I think you misunderstood, it's not that stock is more valuable, it's that you should opt to cash+stock because the total value of this will be higher than a pu

I think you misunderstood, it's not that stock is more valuable, it's that you should opt to cash+stock because the total value of this will be higher than a pure cash offer. Essentially, cash and public stock is the same to an emplloyee, but for companies, paying in stock is better for them. Let's say you know you will get a bonus that pays out end next year worth 10k. You can chose to receive 10k cash or 10k of google shares at today's prices. Most would trade the risk for potential upside.