Answer: C. $40 million.
Step-by-step explanation:
By granting them 15 million shares subject to forfeiture if employment is terminated within three years, the company is compensating them.
The total amount that they will be compensated with has to be apportioned over the 3 years as an expense that will reduce earnings per year.
Total compensation = No. of shares * fair value of shares
= 15,000,000 * 8
= $120,000,000
Apportioned over 3 years;
= 120,000,000/3
= $40,000,000