> The ATM program is intended primarily to facilitate, for a period of time, an administrative change in how Alphabet meets tax obligations associated with employee equity grants. This approach will mimic a “sell to cover” model: upon vesting of restricted stock units, shares will still be delivered to employees net of taxes, and the company will use corporate cash to settle taxes on behalf of employees. The company intends to issue stock for equivalent proceeds through its ATM program.

This is an interesting change. Essentially just gives more timing control?