What is the effect of exercising stock options?

Exercising stock options allows the holder to purchase shares of the underlying stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise or strike price. This can lead to immediate financial gain if the current market price exceeds the strike price. However, exercising options may also trigger tax implications and reduce liquidity since the holder must utilize cash to purchase the shares. Additionally, exercising stock options can lead to increased ownership in the company, potentially aligning the holder's interests with long-term company performance.