Intel's shares have been pummeled since autumn, losing more than half of their value, amid the sharp slowdown in the U.S. personal-computer market, the sluggish economy and the onset of a bearish stock market. Half the new options can be exercised starting in March 2002 and the other half in March 2003, an accelerated plan that will let employees take advantages of potential upticks in the stock, Intel said.
Normal options become exercisable gradually over five years.
The number of options that Intel employees are eligible to receive is based on a complex formula that takes into account their grade level and performance level at the company.