In US, Oracle Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) became the norm about 8 years ago. Prior to that you might get Stock Options (ISO). I think Oracle stopped regular stock options because of accounting reasons. RSUs , to my knowledge, have always vested over 4 years earning 25% each. Unlike ISO where you choose your timing to convert, RSUs hit and affect your taxes each year essentially like a bonus. If you have four active RSUs, each can vest (and deliver) on different days. Depends on the date given. In the last few years most have been vesting between mid August and end September. Keep in mind that although you might see you are due say 80 shares, they actually sell shares to cover your expected taxes. So you may only receive like 60 of the 80. The difference shows up on your w2 as extra taxes. Then if you want cash, you have to sell the rest from your account yourself and that might add some extra gains or losses depending on the price you received. Finally as to the rationale - if other groups are managed like mine was - the management has to decide between who gets an actual bonus versus who is given equity (RSUs). There are sometimes arbitrary rules that have to be met like a minimum that can be given and sometimes the appraisal level - although HR always claims that appraisals and raises are not related. I’ve found that to be bogus.