ALX Oncology Grants Inducement Stock Options to New CFO: A Boost for the Company's Long-Term Goals

ALX Oncology Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALXO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapies to boost the immune system and treat cancer, recently announced the grant of an inducement stock option to its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Harish Shantharam. The grant, made in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), is designed to attract and retain top talent while aligning the interests of the new CFO with those of the company and its shareholders.

The inducement stock option grants Shantharam the right to purchase 600,000 shares of ALX Oncology's common stock at an exercise price of $1.65 per share, which is equal to the closing price of a share of ALX Oncology common stock on the grant date. The vesting schedule is designed to incentivize long-term employment, with 25% of the shares vesting after one year and the remaining shares vesting monthly over the following three years, subject to continued employment.

The grant of inducement stock options to the new CFO aligns with ALX Oncology's long-term strategic goals and compensation strategy in several ways:

1. Attracting and Retaining Talent: The grant serves as an attractive inducement for Shantharam to join ALX Oncology, demonstrating the company's commitment to investing in its leadership team. This can help the company attract and retain top talent, which is crucial for achieving its long-term strategic goals.
2. Aligning Interests: By granting stock options, ALX Oncology aligns Shantharam's interests with those of the shareholders. As the stock price increases, the value of the options also increases, incentivizing Shantharam to work towards the company's success.
3. Long-term Incentive: The vesting schedule of the stock options, with 25% vesting after one year and the remaining shares vesting monthly over the following three years, encourages Shantharam to focus on long-term performance and growth. This aligns with ALX Oncology's long-term strategic goals, such as advancing its immuno-oncology therapies and extending patients' lives.
4. Competitive Compensation: The grant of stock options is a competitive component of Shantharam's compensation package, reflecting the company's commitment to offering market-competitive rewards for its executives. This can help ALX Oncology attract and retain top talent in a competitive job market.
5. Nasdaq Listing Rule Compliance: The grant of stock options was made in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), which allows companies to grant employment inducement awards to new employees. This ensures that ALX Oncology is complying with relevant regulations and maintaining its listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

In conclusion, the inducement grant of stock options to ALX Oncology's new CFO aligns with the company's long-term strategic goals and compensation strategy by attracting and retaining talent, aligning interests, providing a long-term incentive, offering competitive compensation, and complying with relevant regulations. This grant is a positive step for ALX Oncology as it continues to advance its immuno-oncology therapies and extend patients' lives.