Stock-Based Compensation Plans

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

7. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2007 Plan) was adopted on May 24, 2007. Under this 2007 Plan, a total of 2,000,000 shares are authorized for stock based compensation in the form of either restricted stock or stock options. There have been 1,407,116 shares of restricted stock awarded to date. Two types of restricted stock were granted in 2007: 239,952 shares vesting over 4 years and 15,452 shares vesting on the first anniversary date from date of issuance. Three types of restricted stock were granted in 2008: 248,964 shares vesting over 4 years, 308,018 shares vesting over 5 years and 17,476 shares vesting on the first anniversary date from date of issuance. Two types of restricted stock were granted in 2009: 10,000 shares vesting over 4 years and 18,220 shares vesting on the first anniversary date from date of issuance. Two types of restricted stock have been granted in 2010: 190,375 shares vesting over 4 years and 21,635 shares vesting on the first anniversary date from date of issuance. Two types of restricted stock have been granted in 2011: 314,924 shares vesting over 4 years and 22,100 shares vesting on the first anniversary date from date of issuance. The fair value of the restricted stock awards equaled the stock price at the date of grants. There were 33,043 shares of restricted stock awards granted in 2007 and 2008 that were cancelled during 2008 and 27,477 shares of restricted stock awards granted in 2007-2010 that were cancelled during 2011. The shares have reverted to the share reserve and are available for issuance at a later date, in accordance with the 2007 Plan.

Our accounting policy is to recognize the associated expense of such awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Approximately $2.3 million in stock compensation expense was recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The stock compensation expense related to the restricted stock awards will be recognized over the average remaining vesting period of 2.8 years and totals $6.2 million. At September 30, 2011, the intrinsic value of unvested restricted stock awards issued through September 30, 2011 is $8.5 million. The 2007 Plan terminates on May 24, 2017.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2011, 360,823 options under the 1996 Stock Options/Stock Issuance Plan were exercised. A portion of these exercises, representing 150,000 options from an executive officer of the Company, were cash settled for a net payment of $1.1 million during the 3 months ended September 30, 2011. There are 452,068 stock options remaining under the 1996 Stock Options/Stock Issuance Plan which have an intrinsic value of $2.2 million.