Correct, however they also give 2 signing bonuses, that bring you to an "equivalent" total compensation, so at least you are getting straight cash, not hoping for a stock payout that may not come.
That is not really true. It depends on how much you get in stocks. Fkr example, it is not typical for these companies to give out $200k stock/yr and then the backvested schedule is really packed against you. It is very unlikely they will give you $200k sign on bonus and make it up during year 2 as well.
My offer was competitive. With the 2yr cash bonus and the stock taking over in year 3 my total comp is projected to evenly ramp up 5-15% per year. Who knows where the stock will be until we get to the vest dates, but so far it's tracking well ahead of the 15% yearly growth that the company plans on.
