I'm hard-pressed to think of an IRS ruling that has this much potential,

That is a big blow, it was one of their flagship businesses that was quite profitable.

It's pretty unusual for Congress to revisit something passed by a prior Congress.

This may prove that their policy barring pre-announcement and giving earnings guidance may not be the wisest policy. It's not as if providing guidance is a sign of poor governance.

This may prove that their policy barring preannouncement and giving earnings guidance may not be the wisest policy. It's not as if providing guidance is a sign of poor governance.

You always have to take into account the tax benefit, particularly with people who have income from other sources. Is it their primary focus? Probably not. But it is a great benefit to have along the way.

I think people will more often than not base their decisions using a pro-forma figure, which excludes the value of the options. It is an expense, but I don't have a problem making an adjustment to eliminate it because it is a non-cash item, like other adjustments such as amortizing intangible items.