Restricted stock units (RSUs) are a form of equity compensation provided by an employer to its employees. They represent the right to receive shares of the employer’s stock at a future date, typically when certain conditions, such as continued employment or performance milestones, are met. Unlike stock options, which give the holder the right to buy shares at a specific price, RSUs are typically awarded outright to the employee, with no purchase required. They are “restricted” because they cannot be sold or transferred until the restrictions have been lifted. Upon the vesting of the RSU, it is converted into a certain number of shares of stock and the employee becomes a shareholder of the company.

The terms of RSUs, including the number of units awarded, the vesting schedule, and the restrictions on transferability, are typically set forth in a grant agreement or award agreement. The vesting schedule can be based on time, such as vesting over a period of several years, or on performance-based milestones, such as achieving certain revenue or earnings targets. Once the units vest, the employee becomes the owner of the underlying shares and may be able to sell or transfer them, depending on the terms of the grant agreement.

RSUs are considered a form of taxable income when they vest and the employee becomes the owner of the underlying shares. The employee will be required to pay taxes on the fair market value of the shares at the time they vest. The company may also be required to withhold taxes at the time of vesting.

There are different ways to account for Restricted Stock Units in the financial statement of the company, depending on the accounting standards used. But in general, the company will recognize an expense for the fair value of the RSUs on the grant date and will adjust it over the vesting period reflecting the service condition of the award.

Overall, Restricted Stock Units are a way for companies to align the interests of employees with those of shareholders by giving employees a stake in the company’s success. They can also be a valuable form of compensation for employees, providing them with a direct financial interest in the company’s performance and potential for appreciation in the value of the shares.

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