re: Lower salary w/stock options versus higher salary no stock options

Its 100 SARs. That vest 25% per year. Also 50 restricted shares that don't vest until 5 years. Then there is also the espp voluntary stock with a max 10k contribution. This happens twice a year with a 15%discount. Once espp is bought and awarded to employee you can sell it that day for profit or hold on to it.

Thats basically whats being offered stock wise. Also a signing bonus which is nice.

Current company has slightly better benefits but its nit picky. Has a higher match on retirement 9% vrs 6%. But has no stock options. Basically its take a 400 a month pay cut for the stock options above. Just confused on if this would basically balance itself out i.e. making up that 5 k in stocks every year.