Yes, salary is paid for with labor, but a reduced rate that is offset with compensation in the form of stock options. You're correct that it is taxed, and the c

Yes, salary is paid for with labor, but a reduced rate that is offset with compensation in the form of stock options. You're correct that it is taxed, and the capital gains rate is lower than the salary tax rate. My comment was more an observation, but the thought hadn't been fully fleshed out.