RSA vs RSU: What's the Difference

April 14, 2023

RSA vs RSU: What's the Difference

June 19, 2023

RSA vs RSU: What's the Difference

RSA vs. RSU. What's the difference? Which is right for your company? 

When it comes to employee equity compensation, private companies have a lot of options to choose from. Two of the most common are restricted stock awards (RSAs) and restricted stock units (RSUs). While they share similarities in providing employees with the opportunity to own part of the company, they differ in various ways including taxation, voting rights, vesting schedule, forfeiture, transparency, and dividends.

This post will break down the key differences between RSA and RSU to help you decide which option is best for your company. Let's get started!

RSA vs RSU : What's the Difference

What is Restricted Stock?

Restricted stock is a form of equity compensation. The structure can either be a restricted stock award or a restricted stock unit. The differences between the two employee equity structures can have an influence on how valuable the equity will be. 

Company shares granted from restricted stocks may not be sold or transferred for a certain period. The restricted period typically lasts several years, and only when the vesting schedule has been met can the equity be sold or exercised. 

Restricted stock may be subject to forfeiture if the holder fails to meet certain vesting conditions, such as remaining employed with the company for a certain number of years.

What are Restricted Stock Awards (RSA)?

Restricted stock awards allow the recipient to own shares of the company's stock upon granting but with certain restrictions on when and how those shares can be sold. The restricted stock award typically has a time-based vesting schedule, which is the length of time that the recipient must work for the company before being able to exercise the shares. 

The restricted stock award is often used to recruit highly valued, in-demand candidates to work with a company and reward key employees for meeting certain milestones. 

The awards may be given to new hires as part of the signing bonus or to existing employees who have been with the company for five or ten years, for instance. RSAs can be an effective tool for retaining and motivating employees and can also be used to align employees' interests with those of shareholders.

How Do RSAs Work?

Once someone is granted RSAs, that person has to make a decision to accept the grant or decline it. If the employee chooses to accept the grant, a purchase price typically applies, and the employee may need to pay it to the employer for the grant. 

Following the acceptance of the grant and settlement of the payment according to the RSA agreement, the employee has to wait for the grant to vest. The vesting period may be time- or performance-based. This means there may be a restricted period from the RSA grant date or a performance-based milestone, typically tied to a specific achievement.

When the grant vests, the receipt can either be shares of the company stock or a cash equivalent, which will also depend on the RSA agreement.

Advantages of RSAs 

RSAs have certain advantages from a corporate standpoint. 

  • Restricted stock award grants create a large pool of new shareholders with a vested interest in the company's success. This can help to improve shareholder relations and communication.
  • RSAs can be used to retain key employees and executives during periods of economic uncertainty. The grants also help attract talent to the company.
  • Restricted stock award grants can be used to generate goodwill among employees, resulting in a huge improvement in morale and motivation.

All of these factors can contribute to a company's overall success.

Disadvantages of Using RSAs

As companies look for ways to attract and retain key employees, RSAs have become increasingly popular. However, companies should be aware of a few disadvantages to using this type of compensation.

  • RSAs award shares on the grant date, which means their issuance adds to the company’s number of shares outstanding. This can be dilutive to existing shareholders. As the restricted stock vests, it can reduce earnings per share. 
  • Restricted stock awards can be complex and costly to administer. Companies must track the vesting schedule and provide tax reporting and withholding for each award. 
  • It may not be as effective as other forms of compensation in motivating employees. This is because the company's stock price on the exercise date must exceed the purchase price for the employee to make a profit. RSUs, on the other hand, don’t require a purchase of company shares. 

For these reasons, restricted stock awards should be used carefully and only when they are the best compensation for the company and its employees. Aside from these, you should also take note of legal considerations, such as capital gains tax and ordinary income tax.

What is a restricted stock unit (RSU)?

Restricted stock units are stock-based compensation plans companies grant to their employees. Unlike traditional stock options and restricted stock awards, which typically require employees to buy company shares, RSUs grant the shares when the vesting requirements are met. 

RSUs typically vest over time, meaning that employees must remain with the company for a certain amount before selling the shares. They may also require the performance of specific company goals to fully vest, such as a merger, acquisition, IPO, or any other landmark event. 

RSUs can be an attractive form of compensation for employees since they provide a direct ownership stake in the company when they fully vest without requiring them to purchase stocks. They may also be worth more than traditional stock options, as they don’t have the potential to go underwater or lose their value.

Kinds of RSUs 

RSUs can have a single-trigger or double-trigger vesting schedule. 

Single-Trigger RSUs 

The vesting schedule for single-trigger RSUs is often time-based, but may also be a single company performance goal or liquidity event. The recipient or employee may need to be with the company for the whole predetermined period so the grants vest. RSUs are typically offered by public companies, as they don’t have an immediate impact on the cap table, unlike RSAs. 

Double-Trigger RSUs 

Double-trigger RSUs (also known as pre-IPO grants) are most suitable for early-stage company equity. More private companies are offering double-trigger RSUs as employee equity as they present a number of advantages, especially compared to other forms of employee equity compensation. 

The first vesting requirement for double-trigger acceleration may be a time-based goal. The second “trigger” is a liquidity event, such as an acquisition or initial public offering (IPO). Upon meeting the two vesting requirements and when the double-trigger RSUs fully vest, they’re paid out as shares of stock. 

Learn more about double trigger RSUs

Benefits of RSUs

RSUs give the employee the right to receive shares of the company stock at some future point, typically when that employee meets certain vesting conditions, e.g. remaining with the company for a certain period of time and/or attainment of a company liquidity event. 

RSUs do not carry this risk since the units are typically vested immediately. The employee has the right to receive the shares regardless of whether the stock price goes up or down. 

As a result, RSUs can provide stability and security for employees receiving them. In addition, restricted stock units can be an effective tool for attracting and retaining top talent.

Because they are typically vested immediately, RSUs give employees a greater incentive to stay with the company for the long term. As a result, RSUs can help companies to build a solid and stable workforce.

Disadvantages of RSUs

Although restricted stock units (RSUs) offer some benefits to employees, also consider the potential drawbacks before offering them as part of your company's compensation package. 

One disadvantage of RSUs is that they may be subject to vesting requirements, which means that your employees may only receive the total value of their award once a certain number of years have passed. Additionally, RSUs may be subject to forfeiture if they leave your company before they vest, which means they could forfeit a significant portion of their compensation. 

Another potential downside of RSUs is that employees may be required to pay ordinary income tax at a higher rate than other forms of equity compensation, such as stock options. Finally, suppose your company's stock value decreases after employees receive their RSUs. In that case, they may end up with a less valuable award than they would have had with another form of equity compensation.

RSU vs RSA: What's The Difference?

RSU vs RSA: What's The Difference?

Stock awards are a great way to take advantage of the 83(b) election, which allows employees to report awards as ordinary income in that year and then start a capital gain holding period. The alternative would be paying taxes when it's fully vested, but by doing so now, these may only apply up to 35%.

Restricted stock units are not eligible for an 83(b) election because there is no actual transfer of shares when the grant occurs. On the vesting schedule, the value of the employee's stock will be taxed as ordinary income. After they sell the shares, there's likely to be either an increase or decrease in capital.

Vesting

Vesting periods are time-based or performance-based. This means the employee will get their shares after a certain period, depending on what type it is and how long they've been loyal to the company.

Many companies have vesting schedules that require employees to work at the company for a certain period before receiving their shares.

Entitlement to dividends

Restricted stock units do not pay dividends until they vest.

Voting Rights

The employee will be able to exercise voting rights beginning immediately, as they are an owner of the stock.

Restricted stock units do not carry voting rights until they become vested.

Choosing between RSU and RSU Grants

When it comes to equity compensation, both employers and employees often find themselves choosing between Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, influenced by factors such as taxation, corporate governance, and individual financial goals. The following sections will delve into the key considerations and decision-making processes for both parties in choosing between these two types of equity grants.

Factors to Consider When Deciding Between RSA and RSU Grants

  1. Tax Implications: RSAs allow for Section 83(b) elections, which could be beneficial for employees expecting the stock to appreciate significantly. RSUs are generally more straightforward in terms of taxation, as they are taxed at the time of vesting.
  2. Dividends and Voting Rights: RSAs offer immediate dividend payouts and voting rights, making them more enticing for those who want an immediate stake in the company.
  3. Vesting Schedule: RSUs usually have more flexible vesting options, such as performance-based vesting, which could be more aligned with company goals.
  4. Complexity: RSAs are generally easier to administer but come with more immediate liabilities, whereas RSUs can be more complicated but offer greater flexibility for both employers and employees.

Decision-Making Process for Employers and Employees

  1. Employer Perspective: Employers might prefer RSUs for their flexibility in tying grants to performance metrics or company milestones. They may also find RSUs easier to manage from a corporate governance standpoint.
  2. Employee Perspective: Employees might favor RSAs if they are bullish about the company's future and want immediate dividend and voting rights. Conversely, they might prefer RSUs if they are more risk-averse and want to align their interests closely with company performance metrics.

Choosing between RSAs and RSUs often involves a complex interplay of tax strategy, company performance expectations, and individual risk tolerance. Both employers and employees should consult financial and legal advisors to make the most informed decision.

Example of RSA vs RSU Life Cycle

If you're ready to learn more about RSU and how Upstock can make it simpler for you to distribute employee equity, we’d love to hear from youGet started with a demo to learn how Upstock makes it easy to offer your workers equity.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal, business and/or investment  advice. All information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information, and accessing this information does not generate attorney-client privilege.

FAQs

Can I sell my restricted stock units (RSUs) before they fully vest?

No, you cannot sell RSUs before they vest. Once vested, they are converted into shares, which you can then sell.

Are dividends paid on both restricted stock awards (RSAs) and restricted stock units (RSUs)?

Dividends are paid on RSAs but generally not on RSUs. Some companies offer "dividend equivalents" on RSUs, which are paid out when the stock vests.

How are taxes calculated on restricted stock awards (RSAs) versus restricted stock units (RSUs)?

For RSAs, taxes can be paid upfront on the grant value under a Section 83(b) election, or upon vesting based on the fair market value. For RSUs, taxes are usually calculated based on the fair market value of the stock at the time it vests.

Which type of award carries more risk exposure for recipients?

In terms of risk exposure for recipients, Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) generally carry more risk compared to Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). This is because RSAs can be taxed at the time of the grant if the recipient opts for a Section 83(b) election, making them liable for taxes on the stock value even if the price falls before vesting. If the employee leaves the company before the shares vest, they may lose the shares but still have incurred a tax liability. RSUs, on the other hand, are generally taxed only when they vest and are converted into actual shares, providing a safeguard against such a scenario.

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