Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. Under this guidance, the Company recognizes share-based compensation ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the requisite service period, which is generally three years. In addition, the Company has elected to estimate the amount of expected forfeitures when calculating share-based compensation, instead of accounting for forfeitures as they occur. The fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant.

Stock Award Plans

The Company’s Second Amended and Restated 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 7.0 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. As of September 30, 2018, there were 2.6 million shares of common stock available for issuance under the Incentive Plan.

Stock-based compensation cost recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was approximately $4.1 million and $12.1 million, respectively, which included $0.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of expense for retirement savings plan contributions. The associated current and future income tax benefits recognized were $0.8 million and $2.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. Stock-based compensation cost recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was approximately $3.6 million and $11.0 million, respectively, which included $0.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of expense for retirement savings plan contributions. The associated current and future income tax benefits recognized were $1.1 million and $3.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, there was $17.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based awards with a weighted-average remaining life of two years.

Restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was as follows (shares in thousands):



	Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2017	1,436		$	18.12
Awards granted	366		22.08
Awards vested	(334	)	19.26
Awards forfeited	(87	)	17.45
Restricted stock awards outstanding at September 30, 2018	1,381		$	18.91