Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

3. Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation ("ASC Topic 718"). Under this guidance, the Company recognizes share-based compensation ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the requisite service period. In addition, pursuant to ASC Topic 718, the Company is required to estimate the amount of expected forfeitures when calculating share-based compensation, instead of accounting for forfeitures as they occur.

Stock Award Plans

The Company's Amended and Restated Perficient, Inc. 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan (as amended, the "Incentive Plan") allows for the granting of various types of stock awards, not to exceed a total of 5.0 million shares, to eligible individuals. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers the Incentive Plan and determines the terms of all stock awards made under the Incentive Plan.

Stock-based compensation cost recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was approximately $3.2 million and $10.1 million, respectively, which included $0.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of expense for retirement savings plan contributions. The associated current and future income tax benefits recognized were $1.1 million and $3.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. Stock-based compensation cost recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was approximately $3.4 million and $10.0 million, respectively, which included $0.6 and $1.6 million, respectively, of expense for retirement savings plan contributions. The associated current and future income tax benefits recognized were $1.0 million and $3.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, there was $14.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based awards and other incentive awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of two years.

Stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was as follows (shares in thousands):

	Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at December 31, 2014		12		$	7.48
Options exercised		(12	)		7.48
Options outstanding at September 30, 2015		-			-
Options vested at September 30, 2015		-		$	-

Restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was as follows (shares in thousands):

	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2014		1,506		$	15.39
Awards granted		345			19.84
Awards vested		(438	)		13.39
Awards forfeited		(151	)		15.70
Restricted stock awards outstanding at September 30, 2015		1,262		$	17.19