum extent they qualify.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange of options pursuant to the offer. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue CodeCode of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, Treasury Regulations thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof as of the date of the offer, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of option holders. If you are living or working in the United States, but are also subject to the tax laws in another country, you should be aware that there may be other tax and social insurance consequences which may apply to you. We strongly recommend that you consult your own advisors to discuss the consequences to you of participating in the offer. Option holders who exchange outstanding options for new options should not be required to recognize income for federal income tax purposes at the time of the exchange. We believe that the exchange will be treated as a non-taxable exchange. WE ADVISE ALL OPTION HOLDERS CONSIDERING EXCHANGING THEIR OPTIONS TO MEET WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERALWe advise all option holders considering exchanging their options to meet with their own tax advisors with respect to the federal, STATEstate, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERlocal and foreign tax consequences of participating in the offer. Incentive Stock Options. Options ----------------------- Under current law, an option holder will not realize taxable income upon the grant of an incentive stock option under our 1999 Stock 1996 Plan. In addition, an option holder generally will not realize taxable income upon the exercise of an incentive stock option. However, an option holder's alternative minimum taxable income will be increased by the amount that the aggregate fair market value of the shares underlying the option, which is generally determined as of the date of exercise, exceeds the aggregate exercise price of the option. Except in the case of an option holder's death or disability, if an option is exercised more than three (3) months after the option holder's termination of employment, the option ceases to be treated as an incentive stock option and is subject to taxation under the rules that apply to non-qualified nonstatutory stock options. If an option holder sells the option shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option, the tax consequences of the disposition depend upon whether the disposition is qualifying or disqualifying. The disposition of the option shares is qualifying if it is made: - . at least two (2) years after the date the incentive stock option was granted, and - . at least one (1) year after the date the incentive stock option was exercised. If the disposition of the option shares is qualifying, any excess of the sale price of the option shares, over the exercise price of the option will be treated as long-term capital gain taxable to the option holder at the time of the sale. Any such capital gain will be taxed at the long-term capital gain rate in effect at the time of sale. If the disposition is not qualifying, which we refer to as a "disqualifying disposition," the excess of the fair market value of the option shares on the date the option was exercised, over the exercise price will be taxable income to the option holder at the time of the disposition. Of that income, the amount up to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time the option was exercised over the exercise price will be ordinary income for income tax purposes and the balance, if any, will be long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon whether or not the shares were sold more than one (1) year after the option was exercised. Unless an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we will not be entitled to a deduction with respect to an incentive stock option. If an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of compensation income taxable to the option holder. If you tender incentive stock options and those options are accepted for exchange, the new options will be granted as incentive stock options to the maximum extent they qualify. For options to qualify as incentive stock options, the value of shares subject to options that first become exercisable in any calendar year cannot exceed $100,000, as determined using the option exercise price. The excess value is deemed to be a nonstatutory stock option. You should note that if the new options have a higher exercise price than some or all of your current options, the new options may exceed the limit for incentive stock options. You should note that there is a risk that any incentive stock options you have may be affected, even if you do not participate in the exchange. We do not believe that our offer to you will change any of the terms of your eligible incentive stock options if you do not accept the offer. We believe that you will not be subject to current U.S. federal income tax if you do not elect to participate in the option exchange program. We also believe that the option exchange program will not change the U.S. federal income tax treatment of subsequent grants and exercises of your incentive stock options (and sales of shares acquired upon exercises of such options) if you do not participate in this offer to exchange options. However, the IRS may characterize this offer to exchange options as a "modification" of those incentive stock options, even if you decline to participate. In 1991, the IRS issued a private letter ruling in which another company's option exchange program was characterized as a "modification" of all of the incentive stock options that could be exchanged. This does not necessarily mean that our offer to exchange options will be viewed the same way. Private letter rulings given by the IRS contain the IRS's opinion regarding only the specific facts presented by a specific person or company. The person or company receiving the letter may rely on it, but no other person or company may rely on the letter ruling, nor may they assume the same opinion would apply to their situation, even if the facts at issue are similar. While such letters do not provide certainty, they may indicate how the IRS will view a similar situation. We therefore do not know if the IRS will assert the position that our offer constitutes a "modification" of incentive stock options eligible for tender. A successful assertion by the IRS of this position could extend the options' holding period to qualify for favorable tax treatment. Accordingly, to the extent you dispose of your incentive stock option shares prior to the lapse of the new extended holding period, your incentive stock option could be taxed similarly to a nonstatutory stock option. Nonstatutory Stock Options -------------------------- Under current law, an option holder will not realize taxable income upon the grant of an option which is not qualified as an incentive stock option, also referred to as a nonstatutory stock option, under either the 1996 Plan or the 1996 Supplemental Plan. However, when an option holder exercises the option, the difference between the exercise price of the option, and the fair market value of the shares subject to the option on the date of exercise will be compensation income taxable to the option holder. We will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of compensation income taxable to the option holder if we comply with eligible reporting requirements. We recommend that you consult your own tax advisor with respect to the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of participating in the offer, as the tax consequences to you of participation in the offer are dependent on your individual tax situation.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange of options pursuant to the offerOffer. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code, its legislative history, Treasury Regulations thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof as of the date of the offerOffer, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of option holders. Option holders who exchange outstanding options for new options the New Options should not be required to recognize income for federal income tax purposes at the time as a result of the option exchange. We believe that the exchange will be treated as a non-taxable exchange. WE ADVISE ALL OPTION HOLDERS CONSIDERING EXCHANGING THEIR OPTIONS TO MEET WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFER. Incentive Non-Qualified Stock Options. Under current law, an option holder will not realize taxable income upon the grant of an option which is not qualified as an incentive stock option under our 1999 Stock Plan. In additionoption, an option holder generally will not realize taxable income upon the exercise of an incentive also referred to as a nonstatutory stock option. However, when an 20 27 option holder's alternative minimum taxable income will be increased by the amount that the aggregate fair market value of the shares underlying holder exercises the option, which is generally determined as of the date of exercise, exceeds the aggregate exercise price of the option. Except in the case of an option holder's death or disability, if an option is exercised more than three months after the option holder's termination of employment, the option ceases to be treated as an incentive stock option and is subject to taxation under the rules that apply to non-qualified stock options. If an option holder sells the option shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option, the tax consequences of the disposition depend upon whether the disposition is qualifying or disqualifying. The disposition of the option shares is qualifying if it is made: - at least two years after the date the incentive stock option was granted, and - at least one year after the date the incentive stock option was exercised. If the disposition of the option shares is qualifying, any excess of the sale price of the option shares, over difference between the exercise price of the option will be treated as long-term capital gain taxable to the option holder at the time of the sale. Any such capital gain will be taxed at the long-term capital gain rate in effect at the time of sale. If the disposition is not qualifying, which we refer to as a "disqualifying disposition," the excess of the fair market value of the option shares on the date the option was exercised, over the exercise price will be taxable income to the option holder at the time of the disposition. Of that income, the amount up to the excess of and the fair market value of the shares at the time subject to the option was exercised over on the date of exercise price will be ordinary income for income tax purposes and the balancecompensation income, if any, will be long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon whether or not the shares were sold more than one year after taxable to the option was exercisedholder. Unless an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we will not be entitled to a deduction with respect to an incentive stock option. If an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we We will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of compensation income taxable to the option holderholder if we comply with eligible reporting requirements. If you tender incentive stock options and those options are accepted for exchangeWE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERAL, the new options will be granted as incentive stock options to the maximum extent they qualifySTATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFER.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange replacement of options pursuant to the offer. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code, its legislative history, Treasury Regulations thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof as of the date of the offer, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of option holders. Option holders who exchange replace outstanding options for new options with New Options should not be required to recognize income for federal income tax purposes at the time of the exchangereplacement. We believe that the exchange replacement will be treated as a non-taxable exchange. WE ADVISE ALL OPTION HOLDERS CONSIDERING EXCHANGING THEIR OPTIONS TO MEET WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERALWe advise all option holders considering replacing their options to meet with their own tax advisors with respect to the federal, STATEstate, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERlocal and foreign tax consequences of participating in the offer. Incentive Stock Options. Under current law, an option holder will not realize taxable income upon the grant of an incentive stock option under our 1999 Stock Plan. In addition, an option holder generally will not realize taxable income upon the exercise of an incentive stock option. However, an option holder's alternative minimum taxable income will be increased by the amount that the aggregate fair market value of the shares underlying the option, which is generally determined as of the date of exercise, exceeds the aggregate exercise price of the option. Except in the case of an option holder's death or disability, if an option is exercised more than three months after the option holder's termination of employment, the option ceases to be treated as an incentive stock option and is subject to taxation under the rules that apply to non-qualified stock options. If an option holder sells the option shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option, the tax consequences of the disposition depend upon whether the disposition is qualifying or disqualifying. The disposition of the option shares is qualifying if it is made: - at least two years after the date the incentive stock option was granted, and - at least one year after the date the incentive stock option was exercised. If the disposition of the option shares is qualifying, any excess of the sale price of the option shares, over the exercise price of the option will be treated as long-term capital gain taxable to the option holder at the time of the sale. Any such capital gain will be taxed at the long-term capital gain rate in effect at the time of sale. If the disposition is not qualifying, which we refer to as a "disqualifying disposition," the excess of the fair market value of the option shares on the date the option was exercised, over the exercise price will be taxable income to the option holder at the time of the disposition. Of that income, the amount up to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time the option was exercised over the exercise price will be ordinary income for income tax purposes and the balance, if any, will be long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon whether or not the shares were sold more than one year after the option was exercised. Unless an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we will not be entitled to a deduction with respect to an incentive stock option. If an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of compensation income taxable to the option holder. Options ----------------------- If you tender incentive stock options and those options are accepted for exchangereplacement, the new options New Options will be granted as nonstatutory stock options. You should note that there is a risk that any eligible incentive stock options you have may be affected, even if you do not participate in the replacement. We do not believe that our offer to you will change any of the terms of your eligible incentive stock options if you do not accept the offer. We believe that you will not be subject to current U.S. federal income tax if you do not elect to participate in the option replacement program. We also believe that the option replacement program will not change the U.S. federal income tax treatment of subsequent grants and exercises of your incentive stock options (and sales of shares acquired upon exercises of such options) if you do not participate in this offer to replace options. However, the IRS may characterize this offer to replace options as a "modification" of those incentive stock options, even if you decline to participate. In 1991, the IRS issued a private letter ruling in which another company's option exchange program was characterized as a "modification" of all of the incentive stock options that could be exchanged. This does not necessarily mean that our offer to replace options will be viewed the same way. The company's option exchange offer was not the same type of program as our option replacement program, and so may be treated differently. Private letter rulings by the IRS contain the IRS's opinion regarding only the specific facts presented by a specific person or company. The person or company receiving the letter may rely on it, but no other person or company may rely on the letter ruling, nor may they assume the same opinion would apply to their situation, even if the facts at issue are similar. While such letters do not provide certainty, they may indicate how the IRS will view a similar situation. We therefore do not know if the IRS will assert the position that our offer constitutes a "modification" of incentive stock options eligible for tender. A successful assertion by the IRS of this position could extend the options' holding period to qualify for favorable tax treatment. Accordingly, to the maximum extent they qualifyyou dispose of your incentive stock option shares prior to the lapse of the new extended holding period, your incentive stock option could be taxed similarly to a nonstatutory stock option.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange replacement of options pursuant to the offer. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code, its legislative history, Treasury Regulations thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof as of the date of the offer, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of option holders. Option holders who exchange replace outstanding options for new options with New Options should not be required to recognize income for federal income tax purposes at the time of the exchangereplacement. We believe that the exchange replacement will be treated as a non-taxable exchange. WE ADVISE ALL OPTION HOLDERS CONSIDERING EXCHANGING THEIR OPTIONS TO MEET WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERALWe advise all option holders considering replacing their options to meet with their own tax advisors with respect to the federal, STATEstate, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERlocal and foreign tax consequences of participating in the offer. Incentive Stock Options. Under current law, an option holder will not realize taxable income upon the grant of an incentive stock option under our 1999 Stock Plan. In addition, an option holder generally will not realize taxable income upon the exercise of an incentive stock option. However, an option holder's alternative minimum taxable income will be increased by the amount that the aggregate fair market value of the shares underlying the option, which is generally determined as of the date of exercise, exceeds the aggregate exercise price of the option. Except in the case of an option holder's death or disability, if an option is exercised more than three months after the option holder's termination of employment, the option ceases to be treated as an incentive stock option and is subject to taxation under the rules that apply to non-qualified stock options. If an option holder sells the option shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option, the tax consequences of the disposition depend upon whether the disposition is qualifying or disqualifying. The disposition of the option shares is qualifying if it is made: - at least two years after the date the incentive stock option was granted, and - at least one year after the date the incentive stock option was exercised. If the disposition of the option shares is qualifying, any excess of the sale price of the option shares, over the exercise price of the option will be treated as long-term capital gain taxable to the option holder at the time of the sale. Any such capital gain will be taxed at the long-term capital gain rate in effect at the time of sale. If the disposition is not qualifying, which we refer to as a "disqualifying disposition," the excess of the fair market value of the option shares on the date the option was exercised, over the exercise price will be taxable income to the option holder at the time of the disposition. Of that income, the amount up to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time the option was exercised over the exercise price will be ordinary income for income tax purposes and the balance, if any, will be long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon whether or not the shares were sold more than one year after the option was exercised. Unless an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we will not be entitled to a deduction with respect to an incentive stock option. If an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of compensation income taxable to the option holder. Options ----------------------- If you tender incentive stock options and those options are accepted for exchangereplacement, the new options New Options will be granted as nonstatutory stock options. You should note that there is a risk that any eligible incentive stock options you have may be affected, even if you do not participate in the replacement. We do not believe that our offer to you will change any of the maximum extent they qualify.terms of your eligible incentive stock options if you do not accept the offer. We believe that you will not be subject to current U.S. federal income tax if you do not elect to participate in the option replacement program. We also believe that the option replacement program will not change the U.S. federal income tax treatment of subsequent grants and exercises of your incentive stock options (and sales of shares acquired upon exercises of such options) if you do not participate in this offer to replace options. However, the IRS may characterize this offer to replace options as a "modification" of those incentive stock options, even if you decline to participate. In 1991, the IRS issued a private letter ruling in which another company's option exchange program

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange of options pursuant to the offer. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code, its legislative history, Treasury Regulations thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof as of the date of the offer, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, nor is it intended to be applicable in all respects to all categories of option holdersoptionholders. If you are living or working in the United States, but are also subject to the tax laws in another country, you should be aware that there may be other tax and social insurance consequences which may apply to you. We strongly recommend that you consult your own advisors to discuss the consequences to you of participating in the offer. Option holders who exchange outstanding options for new options should not be required to recognize income for federal income tax purposes at the time of the exchange. We believe that the exchange will be treated as a non-taxable exchange. WE ADVISE ALL OPTION HOLDERS CONSIDERING EXCHANGING THEIR OPTIONS TO MEET WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFER. Incentive Stock Options. Options Under current law, an option holder will not realize taxable income upon the grant of an incentive stock option under our 1999 2000 Stock Plan. In addition, an option holder generally will not realize taxable income upon the exercise of an incentive stock option. However, an option holder's alternative minimum taxable income will be increased by the amount that the aggregate fair market value of the shares underlying the option, which is generally determined as of the date of exercise, exceeds the aggregate exercise price of the option. Except in the case of an option holder's death or disability, if an option is exercised more than three (3) months after the option holder's termination of employment, the option ceases to be treated as an incentive stock option and is subject to taxation under the rules that apply to non-qualified stock options. If an option holder sells the option shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option, the tax consequences of the disposition depend upon whether the disposition is qualifying or disqualifying. The disposition of the option shares is qualifying if it is made: - at least two (2) years after the date the incentive stock option was granted, and - at least one (1) year after the date the incentive stock option was exercised. If the disposition of the option shares is qualifying, any excess of the sale price of the option shares, over the exercise price of the option will be treated as long-term capital gain taxable to the option holder at the time of the sale. Any such capital gain will be taxed at the long-term capital gain rate in effect at the time of sale. If the disposition is not qualifying, which we refer to as a "disqualifying disposition," the excess of the fair market value of the option shares on the date the option was exercised, over the exercise price will be taxable income to the option holder at the time of the disposition. Of that income, the amount up to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time the option was exercised over the exercise price will be ordinary income for income tax purposes and the balance, if any, will be long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon whether or not the shares were sold more than one (1) year after the option was exercised. Unless an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we will not be entitled to a deduction with respect to an incentive stock option. If an option holder engages in a disqualifying disposition, we will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of compensation income taxable to the option holder. If you tender incentive stock options and those options are accepted for exchange, the new options will be granted as incentive stock options to the maximum extent they qualify. For options to qualify as incentive stock options, the value of shares subject to options that first become exercisable in any calendar year cannot exceed $100,000, as determined using the option exercise price. The excess value is deemed to be a non-qualified stock option. You should note that if the new options have a higher exercise price than some or all of your current options, the new options may exceed the limit for incentive stock options. You should note that there is a risk that any incentive stock options you have may be affected, even if you do not participate in the exchange. We do not believe that our offer to you will change any of the terms of your eligible incentive stock options if you do not accept the offer. We believe that you will not be subject to current U.S. federal income tax if you do not elect to participate in the option exchange program. We also believe that the option exchange program will not change the U.S. federal income tax treatment of subsequent grants and exercises of your incentive stock options (and sales of shares acquired upon exercises of such options) if you do not participate in this offer to exchange options. However, the IRS may characterize this offer to exchange options as a "modification" of those incentive stock options, even if you decline to participate. In 1991, the IRS issued a private letter ruling in which another company's option exchange program was characterized as a "modification" of all of the incentive stock options that could be exchanged. This does not necessarily mean that our offer to exchange options will be viewed the same way. Private letter rulings given by the IRS contain the IRS's opinion regarding only the specific facts presented by a specific person or company. The person or company receiving the letter may rely on it, but no other person or company may rely on the letter ruling, nor may they assume the same opinion would apply to their situation, even if the facts at issue are similar. While such letters do not provide certainty, they may indicate how the IRS will view a similar situation. We therefore do not know if the IRS will assert the position that our offer constitutes a "modification" of incentive stock options eligible for tender. A successful assertion by the IRS of this position could extend the options' holding period to qualify for favorable tax treatment. Accordingly, to the extent you dispose of your incentive stock option shares prior to the lapse of the new extended holding period, your incentive stock option could be taxed similarly to a nonstatutory stock option. Non-Qualified Stock Options. Under current law, an option holder will not realize taxable income upon the grant of an option which is not qualified as an incentive stock option, also referred to as a nonstatutory stock option. However, when an option holder exercises the option, the difference between the exercise price of the option, and the fair market value of the shares subject to the option on the date of exercise will be compensation income taxable to the option holder. We will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of compensation income taxable to the option holder if we comply with eligible reporting requirements. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFER, AS THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF PARTICIPATION IN THE OFFER ARE DEPENDENT ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL TAX SITUATION.