S- I /A Table of Contents Fmphasiie Equity Ownership The Committee provides equity-based compensation and equity investment opportunities so that executives have a significant equity stake in our Company to ensure strong alignment with shareholders, significant correlation between Company performance and executive compensation, and complete focus on our goals. The 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Employees of First Data Corporation and its Affiliates (formerly the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of First Data Corporation and its Affiliates), as amended from time to time (the "2007 Equity Plan"), facilitates significant equity ownership by executive officers. All executive officers have either directly purchased shares of Holdings equity or received grants of Holdings equity-based awards as a result of relinquishing equity of their former employer. The Committee believes that by requiring a personal investment in Holdings, the 2007 Equity Plan is a powerful mechanism to facilitate equity ownership and closely align executive and shareholder interests. To ensure equity remains the predominant compensation component for executives and to strengthen long-term alignment, executives also receive annual equity-based grants. As a further demonstration of the Committee's commitment to equity ownership as a path to align the interests of our employees with the long-term success of the Company and our clients, the Committee approved broad-based equity grants in the first quarter of both 2014 and 2015. Management and the Committee believe that creating a strong culture of ownership will benefit its clients. employees, and shareholders. Pay at a Competitive Market Position The Committee ensures that incoming and incumbent executives are paid competitively. In order to succesdully attract and retain top performing executives, our Human Resources Department annually reviews market data and aims to provide our executives with competitive total compensati